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Born of Shadows (The League #4)

4.32 of 5 stars 4.32 · rating details · 4,796 ratings · 336 reviews

In a world where the League and its assassins rule, where betrayal and treachery are everywhere . . . the only survivors are those ones who are . . .

BORN OF SHADOWS

For Caillen Dagan, a defiant soldier of fortune, survival isn't a right, it's a brutal daily battle. Moving through the Ichidaian universe like a wraith, his brushes with the law and death are legendary. But whe

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Hardcover, 418 pages

Published April 26th 2011 by Grand Central Publishing (first published April 7th 2011)

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Apr 26, 2011 Jen (Red Hot Books) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The latest installment in Sherrilyn Kenyon's The League series is definitely a mixed bag. Let me start with what I liked about it. Caillen's story takes us back to the original cast of characters featured in Born of Night and Born of Fire . We had jumped ahead in time for a while to focus on the next generation of the core families for Born of Ice . But this story is set 2-3 years after the events in Born of Fire. I'm happy about this. I thought there were plenty of great characters in the orig...more The latest installment in Sherrilyn Kenyon's The League series is definitely a mixed bag. Let me start with what I liked about it. Caillen's story takes us back to the original cast of characters featured in Born of Night and Born of Fire . We had jumped ahead in time for a while to focus on the next generation of the core families for Born of Ice . But this story is set 2-3 years after the events in Born of Fire. I'm happy about this. I thought there were plenty of great characters in the original group still waiting to be explored, and now Kenyon is giving me just what I was hoping for.

Caillen is a rouge smuggler who is also a charming rake. He bears no loyalty to any woman but his sisters. And he lives life by the seat of his pants. As our story begins, he is arrested and sentenced to death while taking the blame for something his sister did. Just before he is executed, it's revealed he is actually the long lost son of a foreign king. Caillen isn't really cut out for life as a prince, but he is giving it his best shot, in honor of his new father. It's during a sort-of international summit that he meets Desideria, a princess from a race of warrior women. When the two of them get framed for the murders of their own parents, they go on the run, while trying to solve the mystery of who set the terrible plan in motion.

It's hard not to like Caillen, though he didn't inspire terribly deep feelings. Obviously, he and Desideria fall for each other as they are drawn together by circumstance. But this book is seriously missing the dark and sexy vibe of my favorite Kenyon books. In fact, if memory serves, I think there is only one love scene in the entire book. (Come on! Play to your strengths, Ms Kenyon!) But honestly, this isn't even my biggest complaint. My biggest issue with the book is the plot surrounding the assassinations. The closer we got to the end of the book, the more convoluted it became. Every time I thought we finally understood what was going on, a different twist was revealed. Now, I love a good twist as much as the next person, but I think I've got whiplash. It got confusing.

It was great to see Syn, Sharhara, Nykyrian, Hauk and Darling again. But this brings me to another point.... The epilogue is set up to clearly pave the way for Darling's book, when Desideria asks Caillen, "Are you sure Darling is gay?... Because I caught him ogling a female secretary." Um. No. Way. I am highly disappointed by the idea of revisionist history for Darling, who has always been as gay as the day is long. So gay that he was beaten to a pulp over it, time and time again by his uncle in previous books. And now we're supposed to believe, what? He was faking it? He is bi? But he never told the friends he has trusted with life and death secrets? Again I say: No Way.

So when all was said and done, this book was ok. I would have liked a bit more sex and a less complicated resolution, but I'm glad we've returned to this time period. Now if only I could get that Nero book I've been wishing for. 3 1/2 stars.

*ARC Provided by NetGalley (less)

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Jul 11, 2012 Laura the Highland Hussy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Read my review at Demon Lover's Books and More

I had the amazing experience of going to Sherrilyn Kenyon's book signing and she is just a lovely, lovely woman! And so easy to talk to!

So in this review, I thought a little photo of the two of us might be fun :) Also, Dianna Love was there, and that woman is hysterical! She had us all cracking up.

So, moving on to the [Spoiler Free] review.

