Crave the Darkness (Shaede Assassin, #3) by Amanda Bonilla

Oct 04, 2012 Marcela (BookaholicCat) rated it it was amazing

Crave the Darkness is the third book in the amazing Shaede Assassin series by Amanda Bonilla.

It’s going to be impossible to write this review without spoilers from previous books, so if you are new to this series and don’t like spoilers stop right here and skip to the last paragraph where I explain about the giveaway. Proceed at your own risk if you don’t care much about spoilers.

Darian knew there was going to be hell to pay after her harsh decisions in Blood Before Sunrise, but what she never t ...more

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Oct 03, 2012 Julie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, read-in-2012

Posted at Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chicks

Crave the Darkness is the third book in Amanda Bonilla’s Shaede Assassin series and if you haven’t checked this series out yet, I have to ask what you’re waiting for? Incredibly inventive with just the right amount of darkness and fantastic characters is what waits for you when you crack open one of these books. Have I peaked your interest yet? Good. Now let me tell you about this latest installment.

*Just a heads up, I can’t really see a way to chat about Posted at Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chicks

Crave the Darkness is the third book in Amanda Bonilla’s Shaede Assassin series and if you haven’t checked this series out yet, I have to ask what you’re waiting for? Incredibly inventive with just the right amount of darkness and fantastic characters is what waits for you when you crack open one of these books. Have I peaked your interest yet? Good. Now let me tell you about this latest installment.

*Just a heads up, I can’t really see a way to chat about this book without giving away a specific detail that happened at the end of the last book. I usually try to skirt issues to avoid spoilers but yeah…have no idea how to do that here. So here is your warning that a spoiler follows soon.*

Darian is heartbroken. At the end of the last book, Tyler left her to give her space and to help her really figure out what she wants from him. She needed to figure things out so I agree with what he did. Did I like it? Hellz no. But I understood it. Darian is not taking it well. Crave the Darkness opens three months after Blood Before Sunrise and she is still not good. And I mean, not good. She has pretty much abandoned her life and is wallowing in a huge ol’ heap of self pity. That is until Raif has had enough and sends a certain king to force her to snap out of it.

I can’t say I’m a big fan of Xander. He’s full of himself and seems to want Darian just because she doesn’t want him. But in this installment, he was good. In his sort of odd way he helped Darian. He was his usual pompous self but Amanda wrote him in a way that leaves you wondering if it really is just the chase with him or has her really developed true feelings for her. Add to that er…”developments” that happen in this book between Xander and Darian and it leaves you very curious to see where it all leads.

Earlier, I mentioned Raif. He is Xander’s brother and one of my favorite characters in this series. Over the last couple of books, he’s become like a brother to Darian. He truly cares for her (like a sister) and she is very protective of him. She is willing to do anything for him, as was apparent in the last book. I just love watching their relationship develop.

Asher is a new character and boy is he a sneaky s.o.b. And I am SO curious about him! There is a story there, let me tell you. I hope one day we get to dive deeper into it. While reading him, you know there is something up with him but you can’t quite put your finger on whether or not that something is good or bad. But really, you are leaning towards bad so you worry for Darian and for the others. But he works for the ‘royal court’ so he can’t be all bad, right? Or… Yeah, that is what goes through your mind while you’re reading. Amanda did a great job with him.

Let’s chat Ty. You want to hate him but you can’t. But boy do you ever want to! Ty’s novella (Lost to the Shade which released in February of this year) showed us his POV concerning his break from Darian. We also sort of meet the chick that is suddenly in Ty’s life at the end of his novella. (Basically, I recommend you read his novella before reading this book. You don’t have to but I feel it adds a lot to the story – layers you would otherwise miss.) Ty is supposed to be heart-broken like Darian yet he shows up with a new woman on his arm… What the hell is that all about?! You find out little bits and pieces here and there but you don’t ever get the full story. But Ty’s new chick is in trouble and he enlists Darian to help her. Um…what?! Is he out of his frikking mind?! That is what you go through while reading this book. Questions about Ty and his loyalties. Seeing him being torn up over Darian yet…not. Seriously, Amanda did a job and a half writing the whole Ty portion of the story. It’s definitely a ride with him.

The whole story is a ride really. Kade is the villain and whoa…what a villain he is. He’s such a jerk! Darian is put on guard duty in this installment, guarding a pregnant Shaede – which is a rarity. She does not want to do this job but at least it’s something to do other than wallow in self-pity. Each book in this series has focused on a different part of Amanda’s world and this time around we see angels with a heavy focus on the actual Shaedes. I liked this a lot. I liked that the adventure was closer to home so to speak. We got to see Darian in action, working for the King, and we got to see her interact with other Shaedes that were not Raif and Xander.

As for Darian, it’s odd to see her this way, so broken, in this book but even though she’s tough in the last books, you always know there is a strong vulnerability that she hides. We get to see it in this book and it was nice. It made her softer somehow without losing the essence that is her. She is really broken and sad but just as it’s about to be too much, Amanda pulls it back and has Darian ‘get with it’ and do her job. There is so much to Darian; I loved seeing new aspects to her character.

