The New Guard – Unsworn Ancient Warriors
In a monastery high in the Carpathian Mountains is a brotherhood of warriors. All they have left is their honor and each other. Unlike many others of their kind who were sent out in the world by their Prince in order to find their lifemates and protect the human race from vampires, they came here to learn how to protect the human race, from themselves. Time would take from them their ability to see in color, and once the pull of the darkness ended, leaving them without emotion, they’d become too dangerous to be among even their own kind, so they sought the monastery.
These ancient warriors had once sworn fealty to Prince Vlad and felt that Prince had betrayed them. So when a new Prince came they were not quick to swear an allegiance to him. It was the same family. Same blood. The same line that had betrayed the Carpathian people and lead them into the darkest time in their history. There was no reason for them to come out of their self-imprisonment and join the new Prince.
Vlad had known something horrible was coming. He had known his people were about to enter a war. Instead of looking to the protection of his people, Vlad hid a terrible secret and looked only to his own self needs. Vlad’s lifemate, Sarantha had hoped to find a cure for their son’s madness. Draven Dubrinsky was slowly going mad. Draven was dangerous and had he been the son of any other Carpathian, Vladimir would have had him killed to ensure the safety of others. But, Sarantha had held out hope her son could be saved and Vlad hadn’t the heart, or the strength to do what should have been done. Their daughter Noelle also suffered from madness. The Dubrinsky family, for as powerful as they were, seemed cursed. Madness and weakness had, in the eyes of the Ancients, infected the Dubrinsky line and the Prince couldn’t be trusted to do what was best for his people. The Prince’s son and the feelings and desires of the Prince’s lifemate was more important than the Prince’s people. And in that Prince Vlad failed his entire race.
Now the Ancients are the New Guard and they’ve left the monastery in search of the promise of lifemates in various parts of the world. They have lived together for so long it was natural for them to band together and remain close. When they find themselves needed by Tariq in San Diego, California they arrive to find an enemy too dangerous to ignore and their honor demands they remain to protect both humans and Carpathians alike.
Will this New Guard ever swear allegiance to Mikhail Dubrinsky? It’s hard to say, but they do stay and fight with Tariq who has pledged his fealty to Mikhail. They’ve not shown any outward disobedience to the Prince, but what happens if Mikhail demands something of them? There are a lot of questions about this New Guard, but in the end there’s no doubt that these warriors are a shield of protection against this new threat and each one an integral part of the future of the Carpathian race.
Dark Legacy
These ancient warriors had once sworn fealty to Prince Vlad and felt that Prince had betrayed them. So when a new Prince came they were not quick to swear an allegiance to him. It was the same family. Same blood. The same line that had betrayed the Carpathian people and lead them into the darkest time in their history. There was no reason for them to come out of their self-imprisonment and join the new Prince.
Vlad had known something horrible was coming. He had known his people were about to enter a war. Instead of looking to the protection of his people, Vlad hid a terrible secret and looked only to his own self needs. Vlad’s lifemate, Sarantha had hoped to find a cure for their son’s madness. Draven Dubrinsky was slowly going mad. Draven was dangerous and had he been the son of any other Carpathian, Vladimir would have had him killed to ensure the safety of others. But, Sarantha had held out hope her son could be saved and Vlad hadn’t the heart, or the strength to do what should have been done. Their daughter Noelle also suffered from madness. The Dubrinsky family, for as powerful as they were, seemed cursed. Madness and weakness had, in the eyes of the Ancients, infected the Dubrinsky line and the Prince couldn’t be trusted to do what was best for his people. The Prince’s son and the feelings and desires of the Prince’s lifemate was more important than the Prince’s people. And in that Prince Vlad failed his entire race.
Now the Ancients are the New Guard and they’ve left the monastery in search of the promise of lifemates in various parts of the world. They have lived together for so long it was natural for them to band together and remain close. When they find themselves needed by Tariq in San Diego, California they arrive to find an enemy too dangerous to ignore and their honor demands they remain to protect both humans and Carpathians alike.
Will this New Guard ever swear allegiance to Mikhail Dubrinsky? It’s hard to say, but they do stay and fight with Tariq who has pledged his fealty to Mikhail. They’ve not shown any outward disobedience to the Prince, but what happens if Mikhail demands something of them? There are a lot of questions about this New Guard, but in the end there’s no doubt that these warriors are a shield of protection against this new threat and each one an integral part of the future of the Carpathian race.