Born of Shadows picks up in the same time as the first two books took place- Born of Night and Born of Fire whi...more

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May 11, 2011 Leah rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: need-to-get-2011, author-sherrilyn-kenyon, come-here-baby-so-i-can-lick-you, high-five-that-hymen, in-my-harem, king-of-the-harem, queen-of-the-harem, series-the-league, scars-and-tats-and-piercings-oh-my, 5-stars, netgalley, arcs, thats-some-funny-shit, quotes-quotes-everywhere, its-all-in-the-accent, bad-boy-take-me-away, cops-mercs-military

I loved this book. I know that many people have been a bit disappointed by it, but I definitely was not. I know one of the biggest problems was The Darling Thing and I will touch on that later, but other than that, I personally don't see why it was so disappointing. Sure, there was less sex in this book and it was a little different from the others in the series, but I didn't feel like those were any reasons to be dissatisfied with it.

I really loved Caillen and Desideria. Up until this book, I w...more

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Apr 22, 2011 Paranormal Haven rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed-read-by-stephanie

Each day is a fight for survival for Caillen Dagan. All too familiar with the taste of betrayal, Caillen risks his life for one of the few people he cares for. This leads to the unveiling of privileged birthright but no title or wealth can change who he really is. Caillen is a skilled fighter and when he learns of a deadly plot, nothing will stop him from uncovering the truth. Desideria Denaraii is from a race where women are warriors and nothing is given freely but earned. After recently receiv...more Each day is a fight for survival for Caillen Dagan. All too familiar with the taste of betrayal, Caillen risks his life for one of the few people he cares for. This leads to the unveiling of privileged birthright but no title or wealth can change who he really is. Caillen is a skilled fighter and when he learns of a deadly plot, nothing will stop him from uncovering the truth. Desideria Denaraii is from a race where women are warriors and nothing is given freely but earned. After recently receiving the position as a body guard to the queen, Desideria attempts to stop a murderous plan. When chaos hits, Caillen and Desideria must run to save their lives and learn to fight their enemies and not each other before both of their governments fall into the wrong hands.

Ever since he was young, Caillen looked out for his three sisters. They are a source of constant headaches but there is nothing he wouldn't do for them. After taking the blame for his sister's latest brush with the law, Caillen finds himself in jail and awaiting execution. He receives a last minute reprieve and is given unbelievable news. A couple months later Caillen is taking etiquette lessons and getting reacquainted with a world he never knew he was a part of. But he is not suddenly a different person. Ever the wise cracking, philandering, calculating fighter, Caillen does not give into demands to change or apologizes but sticks proudly to who he is and I was grateful for his stubbornness. This is what makes him one of my favorite characters in a series full of well developed, unconventional heroes.

When he learns of an attempt on his King, Caillen boards a ship of foreign dignitaries to stop the assassination and find the guilty party. There he meets Desideria. Desideria is from a society dominated by women and where emotions are considered a weakness and violence is a every day part of life. Desideria is aboard the ship as a guard for the queen and stumbles upon a plot to kill her ruler. Events take place that now have Caillen and Desideria working together to not only save their own lives but those of their leaders.

When I started this book I didn't think I'd care much for Desideria's character because I was expecting a woman who felt it necessary to constantly use violence as a means to get what she wants or prove she's stronger. Desideria is a skilled warrior like others of her kind but she's not cold and void of emotions. At times she was naive due to her kinds isolation and I saw it as a way to get a better picture of her people and their beliefs. Desideria was an appealing character from the start and my only complaint is in the irregularity of her fighting skills. At times she was feared and unmatched and then there would be moments I felt her strength was lacking. Together these two are a nice pair but nothing remarkable. I felt the affection and I thought they had nice chemistry but nothing occurred between them that will have me listing them as one of my favorite couples.

There is a lot of action in Born of Shadows as well as mystery surrounding the assassination attempts. I tried to guess the who and why but ended up being wrong, which was great because the story kept me guessing and wasn't completely predictable. There are some close calls for Caillen and Desideria that had me on the edge and of course, romance. I found myself more interested in the story and all its twists and turns, as well as the individual characters more than the actual romance. Returning characters from previous books, the Dagan sisters, Sin, Darling and Dancer are just a few, added a comforting familiarity to the story and it was great to reconnect with them while still feeling like this was Caillen's book. Born of Shadows is not as good as the first 2 books in The League series but I thought it was an improvement over Born of Ice and its odd time jump. Fans of Sci-Fi romance should enjoy.
-Stephanie(less)

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Dec 03, 2011 Kelly-Jane rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: warning-sex-scenes

I'm just gonna get right into it.