Overall, Crave the Darkness was an absolutely awesome book. I honestly have never read anything like this series and every book leaves me wanting more. These are brilliant books filled with brilliant characters written by a really talented author. I can’t wait to reconnect with this series again. ...more

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Jun 22, 2012 Annie (Under the Covers Book Blog) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: review-requests, genre-urban-fantasy, anthologies, ebooks, read-in-2012, covers-to-covet, author-amanda-bonilla, series-shaede-assassin

First off, if you are not reading this series, then stop reading this review and grab the first book of the series, SHAEDES OF GRAY. The Shaede Assassin series is a wonderful, unique and hard-hitting Urban Fantasy series that I think fans of Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassin series or Kim Harrison’s The Hollows series would enjoy. There is plenty of action to keep readers riveted and with a heroine such as Darian who displays both vulnerability and strength, I think it’s safe to say that t

First off, if you are not reading this series, then stop reading this review and grab the first book of the series, SHAEDES OF GRAY. The Shaede Assassin series is a wonderful, unique and hard-hitting Urban Fantasy series that I think fans of Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassin series or Kim Harrison’s The Hollows series would enjoy. There is plenty of action to keep readers riveted and with a heroine such as Darian who displays both vulnerability and strength, I think it’s safe to say that there is a fresh new voice in the Urban Fantasy genre and that voice belongs to Amanda Bonilla.

CRAVE THE DARKNESS starts where BLOOD AFTER SUNRISE leaves off. It deals with the consequences of Darian’s impulsive decisions and definitely makes our heroine rethink her initial actions. As Darian tries to salvage whatever she can with her Jinn bond and Tyler, she comes to terms with her feelings for him and just how deep those emotions run.

However, standing in her way is another assignment that places her as guard to Anya, a fellow Shaede member who is the first to be pregnant in centuries. Added to that is the fact that Anya and Darian don’t necessarily get along too well.

As threats become potential disasters, Darian must do what she is meant to do and kill another assassin before they kill Anya. But as with all of Bonilla’s work, she carefully executes stellar plot twists that make you second guess if she’s not an evil plot master who cackles manically every time she reveals something unbelievably incredible. CRAVE THE DARKNESS just might be the best of the series.

I would definitely recommend reading the series in order. While the author does recap details that will help readers remember past events, I think you’d have a better reading experience if read in order. Events will hold far more impact that way.

CRAVE THE DARKNESS displays Bonilla’s talents in the most flattering way. Excellent writing, pacing that is perfection and a few twists and turns along the way make for a read that is worth the wait.

*ARC provided by publisher ...more

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Dec 14, 2012 Melliane rated it it was amazing

Mon avis en Français

My English review

I must say that I was really impatient to read this novel, especially with the end of the last one which completely broke my heart. As soon as I had the chance to have Crave the Darkness, I left all my reads and threw myself in this one to finish it in a few hours. It was humanly impossible to put it down before the end, and I was completely swept away by the story. We always want more and more! This book is just wonderful, and each new novel is also better t Mon avis en Français

My English review

I must say that I was really impatient to read this novel, especially with the end of the last one which completely broke my heart. As soon as I had the chance to have Crave the Darkness, I left all my reads and threw myself in this one to finish it in a few hours. It was humanly impossible to put it down before the end, and I was completely swept away by the story. We always want more and more! This book is just wonderful, and each new novel is also better than the last, which is pretty impressive when you consider that I was totally captured by the first two.

I think Amanda Bonilla has an extraordinary talent when it’s about the feelings of her characters. The Darian's life is really not simple and the author allows us to fully understand what she feels, whether her sadness, joy or even her doubts. We follow her throughout the novel, hoping that things will improve, but nothing is ever that simple. Indeed, after several months moping in her apartment after the departure of Tyler, our heroine is forced to stand up and face life as it continues its course. I must say that Raif and Xander does not leave her much choice in the matter. Both are very concerned by the behavior of our heroine as they have never seen her like that. They only think about one thing, help her to confront her sadness. Her apartment is a like a battlefield, she spends her days in bed, and only thinks of her Jinn who is away from her. Of course everyone has his own method and motivations. Raif only wants to help her to have her as energetic as before while Xander has of course a little different idea. Why couldn’t Darian succumb to his charm now that Tyler is no longer there? (Something that I was very curious to see!)

Our heroine will live with Xander to complete the mission he has been given her. Indeed, she must monitor and protect Anya who is now the target of a person we don’t know anything about. You can imagine that this is something she will love to do, especially as the two young women hate each other since the beginning of the series. But a mission is a mission and it’s the only thing that can help her to keep her head above water; this new work will allow her to not constantly think about her ex-lover. But she quickly understands that this story is much more complicated than it seems when she meets the person she seeks. And this story could endanger her and all the persons she loves more she would have thought. This quest also allows us to know a little more about Anya, because it is true that we do not know a lot about her past. And while I do not really like her either, I'm starting to understand her little by little. She is still not my favorite character but we see the person she really is.