Dark Legacy
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message 51:
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Janice
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Sep 07, 2017 10:23AM
Good to know, as ...for some reason, I figured it was Maksim, but was unsure. Thanks.
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Teresa wrote: "I didn't realize there was a need to wonder about Aiden?? He and Alexandria and Joshua had their story in the 3rd book I think? Now I can't wait to read the blog post!!! Should I worry? Ack! Now lo..."I believe people are questioning why Aiden, who lives in San Francisco wouldn't have answered the call for help when Tariq needed it. Tariq is in San Diego. Why did we hear nothing from Aiden who is so nearby? That's what people are asking.
Kathryn wrote: "Vald and Sarantha did a great disservice to the Carpthains, Mikhail ordered his brothers death. I understand their relectunce with Mikhail, but they need to understand he's not his father, and he's..."Part of it is the question about the lineage itself. There is madness in that family. Part of it is not trusting the Dubrinsky's because of the sins of the father. It's sad to see Vlad's mistake visited on Mikhail, especially since Mikhail suffered so much because of it. But, ancients won't pledge fealty without having confidence in the new Prince. We'll see how it works out!
Annie wrote: "I loved this book . I thought the part about "glorified in song" was so funny my husband was sleeping and I just busted up laughing at that I stayed up all night reading that book. It is a now my f..."I had hoped people would enjoy the humor.
Bridgett wrote: "I spent release date reading so now i can catch up with the communities. I love this book with all of the ancients, both with sworn allegiance and without. I enjoyed seeing what Tariq first began..."
Vlad really did have a no-win situation. But, people need to realize that the ancients have no emotions. They can't feel the empathy we feel. They're going on logic and experience, so it makes sense that they would be reluctant to swear fealty to another Dubrinsky.
Love those ancient warriors, but glad I'll never run into one...
I think that Mikhail will prove himself to the New Guards. Of course, I think that the NG will have to interact with the Prince and vice versa to "understand" each other. Hopefully, their meeting(s) will have the impact that is needed for each side to make the important pledge happen.Personally, I think that Mikhail, flaws and all, is a great leader of the Carpathians. He's one that the NG could follow with respect, admiration, and honor. I know that Mikhail has his flaws, but with the current problems that was put onto his shoulders by his elders, he's doing the best that he can with the people he has, which are growing as the Carpathian world is expanded as more books come out.
Both Mikhail and the NG can learn from each other. I want that in the future. And I hope it comes true.
Yogi wrote: "I loved this book and especially the humor that was completely unexpected between the ancient monastery warriors. Sandu seems to start it all talking about his black witch moth having a wing span o..."I love it - HAHAHA!!!
Just got my 2 pre-ordered copies of Dark Legacy,this past Friday.
Really felt sorry for Sarantha even though she wasn't really a main character in a story. She suffered so much --and died-- for ancient mistakes, and evil Draven. I also felt sorry for Vlad, and foolish Noelle. Love the "New Guard" in Dark Legacy, and that Tariq wants to Follow Aidan's example in his love and compassion for humans.
I have read all your books and i love them all but the dark series just stands out to me on that note im so hopeful that the ancients get their lifemates they deserve them and also a lot of the dark books mentioned other Carpathians felt the same way about vlad and uncertain about the new Prince which im sure mikhail is aware of and feels the pressure to do better i would want to be him lol.im hooked on the ancients and cant wait for another book.😍😍😍
In this book appeared new carpatos, decentralization of powers and I would like even if it is sad that a carpato loved by the fans to become a vampire, also that the magicians and laycans had their own trilogies or something that does not have fellow carpatos.
I am looking forward to reading this new one, dark possesion was absolutely my favorite so far! I am so interested in how the ancients handle searching for their lifemates, and gary as well.
I love this new direction with the Ancients.
Same here, I love the ancients...'course, I'd love to read about the Carpathian Mountains, and Romania once again.