Desi... Deside... Fuck, how's it spelt? Desideria?
You were so badass in the beginning. Kicking butt left, right and centre. And then you met Caillen. Admittedly, no matter how badass one may be, your badass-ness will pale in comparison to his. But still, you didn't have to get all... you know. Pansy.

BUT THEN, you sorted it out and got awesome again. Saved Caillen's life on a number of occasions. Good girl.

Caillen
HI. You're awesome.

Everyone Else
Okay, (almost) e...more

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May 24, 2011 Isabel rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Oh my god. This book was slightly better than than Books 2 and 3, but these books are just extremely repetitive in character development and description.

ALL of the male characters have some kind of tragic past, which usually ends up being several times more tragic than the female character. I usually wouldn't have a problem with this, but honestly? A tragic past isn't necessary for a character to be "good" or "attractive".

All the female character tend to be missing a parent or two, and tend to h...more

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May 21, 2011 Kimberly rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, bingo-2011, science-fiction

I feel like I should be bothered by the fact that the same thing happens to the main characters in most of the books in the series:
Man and woman either have someone after them or are framed with some form of illegal act and the rest of the story is spent trying to clear their name or names. Evil family members are involved with the plot to kill them or frame them, or both, all because they're jealous of something the other has or something the are or aren't.
Meh!
Who cares, right? A fun story is a...more

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Jun 16, 2012 Vick rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: angst-butter, assassins, assholes-are-great, bromanticles, wtf-did-i-just-read, son-i-am-dissapoint

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

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

Shelves: 2011-reads, sci-fi-fantasy, own, 2012-reads

I don't know why I seem to like these books so much. I'm not a huge romance reader, I initially started reading Kenyon and other PNR authors when I ran out of urban fantasy I wanted something, anything that was remotely related. Also, as a bookstore employee watching her books fly off the shelf, I wanted to see what the fuss was about. (I started with the Laurell K. Hamilton books somewhere around my freshman year of high school when there was almost nothing else in the genre)

I'm loving this sci...more

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Mar 12, 2011 Marilyn Rondeau rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

In the universe where the League is law, most live in fear. Some fight back. Welcome to a world where corrupt assassination politics dominate everyone. It's kill or be killed and for Caillen Dagan, a defiant soldier of fortune, survival isn't a right, it's a brutal daily battle. Moving through the Ichidian universe like a wraith, his brushes with the law and death are legendary. When an act of rare heroism reveals and seconds from execution his hidden birthright is revealed. The new world he is...more In the universe where the League is law, most live in fear. Some fight back. Welcome to a world where corrupt assassination politics dominate everyone. It's kill or be killed and for Caillen Dagan, a defiant soldier of fortune, survival isn't a right, it's a brutal daily battle. Moving through the Ichidian universe like a wraith, his brushes with the law and death are legendary. When an act of rare heroism reveals and seconds from execution his hidden birthright is revealed. The new world he is forced into is even more dangerous and cold-hearted than the bloody streets where he was raised.

Ferocious and determined, Desideria Denaraii serves as an official bodyguard for her mother, the queen. Desideria will do anything to prove herself worthy of the weapons she carries and the position she's won by combat to gain acceptance and approval from her mother. When she overhears a ruthless plot to assassinate the queen and overthrow her country's government, Desideria is caught in the crosshairs.

With assassination contracts out on both of them, Caillen and Desideria must learn to fight together or die alone. And if they fail, their governments will fall into the hands of an unimaginable evil.

*** Wow and wow! Talk about a universal James Bond! Caillen Dagan had more neat gadgets and weapons than one can shake a stick at as well as being an absolutely insane pilot who could outmaneuver anyone when flying his ship. His other main accomplishment was being able to seduce any woman on two legs! That is not to say he was doing any seducing in BORN OF SHADOWS - (not that he wouldn’t like to) - nope he and Desideria were too busy trying to stay alive.

As BORN OF SHADOWS was my very first League book and I was introduced to a whole new universe and characters who evidently had starring roles in previous books of this series, which I am now going to have to back track and add to my to-be-read piles!!!! With regard to Caillen I believe Kenyon did a superb job of creating an ultra hero who lives by his wits, outstanding physical abilities and luck (although Caillen would have to tell you it was all bad luck!)