It is very difficult for Darian in this novel to ignore the fact that Tyler is not there. She only thinks of him, guilty for what happened and questioning herself at every moment. She hopes to see him again, to speak with him and she is sure she will be able to be with him like before. Or at least she hopes it will be possible to do that, more than anything. But it is very rare when everything works out this way and Darian must understand that by herself. So when Tyler returns, a surprise awaits her, something she didn’t expect at all. Of course Xander will do anything to try to put her in his bed, regardless of the way he uses, nothing bothers him. And although it is tempting, Darian needs more, and she is convinced that the feelings he or she may have, aren’t true. It was terrible to witness her doubts, her panic attacks, her guilt, her desires, her fears. We feel everything deep in ourselves and our heart is broken when we see this person so fragile. I do not really know what will happen to her now, because many events occur here, completely shattering her life, but we can only hope for her to be better. Although she does not realize it, many people cares for her. Some new characters are also introduced as Asher and I must say that this is a person that I really enjoyed. I hope to have the opportunity to see him again and learn more about him. A new threat is emerging and we’re really intrigued about it. I'm curious to know what will happen now.

I think you understand now that I am completely and undeniably in love with this series. This book is one of the best I have had the opportunity to read and I think I can say Amanda Bonilla is a master in the field of Urban Fantasy. Everything is fascinating; either the story, the world, or even the characters. I only have to wait for more now. If you have not yet had the opportunity to discover this series I warmly recommend it! ...more

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Jul 08, 2012 Carmel (Rabid Reads) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favourites

Reviewed by: Rabid Reads

Every time I read a book by Amanda Bonilla I can’t help but marvel at how much her characters evolve from one installment to the next. Darian finds herself thrust into a new role that’s at odds with her assassin nature: that of a protector. Obviously there were more than a few growing pains but that’s part of the appeal of this series; the main character’s ability to meet any challenge head on. Well that and the hunk-erific man candy! Crave the Darkness is exhilaratingly Reviewed by: Rabid Reads

Every time I read a book by Amanda Bonilla I can’t help but marvel at how much her characters evolve from one installment to the next. Darian finds herself thrust into a new role that’s at odds with her assassin nature: that of a protector. Obviously there were more than a few growing pains but that’s part of the appeal of this series; the main character’s ability to meet any challenge head on. Well that and the hunk-erific man candy! Crave the Darkness is exhilaratingly paced, masterfully written and also a major tease (in more ways than one)!

I really enjoyed the premise behind this book: two people with a strong dislike for each other are not only forced to work together but one actually needs to protect the other from harm. Personally, that sounds like my own personal version of hell! The tension between Darian and Anya makes for some pretty intense face-offs, especially considering the former’s insistence on the fact that she can take care of herself. But that’s not the only challenge that gets thrown Darian’s way in this installment; she assumes her first ever leadership role as well. Our girl is definitely being pushed to her limit this time around!

My pick in the guy department for my favourite Shaede Assassin has been always been Ty. I’ll admit, I was a little upset with Amanda Bonilla when Darian started to take an interest in Xander. He’s a pompous, self-righteous, spoiled brat who thinks his King title gives him carte blanche to be an asshole. There’s one particular scene that comes to mind where they almost get it on but are interrupted before the deal is sealed and Xander gets one of the worst cases of blue balls that I’ve ever read. I couldn’t resist whooping with joy at his suffering because I’m team Ty all the way! The Jinn’s stubbornness and evasive behaviour did get on my nerves a bit but I can understand his need to teach Darian a lesson after her actions in Blood Before Sunrise. They’ll makeup in the next book; you’ll see!

Asher makes his first appearance as a character in this series and brings a bucket load of intrigue with him. He doesn’t obey Darian’s orders yet always seems to show up when he’s needed most, he takes blending into the crowd to a whole new level and his lineage is something else. When I wasn’t beguiled by the story or by the extreme deviousness of the villain, I was trying to figure out what the heck was up with Asher! I love characters that have a bit of mystery to them.

Amanda Bonilla and her Shade Assassin series is where it’s at people! Crave the Darkness should be on the top of everyone’s must read list. Let the torturous wait for the next installment begin!

...more

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Dec 07, 2012 Jen Davis rated it really liked it

Shadow. That's how I started out; all I was again. A casting of mottled dark. The real me, the me that knew happiness and light left with him.

This was a tough book to read. I mean, what can you expect with an opening like that? The ending of Blood Before Sunrise was a real kick in the gut. And as we begin a new installment in the Shaede Assassin series, Darian is still feeling the burn. Her beloved Tyler has left her and she has sunk into a debilitating depression. But her friends refuse to let

Shadow. That's how I started out; all I was again. A casting of mottled dark. The real me, the me that knew happiness and light left with him.

This was a tough book to read. I mean, what can you expect with an opening like that? The ending of Blood Before Sunrise was a real kick in the gut. And as we begin a new installment in the Shaede Assassin series, Darian is still feeling the burn. Her beloved Tyler has left her and she has sunk into a debilitating depression. But her friends refuse to let her wallow any longer.

Raif and Xander pull her back into the Shaede world, pushing her to lead a protection detail for Anya. The two women have never gotten along, but Anya is pregnant and someone has been threatening her life. Darian has to pull herself together to keep the woman alive, while working to identify and eliminate the threat to her life.