Vlad should have never been so selfish... if Draven had died then he wouldn't have gotten his hands on Ivory and even though the Malinov brothers didn't like Mikhail from morning they probably wouldn't have gone with the crazy idea of turning to the undead all at the same time. The Carpathian people would have never have to be facing the worst enemy they have ever encountered if Vlad had not only listened to the needs of his lifemate but think of a future for his people.
Going back to the dilemma Vlad and his life mate faced with Draven and Nicole, no wonder the Ancients have distrust. Time and time again, the Hunters have had to kill friends and family who have become vampires. No male, with the exemption of Dragonseekers, were safe from the risk of becoming vampire (assuming no life mate). Yet, the Prince's family was exempt. Until Mikhail and Gregori. They took responsibility and now the Ancients will act accordingly.
Am I the only one that feels a little sorry for Draven? He didn't have much of a chance with X working on him and his unknown LM murdered. Did he "feel" her murder and not even know why he went evil? Maybe even Sarantha felt that there was a way to save him and had a small feel that he had an LM? Not excusing the Dubrinsky's once Draven went evil but maybe he deserves the smallest pinch of sympathy after all (TEENY TINY PINCH). Can't wait to find out about Aiden - been wondering about him since Dark Crime!
When is the next book ;) ? AND will there ever be another reunion book?
I absolutely loved Dark Legacy! I'm wondering where Aiden and Lucian are? I thought Aiden was in San Francisco? Lucian was in Seattle, I believe? It was a little weird not having Mikail or Gregori in the book. Tariq's fealty to Michael is new to me. Is all of that off-page? I love that Mikail sent Gary to be Tariq's second. I love these new ancients. Can't wait for more Carpathians!
Kathy wrote: "Going back to the dilemma Vlad and his life mate faced with Draven and Nicole, no wonder the Ancients have distrust. Time and time again, the Hunters have had to kill friends and family who have be..."One of the blogs here on Goodreads addresses the issue with Aiden.
Have you seen the Before the Dark video series about Vlad and Sarantha? You really feel sorry for all of them, Draven included.
Abi wrote: "Vlad should have never been so selfish... if Draven had died then he wouldn't have gotten his hands on Ivory and even though the Malinov brothers didn't like Mikhail from morning they probably woul..."No, Vlad should have done the right thing, but he was in a no-win situation. But as a leader, he should have done something about Draven as soon as he knew things couldn't be fixed with him.
Very enlightening blog Christine, thanks for taking the time to give us this gift.I absolutely luved Dark Legacy. It's my new favorite Carpathian book and Dragomir is my new favorite Carpathian. These men are honorable warriors who have the ability to laugh and love. Thank you for giving us the moments of humor in the book. The banter between the warriors made me laugh out loudly.....too loudly at times.
The only thing I don't like is that you can't write faster...cause now we have to wait toooo long for the next book! A~GoA
I am not sure but I feel the Malinov brothers would have still gone bad. They were (per Tariq) often talking against the Prince. Might have been a version of trash talk but I don't think so. What happened to Ivory was the excuse for them going bad but that would ignore the fact that Ivory was killed by vampires yet the brothers Malinov joined those who were responsible for so many atrocities. Just as Nicole had an unhealthy attraction to someone not her lifemate so did Draven. I will look for the "Before the Dark" video series. Maybe it will shed some light (and sympathy) on Vlad and Sarantha.
Love and LOVE it! Carpathian series is amazing - and I cannot get enough of the incredible romances. Been reading them since I was like fifteen...and will def continue to do so! This blog just made my day!
love all of this series before one comes out i have to go back and read all the ones before it so that i can remember everything that happens. i feel sorry for vlad and his lifemate it had to be very hard on them with 2 of their childern going crazy it would deseroy me to think that i have to end my own son. i think they handled it the only way they could at the time. can't wait for the next book in the series. i am still waiting for the tripletls to find lifemates that is going to have to be one long book for the 3 of them. they just have to find lifemates at the same time. it will have to be funny because they cut up sometimes . thank you for all the great books.
nina wrote: "I loved dark legacy just like i have all the others, but somehow the ancients have crept into my heart and mind and cant wait to find out more about them."I agree they crept into my heart as well. Gary also
Yogi wrote: "I loved this book and especially the humor that was completely unexpected between the ancient monastery warriors. Sandu seems to start it all talking about his black witch moth having a wing span o..."I also liked their banter
Yogi wrote: "Very enlightening blog Christine, thanks for taking the time to give us this gift.I absolutely luved Dark Legacy. It's my new favorite Carpathian book and Dragomir is my new favorite Carpathian. T..."
https://vimeo.com/channels/beforethedark
I felt sorry for Vlad--and ...very slightly Draven-- but I really felt sorry for Sarantha, Noelle, and Ivory, who should have been cherished, and protected.