Desideria is one mighty little package as well and what she lacked in size she made up for in determination and admirable fighting skills! In Desideria’s world, feelings were a hindrance - it was kill or be killed and take what you wanted. Her mother, the queen was a cold selfish bitch, whose approval was near to non-existent. Yet when Desideria overheard an assassination plot to kill the queen, she reacted with feeling/duty having just won a place on her mother’s royal guard. The fact that she was despised for her impure bloodlines was immaterial. Desideria’s father was not Qillaq but had had the misfortune of crashing his shuttle into Qilliq territory and became her mother’s slave.

All through the telling the reader realizes there is/are many assassination attempts on both the protagonists royal parents and a lot of red herrings are thrown out there to make the reader think they knew who they were. Kenyon kept these secrets right up to the wonderful end leaving this reader with the feeling, of having to back pedal and to pick up the previous series books, so that I’ll be more than ready for the next book of this series featuring - maybe - Desideria’s brother????

Bottom line: This book stands alone and is highly recommended!

Marilyn Rondeau, for www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com (less)

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May 22, 2011 Andreina rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Wow, so where do I start?

OK, let me start with...

1. Sarcasm. I have friends who're sarcastic, so I get it when sarcasm is used. Kenyon, I know when your childish characters are being sarcastic. You don't have to tell us every second of it. In addition, the sarcasm SUCKED. It seemed to me as if they were 10 year-olds arguing & cursing at one another instead of mature "deadly" assassins who got tortured for every little thing. So the sarcasm in this book was just BAD. Epic Fail.

2. The hero. I...more Wow, so where do I start?

OK, let me start with...

1. Sarcasm. I have friends who're sarcastic, so I get it when sarcasm is used. Kenyon, I know when your childish characters are being sarcastic. You don't have to tell us every second of it. In addition, the sarcasm SUCKED. It seemed to me as if they were 10 year-olds arguing & cursing at one another instead of mature "deadly" assassins who got tortured for every little thing. So the sarcasm in this book was just BAD. Epic Fail.

2. The hero. I have never in my life read about a hero so annoying like Caillen. I wanted to (somehow) get in the book & tell him to shut the hell up!

3. The heroine. Desidera or whatever her name is..... OK, seriously, why does every heroine have to end up pregnant? I'm sick of it! Just because we're women and can get pregnant doesn't mean that we're all the octo-mom. I don't have problems with children, but it's always the same. Every heroine gets pregnant! Although technology is used a lot in this series, I guess Caillen the manwhore & the other heroes out there don't know what a freaking condom is.

4. Fain. He's the main reason why I wanted to read his book. I checked his profile out on dark-hunter.com, his picture looks amazing and sexy and he looks like a real badass. But once I read this book, his childish sarcastic speeches were just a no no! He may be 7 feet tall & all powerful, but he acted like a brat! Disappointed.

5. The sex scene. I understand why Kenyon didn't fit a second sex scene in this book. I'm not mad about that. What surprised me was one part of the sex scene. OK, the part where Desidera cups him too hard & he says "Careful, love..." is just like the scene in Dream Warrior (Dream-Hunter series) when Delphine cups Jericho too hard & he says "Gentle, love..."........I have both books in my hands and when I read the Born of Shadows sex scene, I immediately thought of Dream Warrior. But of course Dream Warrior was a much better book.

6. Darling Cruel. Is he gay? Bisexual? Straight? When I first read about him, I was glad that Kenyon was adding a gay character since every other romance author (except for Lora Leigh & a few other) are too homophobic to add homosexual characters in their work. But all of the sudden he's not gay, has a daughter, blah blah blah. Kenyon, don't play this stupid joke on me. I'm part of the gay community & if you decided to make Darling straight just so the homophobic or "no offense, but I'm uncomfortable reading about gay characters" side of your fans continued reading your series & you continue making more money, then you're one ignorant author. Please don't let me down. And next time you decide to add a gay character & make him straight the next instant, think 'bout your fans & gay people out there & how that hurts them.

7. This book was so pointless and boring that I didn't understand (and still don't) what the hell the happened. (less)

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May 12, 2011 Lady Valee rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: pnr-romance

3.5 STARS

While I enjoyed this book it wasn't as good as the rest. Many reasons for this which I'll explain later, just wanted to say that I'm a bit disappointed about the book. After I finished book 3 I was extremely happy to see book 4 would be about one of the original characters as I adored them all and I had been hoping more books about them would come out. But this book wasn't the same as the rest, it was even written in a different way; which was not a good thing as I believe SK is a godde...more 3.5 STARS

While I enjoyed this book it wasn't as good as the rest. Many reasons for this which I'll explain later, just wanted to say that I'm a bit disappointed about the book. After I finished book 3 I was extremely happy to see book 4 would be about one of the original characters as I adored them all and I had been hoping more books about them would come out. But this book wasn't the same as the rest, it was even written in a different way; which was not a good thing as I believe SK is a goddess in this genre and should stick to her usual writing techniques.