Meanwhile, Tyler returns. But he's not alone. Is the beautiful woman with him Darian's replacement? Of course, that is Darian's immediate assumption. She doesn't deal with her fears in any healthy kind of way, unfortunately. I hated watching her suffer --and make unwise choices. But though Darian is growing, she is still emotionally stunted and her reactions are in keeping with the experiences that have made her into who she is.

I know this all sounds like a giant downer and you may be asking why you should subject yourself to such torture. Well, because it's delicious torture, that's why. Well, mostly. Darian has been through so much. I am desperate for her to find some happiness. And while I have never taken Xander seriously as possible contender for a love triangle, I actually found myself... softening toward him. My love for Tyler has been seriously tested. Whether intentional or not, he is the root of Darian's pain and he could take it away at any time. So why doesn't he? It fills me with so much angst. Angst I could only feel about characters I have become utterly invested in. I think if I were not able to read more of their story, my head would pop off. Or implode.

Amanda Bonilla delivers a fairly big shocker in the story. And despite all of the emotional turmoil, she keeps the story moving fast with plenty of action. The ending... wasn't what I wanted and there is much left... dangling. But Bonilla promises this won't be the end of the Shaede Assassin world, so I will try to remain calm.

If you haven't read this series, this is not the book to start with. Go back to the beginning and pick up Shaedes of Gray. It's good stuff. If you're already a fan of the books, you won't want to miss this one, even if it's hard on your heart.

Rating: B

*ARC Provided by Signet Eclipse ...more

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Dec 13, 2012 Jax rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: pnr

Okay, So I'm pretty much in the same frame of mind here as I was for the Short "Lost to the Gray".

The story was well written and interesting. But some of the characters choices bugged me.
Darian's character is definitely growing (this is a good thing), but she still makes some pretty stupid decisions. But overall if you've followed the series, you can understand some of the choices and reactions.
However, my biggest issue here was the whole Heartbroken thing. And for a number of reasons.

1. I am of Okay, So I'm pretty much in the same frame of mind here as I was for the Short "Lost to the Gray".

The story was well written and interesting. But some of the characters choices bugged me.
Darian's character is definitely growing (this is a good thing), but she still makes some pretty stupid decisions. But overall if you've followed the series, you can understand some of the choices and reactions.
However, my biggest issue here was the whole Heartbroken thing. And for a number of reasons.

1. I am of the opinion that the love interest(s) here just don't fit. For me, it feels like the author is trying to fit a square shape into a round hole. It feels forced.
The characters suited to Darian's personality have been shuffled off to the side, so that 'Bad Choice' 1 and 2 can be front and centre. And neither option fits. (So I'm hoping that eventually Darian will have some kind of epiphany and boot both to the curb. Romantically that is... Though I'm not sure either of the two's egos could withstand a friendship after being romantically rejected.)

2. The romance here is starting to feel like an R-rated Teen love affair more akin to that which I'd expect to find in a YA novel (barring the 18+ scenes that is). I mean really?? I get it - Darian's Love life has pretty much been one disaster after another - But surely by now she's learned to deal? What's with the months long mourning? Over a relationship less than a year old...and with a partner that just doesn't fit? No matter how much the author tried to push for the "Fated to be together" scenario.

3. As stated, Darian hasn't exactly had a good run in the relationship department.
But after everything she's been through - I would have expected her to be a little stronger.
To be able to pick herself up and move on. Or at the very least to have appeared to be dealing. In short, I wanted a more mature response. What I got was a twilight breakdown.

So for this one - it loses a ★ not because of the characters, but because it feels like the author is trying to force an outcome that just doesn't feel natural. (To me at any rate.)
However, I will continue to read the series (for a while), in the hopes that Darian has that hoped for Revelation! :D
...more

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Feb 06, 2013 Steph rated it really liked it

Shelves: author-웃, year-read-2013, series-ongoing

Crave the Darkness picks up where Blood Before Sunrise left off. Darian is depressed ~ as she should be. Her actions cost her.

I realized that the blame for our separation rested solely on me. I ran - and spent four months away - from the one person in this world I should have sprinted toward. I shunned his protection, disregarded his strength, and stomped all over the love he offered ... all in the name of arrogance.

While she works to salvage her relationship and bond with Tyler, she reali ...more

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Aug 21, 2012 Pam rated it it was amazing

Another great book in this series that picks up right where the last one ended with Tyler still gone and Darian facing punishment for kidnapping and breaking and entering. While Darian was helping her best friend find his daughter she may have broken some rules and is now facing charges from the PNT, however the PNT does not see things the same way she does and she is about to find out her punishment when Xander walks in, talks to several members of the PNT and in seconds, she is free to go.

Dari ...more

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Dec 17, 2012 Iris Hunter (InstagramREADS) rated it it was amazing

Bonilla's has again written an exiting Urban Fantasy adventure for Darian. Nothing comes easy for Darian. Her heightened powers make her indispensable to the Shaede Nation, but dangerous missions have driven her lover, Tyler, to his breaking point. Darian must salvage their bond, but a new assignment to protect Anya—a fellow Shaede and the first of their kind to become pregnant in centuries—stands in their way.