I don't usually comment on these things however, this is my favorite author and these stories are just so all encompassing. Vlad did his people a grave disservice in choosing a son who was clearly not right in the head. Maybe, in hindsight we can see where it may have been an easier compromise by imprisonment and constant weakening of his son, but that is neither here nor there. The ancients are tough and they are unlike any Carpathians before them. Their danger level is akin to Zacarias, however they are new to us. These Ancients weren't "legendary" in the same way the others we have been introduced to were. I have many fan theories and can't wait to read Dark Legacy. I am however still a university student so I am saving my lunch pennies to get this book. Hopefully by next week, i would be fully immersed in this world again!!!!
I am also on one of those limited budgets. I have been checking out many of Christine Feehan's books electronically from one of two libraries (yeah, library cards which get me in online). Both libraries have been building their collection of CF's books as I recommend, recommend, recommend. Thankfully, electronic books are my friends. In the meantime I have been slowly acquiring my own collection ol loved stories.You will love Dark Legacy !
I started watching the Before the Dark videos. Very disconcerting. I lean toward reading rather than watching (hint, hint). One helpful item would have been to post names of the characters at the beginning (the actors are seen but not who each is). I did slowly get some of them figured out. In the meantime, I think I will focus on the clues and hints dropped in the text of the boos (Dark Slayer pieces together many thoughts -- I am in the midst of reading it a second time in less than a week). The Ancients -- they did their work in distant lands and off the record (Falcon, Lucien, Gabriel, Ivory . . . the list is endless of Carpathians who many thought were dead).
Cherese wrote: "I don't usually comment on these things however, this is my favorite author and these stories are just so all encompassing. Vlad did his people a grave disservice in choosing a son who was clearly ..."Don't forget your local library. You might be able to get the book there!
Very thoughtful post!
Thanks for the blog. It's fantastic. I'm loving the ancients and can't wait for more now that I've finished dark legacy 🙁
Christine wrote: "Diane wrote: "I am so loving the ancients, they cracked me up in this book. Since I was at work earlier I will ask, "what's up with Aiden"? Did he and Alex move back to the Carpathian Mountains? If..."I feel lost. Did i miss taking something in about Aidan? Or are they referencing his book?
Loved Dark Legacy. Also wondering about Aiden ? And of course I' m wairing with baited breath for Gary's story!!!
I want years to pass in history, to be able to read Gary's book!!!! .
I am wanting to read this so badly! Have to wait until my check comes in but it is so hard to wait! I have read and possess every book you have written😍
I just love the carpaithians. I have all the books. I can not wait to see who our next ancient will be to find his lifemate. I so want to see a reunion between traian and his sister.
Dark Legacy was awesome just like the rest.
Thank you so much for this blog.... And i absolutely loved Dark Legacy.... I can not wait for the rest of the ancients to have their story. And will love to hear more on Mikhail.
Christine wrote: "Cherese wrote: "I don't usually comment on these things however, this is my favorite author and these stories are just so all encompassing. Vlad did his people a grave disservice in choosing a son ..."Living in The Bahamas my local library may get it by next year. However a wonderful friend of mine put some money on my account and I fangirled and screamed, cried and laughed straight through. The ancients interaction with each other was hilarious. The saddest thing about this book was noticing what the fight was doing to Emmaline. As usual I am riveted and eagerly await the next installment.
I'm in no doubt that there are going to be some awesome and exciting stories coming our way with the New Guard! Have followed this series since the first book was written many years ago and have not once been disappointed! Love them all!
Diane wrote: "I am so loving the ancients, they cracked me up in this book. Since I was at work earlier I will ask, "what's up with Aiden"? Did he and Alex move back to the Carpathian Mountains? If he was still ..."Aiden is in northern California in San Francisco . That's quite a ways away from San Diego. Maybe he's got the north and tariq and the ancients have the south?