First, the beginning was REALLY slow, it took me forever to start enjoying the book, almost 50% of it. Too much plot developing and not enough focus on the romance. Moreover, the plot was mostly about politics, which I don't find an interesting topic at all, specially when it's politics from a fictional world from a distant galaxy. My top fav characters were not in the book either, which was a huge mistake IMHO; I missed Nyk and Syn so badly. We do get a bit of Darling, but not really much, mostly superficial comments. We get to read much more about Hawke though, which wasn't well introduced as a character till now. I loved Hawke and I definitely wanna read more about him and his brother Faine.

Luckily the 2nd half of the book was much better and things got really interesting. Still, this must be the book with less sheet action from our lovely author SK. I think we see them together on a bed just once, and that's about it; but as the plot gets better we don't miss it much . The hero and the heroine were great. I don't know why so many didn't like Cai much, but I just adored him! His sense of humor was great, he's just the type of guy I love to have as a hero. The heroine though was a bit disappointing. I thought she would be one of those super strong ass-kicking heroines but at the end she was just another weak girl who needed the hero to protect her from EVERYTHING.

Overall, it was a nice book. I had a nice time reading it but I found myself leaving it every now and then to do something else, it never completely grabbed my whole attention. I'm just sorry a stronger story wasn't written about Cai as I adored him since his first appearance. I hope Darling's book is better.(less)

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Apr 17, 2011 Danielle rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I don't know if I can express into words how long I have waited for Caillen Dagan's story and OMG I was as lost as I was when he first was introduced. Now it this is absolutely the gate way drug into the next book (Darling) *dreamy sigh* but I am getting off track but back to the the love of my life from another world.

The latest installment in Sherrilyn Kenyon's The League series is definitely one worth reading. Let me start with what I liked about it. Caillen's story takes us back to the origin...more I don't know if I can express into words how long I have waited for Caillen Dagan's story and OMG I was as lost as I was when he first was introduced. Now it this is absolutely the gate way drug into the next book (Darling) *dreamy sigh* but I am getting off track but back to the the love of my life from another world.

The latest installment in Sherrilyn Kenyon's The League series is definitely one worth reading. Let me start with what I liked about it. Caillen's story takes us back to the original cast of characters featured in her previous books. There were plenty of great characters in the original group still waiting to be explored, and now Sherrilyn Kenyon is giving me just what I wanted all along.... Caillen Dagan.

Caillen is rouge smuggler who is also so damn charming you want to choke him sometimes. The only women that hold his loyalty are his three sisters. No one can compare to them and he holds them all on the highest of the pedestal. Living life by the seat of his pants isnt always what is cracked up to be. At the beginning of the story, Caillen is arrested and sentenced to death while taking the blame for something one of his sisters did. Just before he is executed, it's revealed he is actually wll I cant tell because it is a major part of the story (sorry). Caillen isn't really cut out for this other life but is willing to give it all he can.

During the summit that he meets Desideria, a princess from a race of warrior women. When the two of them get framed for the murders of their own parents, they go on the run, while trying to solve the mystery of who set the terrible plan in motion. This happens to bring them wayyyyy closer then was intended. Neither one can believe all the feelings come to the surface.

Ever since I stared this series I have longed and dreamed of this book. Caillen is not only sexy and fun, but his humor kept everything going. Now I wont act like I wasn't disappointed in a few things. Well, for one the sex was kinda missing something. Yeah they had it but it lacked some passion that Kenyon usually brings to the table. Also Kenyon usually writes dark and sexy. I felt this book lacked the dark and sexy. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed it all the way to the end but I wasn't left as satisfied as I usually am by reading her books.