Crave the Darkness is another great installment in the Shaede Assassin series. If you ...more

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Jul 08, 2012 Katherine McCarthy rated it really liked it

Shelves: urban-fantasy

Loved it! Review to come closer to release date

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Dec 27, 2012 Dorine rated it really liked it

Shelves: urban-fantasy

Rated 4.5 - Crave the Darkness review, plus reviews for Shaedes of Gray and Blood Before Sunrise are also available at my blog, TBR Mountain Range.

In the third book of this fascinating series, the villain has surpassed all others, making this book even creepier than the first two. If you love Urban Fantasy with a twist, then grab all three books and settle in for a gripping marathon.

If you haven't read SHAEDES OF GRAY or BLOOD BEFORE SUNRISE, books one and two in the SHAEDE ASSASSIN series, then ...more

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Jan 09, 2013 Ellie rated it it was amazing

Crave the Darkness, Shaede Assassin #3, by Amanda Bonilla
Grade: A

“The thought of returning to my life as it had been-detached, lonely, without compassion or companionship, without love and tenderness-made my head spin.”

Crave the Darkness should come with a Xanax and a hotline to call when you’re too emotional to keep reading. This is by far the best book I’ve read in 2013 so far and it will be hard to beat. This is the third book in the Shaede Assassin series but I recommend reading Lost to the Crave the Darkness, Shaede Assassin #3, by Amanda Bonilla
Grade: A

“The thought of returning to my life as it had been-detached, lonely, without compassion or companionship, without love and tenderness-made my head spin.”

Crave the Darkness should come with a Xanax and a hotline to call when you’re too emotional to keep reading. This is by far the best book I’ve read in 2013 so far and it will be hard to beat. This is the third book in the Shaede Assassin series but I recommend reading Lost to the Gray novella which is told from Tyler’s point of view before embarking on this journey with Darian. The novella gives some insight to Tyler’s actions and I loved seeing the flashbacks of him and Darian and how he felt when he met her.

It’s very hard to review a book like Crave the Darkness without giving too much away. Darian has not done well since Tyler’s departure with her days consisting of drinking bottles of bourbon, sleeping on her couch and wishing for Tyler to come back into her life. Xander, King of the Shaedes, finally pulls Darian out of her depression and hires her to protect Anya, a pregnant shaede, and find out who is trying to kill her. Darian is thrown back into the world she knows of hunting and tracking with a new team of young shaedes and something to finally get her mind off Tyler.

Amanda Bonilla is one of the best storytellers around and she creates characters that will break your heart but have you rooting for them as they make mistake after mistake. Darian is complex and broken as well as strong, loyal and one badass assassin. In every book Darian makes mistakes that have me yelling at her like I can change things but because of these mistakes I love her even more. Darian needed to grow up a lot after Blood Before Sunrise and I think while she still has some more growing to do she has finally figured out that her existence before Tyler isn’t something she can go back to.

The balance between the action, mystery and Darian’s broken heart is perfect and makes sure that you are never bored. I found myself on pins and needles while reading and couldn’t stop until I knew how things ended. The best books are unpredictable with characters that you cheer on even through mistakes and heartaches and Crave the Darkness is the perfect example of this. Again, I don't want to give anything away but any fan of urban fantasy and the Shaedes Assassin series will love Darian and this book. I laughed, cried, cheered and yelled through all three hundred pages and I would sell an organ to have the fourth book to know what happens next because it is that damn good.
...more

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Jul 12, 2012 Cat Russell (Addicted2Heroines) rated it really liked it

Shelves: favorites, highly-recommend

Wow! This was an emotional roller coaster ride. Darian just can't seem to catch a break.

She's dealing with a broken heart, losing her confidence, feeling out of place, and finds herself in a relationship for the wrong reasons. She is also suffering the consequences of her actions in Blood Before Sunrise. This is the reason the story begins with her on trial, accused of a large number of crimes, but caring very little because she's depressed and her thoughts are consumed by someone that she miss ...more

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Mar 12, 2013 Jessie Potts rated it it was amazing

Shelves: romance, paranormal, urban-fantasy

What it's about: This is the third Shaede Assassin novel by Amanda, and for Darian, it's the breaking point for her and her lover. Darian wants to mend the bond between her and Tyler, but the most important mission to date is standing in the way. The mission? Protecting Anya, a Shaede who is the first of their kind to become pregnant in centuries. Of course, we must also throw in Xander, who is her king and wants nothing more than to put Darian in his bed.

Why you should read it: This adventurous ...more

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Oct 15, 2012 Deanna rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites-for-march-2013

OMG, What can I say about this latest Shaede Assassin novel? It was awesome! Crave the Darkness is my favorite in the series. I loved all of the angst in this book. I literally felt depressed like Darian, I felt her anger and I felt her determination. Feeling the same emotions of a character in a book is a true testament of a great writer.While I am definitely Team Tyler, I did fall prey to Xander in this book. His feelings seemed genuine and I felt bad for him at the end of the book. I am sure ...more

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Aug 05, 2013 Amazon80 rated it liked it · review of another edition

What happens to Darian at the end of this book is horrible. However, I’m pissed that even after more than one person tries to tell her not to do things alone or without back up she does it anyway. Had she listened the predicament she found herself in may have not been so awful. When will she stop making the same stupid mistakes? The tension between Darian and Tyler is great. The story was great but Darian is infuriating. How many times will she hurt herself and those around her with her selfish ...more

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Jul 13, 2012 Kitt rated it really liked it

Shelves: urban-fantasy, books-i-own, read-2013

A Quicky: Another splendidly executed edition to one of my favorite must read series...