It was great to see the characters again from the first 4 books. You can't help but miss Syn, Sharhara, Nykyrian, Hauk and Darling. The epilogue is set up for Darling's book and I have mentioned how excited I am for that. Although I am a tad confused on that will happen but you have to read this to know why I feel that way. I just hope all the unanswered questions about him are revealed. I am looking forward to continuing the series. Way to go Kenyon! Your books rock!(less)

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May 07, 2011 Marlene rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Actually 4.5

Caillen Dagen, a smuggler, has spent much of his life looking out for his three sisters, but this time one of his sisters gets him into a real mess. Desideria, daughter to a queen and a member of her guard, seeks to prove herself to her mother but is hampered by prejudice against her mixed heritage. These two meet up after an attempted assassination throws them together, and the sparks fly-- literally and figuratively.

Ms. Kenyon continues her league series, which is set in a vivid, i...more

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May 03, 2011 Amy added it · review of another edition

Shelves: science-fiction, sherrilyn-kenyon, romance

I think this has to be my favorite of the series so far. I've always liked Caillen when he's mentioned in the other books. He's been the one I wanted a story on, and I was not disappointed at all with his back story. You can see why he's a badass but can be vulnerable underneath. I really like how Kenyon gives her guys a lot of depth and doesn't make them on extreme or the other. I also have to say that I really like how she writes her women. So far in the series, minus the heroine in Nyk's book...more

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Feb 14, 2013 Melanie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Melanie by: Aimee

Shelves: badass-hero, cocky-hero, enemies-to-lovers, frau-badass, kidnapped, library, man-ho, revenge-is-sweet, royalty, sherrilyn-kenyon, the-league, virgin-no-more, warrior-dudes, what-a-jerk, sci-fi

4.5 stars

Born of Shadows is (IMO) a sci-fi fairytale. A really good sci-fi fairytale!

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It's got a long-lost prince with the charm and morals of Flynn Rider...

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A kick-ass warrior princess...

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Not too mention political intrigue, conspiracy, plenty of action and adventure... and cannibalistic aliens!

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Sherrilyn Kenyon is in top-form in this highly entertaining League adventure... and, IMO, this is one of her best, and definitely the best of 'The League' books I've read so far. All I have to say now is: 'B...more

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Apr 10, 2011 Lisarenee rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book takes a step back in time from the third League book to the original group of Kick-butt heroes of the first two books. Caillen Dagan (Cai), you may remember from Born of Fire, is Shahara's brother and Syn (now his brother-in-law) is one of his best friends. This is Cai's story.

Twenty-two years ago Cai Dagan's father died protecting him and his sisters. He was warned never to join the League, to never let anyone take his DNA, a retina scan, or fingerprints, never give his address out, n...more

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May 04, 2011 Suzanne the Mighty ~Satin Seductress~ rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: author-sherrilyn-kenyon, 1-series-i-am-rabid-about, sci-fi, romance, action-adventure, why-is-the-us-cover-always-better

3.5 Stars

The League is by far my favourite series by Sherrilyn Kenyon, her blend of sci-fi, adventure and romance makes my jelly quiver!

This is the fourth book in the League series and it follows Caillen Dagan, the brother of Shahara the heroines of Born of Fire. Caillen is a third generation smuggler who would do anything for his sisters, no matter how crazy they drive him, including die for them which is what he almost does until he saved in the knick of time by an unlikely source and is thro...more 3.5 Stars

The League is by far my favourite series by Sherrilyn Kenyon, her blend of sci-fi, adventure and romance makes my jelly quiver!

This is the fourth book in the League series and it follows Caillen Dagan, the brother of Shahara the heroines of Born of Fire. Caillen is a third generation smuggler who would do anything for his sisters, no matter how crazy they drive him, including die for them which is what he almost does until he saved in the knick of time by an unlikely source and is thrown in to a brand new world. The world of the aristorats, and soon he is on the run with the beautiful and vivacious Desideria when they are frmaed for an assasination they didn't commit.

I really wanted to like this book a lot more then I actually did, I think the main problem I had with this book was that for some reason Caillen really annoyed me. I don't know why but his constant "witty" comments really bugged me after a while. I know he was supposed to be charming but slightly egotistical but I just found him irritating and yearned for him to be the stong silent type like my beloved Nykyrian (from Born of Night)! Desideria; however, I quite liked her and I liked seeing her character develop and grow in confidence as she got beneath her mothers tyrinical thumb.

Well so far I sound quite negative about this book, which isn't the case! What I really liked was the amount of action and adventure in it, I have found that normally SK is inside her characters heads alot which is good, but can get repeatative. With this book there was a lot going on around them so it focused lot on the plot as well as the romance making it fast paced and exciting. I also liked that it showed you more of the other characters that although are mentioned in the books you don't really get to see them, like Darling Cruel and Dancer Hauk.