Yet, I feel I must confess to a bit a selfishness. I almost gave Crave the Darkness 3 stars based entirely on the simple fact that it took a direction that I absolutely hated instead of judging it on it's true merit. However, and I hate to say it, but it's something that bugs me to the quick and I'm not sure I'll be able to get over it. I'm going to read the next, but I'm not sure where I'll continue from the ...more

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Jun 19, 2012 Shelley rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2013-releases

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Rating: 4.0

*Full Review Shortly*

In the meantime, if you haven't read this series yet, you definitely must. If you enjoy a really amazing series that leaves you breathless and on the edge of your chair, then you definitely should! I seriously can not wait until the fourth book in the series comes out now. Awesome job Ms Bonilla as always!

*Recvd from Author via Netgalley 12/14/2012 *Expected publication: March 5th 2013 by Signet Eclipse ...more

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Nov 04, 2012 Susan Harris rated it it was amazing

fantastic!!! full of angst and fast paced action that kept you hanging on from beginning to end. I adore darian because despite the fact we know she can kick ass, in her emotions she is like every other girl out there, dealing with broken hearts and over zealous suitors. i felt disappointed when the book was over just because it had ended way to soon for me :-) this is an original series that has all the elements you'll love and prob none you've read before. ...more

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Oct 07, 2014 Danielle rated it liked it

The world and storyline make this 4 stars.

The number of times I want to slap Darian make it 2 stars.

Overall a 3. The world keeps me reading, but it's frustrating. ...more

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Oct 08, 2019 Camilla rated it liked it

Be careful of some of the more risque bits, but the story was fun and I loved seeing Darian reap all the consequences of her decisions in the previous two books. You get to see how she endures her self-made trials and how she works to overcome her shortcomings. It's a fun fantasy series. ...more

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Mar 28, 2013 Aurian Booklover rated it it was amazing

Tyler has been gone from Darian’s life for over 3 months, and she is still a wreck, grieving and missing him like crazy. Her flat is a mess, she doesn’t eat, she seeks solace in a bottle of bourbon, and there is dirty laundry and food boxes everywhere. Raif thinks it is time for an intervention, and he sneakily sends his brother, Xander, the Shaede King, to get Darian back on her feet. Xander cajoles her into getting up and dressed, as he has an assignment for her.

When she gets to Xander’s resid ...more

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Jul 17, 2013 Stéphanie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: romance, urban-fantasy, 2013

Another great book by Amanda Bonilla! For some reason I didn’t enjoy book 2 as much as I enjoyed book 1 but Bonilla redeemed herself by writing CRAVE THE DARKNESS. In this book, we see a completely new side of Darian. Usually she’s hired as an assassin but this time around her king orders her to protect Anya, who happens to be a pregnant shaede that Darian can barely stand. I like seeing this new version of Darian because we get to learn so much more about her as a character through this role re Another great book by Amanda Bonilla! For some reason I didn’t enjoy book 2 as much as I enjoyed book 1 but Bonilla redeemed herself by writing CRAVE THE DARKNESS. In this book, we see a completely new side of Darian. Usually she’s hired as an assassin but this time around her king orders her to protect Anya, who happens to be a pregnant shaede that Darian can barely stand. I like seeing this new version of Darian because we get to learn so much more about her as a character through this role reversal. Protecting someone is definitively new to her and you can tell it makes her a little uncomfortable. Or it could just be from the fact that she’s protecting someone that she more or less hates and who doesn’t want to tell her who’s trying she needs protection from.

I’m glad Bonilla introduced us to new shaede characters in this book since the previous books seemed to lack an abundance of them. Now, I’m sure there aren’t that many shaedes in existence compared to human beings, but since there is a king, I assume that there’s enough population to warrant a leader. In this book, we’re introduced to new “warrior” shaedes, including Asher who isn’t completely trustworthy. The mystery surrounding this character is intriguing and it fells like we still don’t know the whole story about him. It’s frustrating at times because he seems like a likeable character, but when he goes off and does something completely out of order, it frustrates Darian to no end. Definitively a character to watch out for!

Now, I’ve always liked Tyler as a love interest for Darian, despite his evasiveness when it comes to telling the truth and the unknown aspects of his past. But the way he hurts Darian by leaving her with a broken heart isn’t commendable. Mind you, she had it coming because she wasn’t the best girlfriend either but I guess both characters could have dealt with the situation a little differently. So when heartbroken Darian feels some attraction to the king of shaedes, Xander, she reluctantly falls for him little by little. Xander is definitively a manipulative player and for some reason I never really liked him, but I can’t blame Darian for trying to find comfort elsewhere. Despite her and Xander getting closer and closer physically, still I kept urging her to make up with Tyler. Hopefully Darian and Tyler will come to their senses and go back to how they were, because in my opinion, their relationship is the glue to the series. Tyler’s protectiveness, despite their falling out, is admirable and as a whole, he’s the best romantic choice for Dorian. Even if he is a mysterious Jinn.

What is so great about this series is that every new release reveals so much more about the characters and the shaede world. It’s almost as if the author is keeping information to herself on purpose just so that we feel like there’s still a lot of unknown variables every time we dive into a new installment. There’s never a dull moment, that’s for sure, as the action keeps coming. Bonilla has the ability to surprise you in every chapter of the book. You really don’t know what she’ll throw at you next, and her literary curve balls will definitively keep you up at night, reading to find out what happens next. If you haven’t read this series yet, and you’re a big fan of urban fantasy, this can be your newest discovery!

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Jul 15, 2012 Traci (Mad Hatter Reads) rated it it was amazing

Crave the Darkness is the third installment of Amanda Bonilla's incredible Shaede Assassin series. I fall more and more in love with this series and with Bonilla as an author with each new book and novella I read. Take a driven, kick-ass heroine, add in a healthy dose of hot alpha males, stir in some extremely wicked villians, a dash of humor, and a huge helping of action and you've got the perfect recipe for this incredible Urban Fantasy series.

The overall story arc builds on the action from p Crave the Darkness is the third installment of Amanda Bonilla's incredible Shaede Assassin series. I fall more and more in love with this series and with Bonilla as an author with each new book and novella I read. Take a driven, kick-ass heroine, add in a healthy dose of hot alpha males, stir in some extremely wicked villians, a dash of humor, and a huge helping of action and you've got the perfect recipe for this incredible Urban Fantasy series.

The overall story arc builds on the action from prior books, so I don't recommend reading it as a stand-alone. But fortunately, we're not very far along in the series so you can easily catch up.

Crave the Darkness takes place a few months after the end of Blood After Sunrise and opens with Darian heartbroken over Tyler's decision to leave to give her time and space to decide if a relationship is really what she wants. Rafe, Darian's mentor and the head of the Shaede King's guard, pulls her out of her self-appointed seclusion with a summons from the king.

Xander Peck, the Shaede King himself, has an assignment for Darian. She is going to be the personal guard for Anya, a fellow Shaede (and Darian's nemesis) who is pregnant with the first Shaede child in centuries. She is also tasked to finding and eliminating the person who is hunting Anya and her unborn child. Xander, with his eyes always on the lookout for an opening with Darian, uses their close proximity, Ty's absence, and Darian's vulnerability in an attempt to move their relationship to a more...erm...personal level. I'll admit to some initial annoyance when I realized that yes, we were going there. I've always felt that Xander was a pompous, manipulative ass and have been 100% team Tyler from day one. But, the more the story progressed, the more I realized that it was good for Darian. Oh, not so much to hook up with Xander, but for her to see the difference between him and Tyler and to realize that what she has with Tyler is what she's been looking for.

Ah, but speaking of my favorite Jinn. When Tyler returns to Seattle, he reaches out to Darian...for a contract job....and he's not alone. But, if you read his novella Lost to the Gray, then you'll get some clues as to what's really going on. Unfortunately for Darian (and thanks to stupid Jinn rules), Ty's not able to give her any direct information into the situation so she's going to face some more heartache before the villain is defeated.

Crave the Darkness brings in new characters with Darian's choosing a new team to help guard Anya. The team has a wide range of personalities and the most intriguing is Asher, a young Shaede with some mysterious powers and possibly an agenda of his own (he's also Xander's pick for the team, but I won't hold that against him). Asher isn't good at obeying orders, but always turns up when Darian needs him the most. He's definitely a character that I hope to learn more about in upcoming books!

The villain, Kade, is deliciously wicked and a threat like Darian has never encountered. It's going to take all of Darian's skill and force her to rely on others in order to defeat him.

So what are you waiting for? This is a must read series! Go get Crave the Darkness right now!
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Oct 09, 2015 Margaret rated it really liked it

Nothing comes easy for Darian. Her heightened powers make her indispensable to the Shaede Nation, but dangerous missions have driven her lover, Tyler, to his breaking point. Darian must salvage their bond, but a new assignment to protect Anya—a fellow Shaede and the first of their kind to become pregnant in centuries—stands in the way.

It doesn’t help that the two Shaedes are longtime rivals and share nothing besides mutual hatred. But when it becomes clear that someone—or *something*—is bent on ...more

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Jul 12, 2012 Christen (GoldiloxReads) rated it it was amazing

4.5 stars

Crave the Darkness is the third book in Amanda Bonilla's Shaede Assassin series and packs quite the physical and emotional punch. Each book in the series has gotten stronger and more enthralling and Crave the Darkness is by far my favorite in this series!