Now for the BEST this about the book...Fain Haunk, Dancer's big brother, now I know he was only a secondary character in this book but I instantly loved him! I have a thing for massive guys with long black hair and fangs (Wrath anyone?!) and he fits that image PERFECTLY! Along with a dry and sarcastic sense of humour , I am his for the taking and I really hope he gets a book (and his heroine is named Suzanne LOL!)

So although this wasn't my favourite in the series, I did enjoy this book and am definately going to pick up the next one.

Check out my review here:

http://underthecoversbookblog.blogspo...
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May 30, 2011 Jess rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, sherrilyn-kenyon

There was absolutely nothing about this book that I didn't like. I just loved it, much like I've loved every other book in this series. Sure I've liked some more than others but overall this has been a great journey. I was so excited to see that Kenyon was going to continue writing about these characters I've come to love and I only hope that she can continue. I think Darling's story shows great promise, and with some of the little tidbits that she kept throwing out in this book makes me think t...more

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Jul 25, 2011 Tara rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2011, paranormal-romance, sci-fi

This is the 4th book in the League series (not counting the short story in the In Other Worlds (Were-Hunter, #0) anthology). I'm enjoying this series although I find the time line hard to follow. The stories follow the lives of a group of friends and their offspring but we've been jumping back and forth and sometimes it's hard to keep straight all the characters and from which generation they are from.

In this book we go back to the first generation and follow Caillen and his story. It was intere...more

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Feb 16, 2012 Anna May rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was so brilliant that I got no other name for it - BRILLIANT. Cai, to me, was exactly how I like my men in books. Reckless, a smart ass with a big heart, sexy as hell and hard to contorl. A force to be reckoned with and yet, charming and vulnerable if you knew where to look.

I also loved the idea of the book, the kidnapping and the finding the family again - this plot is what I love most and this book is kind of perfect. I am gushing, I know but perfection rarely arrives and this book IS IT...more

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Feb 07, 2013 Al added it

Review

"Kenyon boldly goes where no author has gone before and claims yet another genre as her own. With her League series, she has created a new, addictive universe and proven herself the undisputed master of the cross-genre novel." (Publishers Weekly )

"[A] publishing phenomenon...[Sherrilyn Kenyon is] the reigning queen of the wildly successful paranormal scene." (Publishers Weekly )

"Kenyon's writing is brisk, ironic, sexy, and relentless imaginative." (Boston Globe )

"Kenyon delivers th

...more

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Nov 05, 2012 Deborah Mcnemar rated it 3 of 5 stars

I love Kenyon. I really do. There's a lot of imagination in all her stories. That said, I'm getting a little tired of the same-old, same-old.

The League series follows a group of friends in a Universe ruled by the League of Assassins. The first few were clever, quick and decent reads. Born of Shadows has its moments. Caillen has to be one of the biggest clowns of all time and I love his dialogue. I got a little tired of him being shot/knifed/blown up every time there was any kind of fight, howev...more

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Apr 29, 2012 Stacy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Sadly, I have only the vaguest recollection of the details of the two previous League novels (I think I did manage to retain most of the first one), but this one was really pretty good. It actually felt like a sci-fi adventure with a romance thrown in, rather than the other way around. That being said, it still had enough Kenyon-isms that I'd still end up calling it a romance rather than a sci-fi book (a fact which I may or may not have called her on if I hadn't skimmed a bit of the last book to...more

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Apr 16, 2011 Vanessa theJeepDiva rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, ebook, romance, science-fiction

Kenyon’s League Series has always been my favorite of her various series. I love futuristic sci fi and that is what this series is. This book takes place a few years after Born of Fire but many years before Born of Ice. I recommend reading this series in order, if not at least read Born of Night and Born of Fire before this one. Readers are introduced to Caillen Dagan in those books and also the supporting characters in this book. This book starts with fight action and the action never stops. Th...more Kenyon’s League Series has always been my favorite of her various series. I love futuristic sci fi and that is what this series is. This book takes place a few years after Born of Fire but many years before Born of Ice. I recommend reading this series in order, if not at least read Born of Night and Born of Fire before this one. Readers are introduced to Caillen Dagan in those books and also the supporting characters in this book. This book starts with fight action and the action never stops. There are many surprising twists and turns that keep the pages turning. The evil plotting of the families in these pages are utterly shocking! The readers get more of the characters they were introduced to in the first two books. We are also introduced to some new characters as well, one being a very sexy pirate named Chayden. (keep an eye out for him.)

Caillen is getting himself thrown in jail to protect one of his sisters. He has spent his life protecting them so this is just a typical day for him. He just wasn’t expecting that what his sister was being arrested for carried a death sentence. The moment before he loses his head he finds out that he is not who he thought he was. He was kidnapped as a child and his biological father is there to prevent the death sentence from being carried out. I am sure he never thought his new life would be more dangerous than the one he has been living for the past 30 years, but that is exactly what he finds out all too soon while trying to prevent multiple assassination attempts on his father’s life. The plotting and the scheming are very thick, involving numerous people and doesn’t stop with just his father’s life being on the line. I was left constantly guessing the whos and whys. Caillen decides that he can’t be who his biological father expects him to be, so he’ll just go back to the life he has always known. Before he can leave he finds himself assisting a damsel in distress that puts them in the center of another political assassination attempt, along with kidnapping and numerous other charges. Like I stated this book is NON STOP ACTION.

I was a bit disappointed with this installment of The League series. It is a great book and I highly recommend reading it. The book just differs from what I am used to with this series. The heroine Desideria is from a fierce female warrior race. She’s tough, she’s strong, she can fight and defeat anyone and she is clueless about everything concerning any race other than hers. This bothered me a bit. It would have made sense to learn your potential opponent’s weaknesses. This made her rely on Caillen too much. It weakened her character in my opinion. I also would like to point out that the sexual romance is minimal. There is romance and attraction with Caillen and Desideria, but only one sex scene. Although with all the action and fighting, which is all this book is it was probably difficult to fit in some quality steamy sexed up alone time. Not the usual Kenyon in that aspect.
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Sep 08, 2012 Dawn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: sci-fi-erotic

This story sees Cailen Dagan and Desideria running from the law after being framed for murder of their respective parents. There's a twist in the plot on this one.

What I liked: this is by far the most 'sci fi' in the series so far. Cailen is 'Nyk's friend, although Nyk doesn't make an appearance, there are some great appearances by Darling, Hauk, Syn, And other characters we know and love.. I liked the introduction of a new character - Chayden. Older long lost brother of Desideria, and wonder if...more

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May 23, 2012 Laura rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ya-lit, audiobook, science-fiction

I picked up this audio book in the Young Adult section of my local library. But the amount of sex in it, and the characters in their mid-20's, makes it more of an adult selection. Not recommended for high school library collections.

Clearly I'm reading outside of my usual genres and interests. This romance science fiction novel is appealing in many ways -- excitement, fast action, hot love scenes. I did find the plot full of twists and turns, which got a little tiresome toward the end of the boo...more

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Dec 07, 2012 Bry rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: series, romance, 2012, sci-fi, thriller

This book was all about Being different.

{book:Born of Night] and Born of Fire were both about guys who had shitty childhoods, were tortured, falsely accused, and seriously damaged. So what Kenyon decides to do in this book is make a guy who had a shitty childhood, was tortured, falsely accused, and damaged, but who then turned into a PRINCE. Yes, ladies, a PRINCE. And the woman he meets...A PRINCESS.

All in all that is about the only difference between this book and books 1 & 2. Kinda disapp...more

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Aug 08, 2012 Lina rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: space-opera

I really enjoy the world in which these stories are set and the inhabitants of these planets. There are many familiar places, people and gadgets; as well as crazy loyalties and the Sentella's wonderful power. This is a world that has spawned wings in my imagination. And for that I truly enjoy reading Kenyon's work. However, don't expect a witty literary masterpiece. If you are, stop right now and search for another author. Kenyon's books are very predictable and share similar storylines between...more

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Nov 09, 2011 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-owned, part-of-a-series

"For Caillen Dagan, a defiant soldier of fortune, survival isn’t a right, it’s a brutal daily battle. Moving through the Ichidian universe like a wraith, his brushes with the law and death are legendary. But when an act of rare heroism reveals his hidden birthright, he’s forced into a world much more dangerous and cold-hearted than the bloody streets where he was raised- one of obscene wealth and lethal politics.

Ferocious and determined, Desideria Denaraii serves as an official bodyguard for her...more

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

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Born of Shadows (The League #4)

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