The ending of the previous book, Blood Before Sunrise, was very tumultuous with the exit of heroine Darian's sort-of boyfriend, Tyler. That ending tore me apart and I wondered where Darian and Tyler's relationship would go in this book. ...more

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Feb 11, 2013 Kat rated it it was amazing

Hi BookLuvrs,

Darin is back!!! Man O Man this installment kept me on my toes. So much has went on in this book I don’t even know where to start. With that being said, let’s start off with Darin having a really hard time with the distances between her and Tyler the love of her life. I do understand why Tyler left and I get why he did not stay. If you do not fill wanted, why would that individual person stay. I do think Darin really needs to figure out what she wants. She says one thing, but we all Hi BookLuvrs,

Darin is back!!! Man O Man this installment kept me on my toes. So much has went on in this book I don’t even know where to start. With that being said, let’s start off with Darin having a really hard time with the distances between her and Tyler the love of her life. I do understand why Tyler left and I get why he did not stay. If you do not fill wanted, why would that individual person stay. I do think Darin really needs to figure out what she wants. She says one thing, but we all know she has feelings for you know who. Now that there is a love triangle involved, I think it’s going to be more confusing as ever for Darin. And let me tell you, I absolutely have love triangles. I just don’t get it, because at the end of the day, one person is hurt in the process. Nevertheless, we still don’t’ get to see whom Darin will choose. I am team Tyler from the start and if she doesn’t really want to continue on with him, then she really needs to break their bond. But I guess we will see in due time.

So on top of relationship issues, she has to protect the person that she least cares for. And Anya is hiding information from Darin, and it makes it difficult to protect her to her best knowledge. She learns secrets about Anya that also involves Tyler.

Now lets talk about these feelings and hotness for Xander. I’m not for sure what’s Xander’s game, but I know from the start it has always been a game to him to win Darin over. Does he really love her???? I’m not for sure. But he is putting all of his effort to win her over. No I’m not team Xander, but my heart to go out to him on some scenes. I just think Darin needs to make a decision and one fast on who she wants to be with.

We also get to see a lot of new characters in this installment. I really enjoyed getting to know the team that tagged alone with Darin. Especially that Asher guy. I still have a lot of questions about him. He was the number one pick from Xander and I wonder why.

And one more thing. The women that came back with Ty, I do just not understand the extent of there relationship. He stated that their relationship is complicated. But what does that mean? Are you sleeping with her, are you guys just friends? What does that mean? We never get the full story behind that. I hope it shows up in the next installment.

Amanda did a great job with this installment. Still so many un-answered questions…

Until Next Time Happy Reading.
http://www.fantasyparanormalbooks.com
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Apr 06, 2016 Danielle (Danniegurl) rated it really liked it

Shelves: paranormal-romance-read, magic-witches-etc-read, 4-stars, paranormal-detectives-read, pov-one, faeries, wolves-shifters-read, must-read-series

This is quickly becoming one of my fav series. And I'm dying because book 6 isn't complete or out yet, so now the question becomes do I read books 4 & 5? Or do I wait until 6 comes out to read them and if 6 isn't the last one do I wait longer? I can't get this series out of my head and I'm dying to continue.

Seriously:

Really how will I survive? We left Darian in a state of shock in the last book (if we skip the novella) I can't even be sure if i like this book, not because it was good but becaus This is quickly becoming one of my fav series. And I'm dying because book 6 isn't complete or out yet, so now the question becomes do I read books 4 & 5? Or do I wait until 6 comes out to read them and if 6 isn't the last one do I wait longer? I can't get this series out of my head and I'm dying to continue.

Seriously:

Really how will I survive? We left Darian in a state of shock in the last book (if we skip the novella) I can't even be sure if i like this book, not because it was good but because I didn't like the content per se. I couldn't figure out what was going on between Tyler and Darian and Xander and Darian.

Tyler is back, but he isn't alone, and this completely shatters Darian. But she doesn't go to him for answers nope, she assumes, and when the lady he's with comes to Darian and confirms that "he's happy" what is she supposed to expect? This whole thing isn't very clear, we really never get confirmation one way or the other that this chick is with or was with Tyler, and we don't know if he had/has feelings for her, but we do find something out about the bond between a Jinn and their charge, they aren't really supposed to love their Charge like that or so this chick tells her later.

In this book Darian is living at the King's estate because Anya fucking Anya is in trouble. *insert eye roll* IDK if it was to make us like her, or make Darian like her no idea, but I'm still not 100% on board with Anya.

Anya needs protection but she isn't too upfront about the threat making Darian's job that much harder.

On top of all this Darian is confused about Tyler, she is super hurt, and Xander is there to lend comfort and to not be alone, but she doesn't love him and she doesn't think she ever will. There is a lot of internal struggling going on with Darian and when we leave this book she is beaten down. And though the circumstances are tragic in a way, she does need this little break. I need to know what happens next in the series but I'm afraid to go further and need book 6 just as bad. I have no idea when or how long it will take before we get book 6, but I might just have to read up to 5 just to clear my mind. It's been a long time since a book series has sucked me in this much!!

I love this series. Yes there is a bit of a love triangle, but according to Darian's feelings she knows she isn't over Tyler and she's not sure she ever will be. ...more

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Jun 04, 2013 Wyrdness rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: pnr-urban-fantasy

Whilst I generally like the cast of characters and the supernaturally filled world of the Shaede Assassin series, I found this installment to be a deeply frustrating read.

Most of my frustration is purely down to Darian's willful stubbornness to the point of stupidity and her complete inability to communicate like an adult. At all. I can't help but feel that most, if not all, her problems could be dealt with easily if she'd ever take a moment to listen before going off half-cocked.

I also found th ...more

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