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The Guardians of the Night #4
Hungers of the Heart: A Spellbinding Tale of the Guardians of the Night
Hungers of the Heart is the fourth installment in acclaimed author Jenna Black's Guardians of the Night paranormal romance series. Drake is a Killer vampire. Unlike the Guardians of the Night, Drake feeds on human blood, choosing victims who deserve to die. Still he works with the Guardians to protect those humans who yet have some good in them. When Gabriel, the leader of the Baltimore Guardians, mysteriously disappears, Drake finds himself in charge of a small band of inexperienced, fledgling vampires; and when a delegation of European Killers arrives in Baltimore looking for Gabriel, Drake must call on all the savagery of his sordid past to keep the Guardians in line―and protect them from the ruthless Killers. Forced to confront a past he has tried to outrun, Drake risks losing his humanity. His only hope is Faith, the French Seigneur 's concubine, who desperately needs his help to rescue her human sister from the Seigneur 's clutches. Then someone begins killing the members of the European vampire delegation and Drake is the only suspect. Will Drake be saved by love or will he become a Killer without a conscience?
320 pages, Paperback
First published April 29, 2008
2 people are currently reading
596 people want to read
About the author
Jenna Black
44 books2,511 followersJenna Black is your typical writer. Which means she's an "experience junkie." She got her BA in physical anthropology and French from Duke University.
Once upon a time, she dreamed she would be the next Jane Goodall, camping in the bush making fabulous discoveries about primate behavior. Then, during her senior year at Duke, she did some actual research in the field and made this shocking discovery: primates spend something like 80% of their time doing such exciting things as sleeping and eating.
Concluding that this discovery was her life's work in the field of primatology, she then moved on to such varied pastimes as grooming dogs and writing technical documentation. She writes paranormal romance for Tor and urban fantasy for Bantam Dell.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jennab...
Once upon a time, she dreamed she would be the next Jane Goodall, camping in the bush making fabulous discoveries about primate behavior. Then, during her senior year at Duke, she did some actual research in the field and made this shocking discovery: primates spend something like 80% of their time doing such exciting things as sleeping and eating.
Concluding that this discovery was her life's work in the field of primatology, she then moved on to such varied pastimes as grooming dogs and writing technical documentation. She writes paranormal romance for Tor and urban fantasy for Bantam Dell.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jennab...
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 12, 2008
"Hungers of the Heart" is the 4th book in the "Guardians of the Night" series by Jenna Black. I picked up the first in the series "Watchers in the Night" and have continued buying the others as soon as they are released. I continue to enjoy this storyline and will be waiting for the next release.
In Black's series, Guardians are vampires who don't feed from humans. Killers are vamps that do. The problem is, it only takes once and the vamp becomes hopelessly addicted. Obviously killers are bad guys and guardians are mostly good guys. But, are all killers really bad?
Drake feeds on humans, but he's careful to select those the world could really do without: murderers, rapists, etc. He's been a presence in each of the other books in the series and his story is really good. Drake finds himself in charge of a very small, very unpowerful (read young) group of vamps when a very evil, powerful, and on-the-hunt group of vamps hit Baltimore. They've come on the orders of one of the oldest vamps in Europe and she wants Drake's friend's head on a platter, literally!
Faith is a fairly young vamp in the bad guy's entourage. She would die to get away from her master, but for her younger sister who is still human and under the spell of the master. When she's all but ordered into Drake's bed as a spy, she suddenly finds that not all of her master's orders result in pain...and if she can make Drake her ally, maybe he can help her and her sister?
I'm probably not explaining this as well as I'd like, but I do enjoy this series. The moral dilemmas of each of the characters are examined and very few of the bad buys are wholly bad...and none of the good guys are wholly good. Alot like real life!! There's some very sensuous and sexy characters in each of Ms Black's books, but the stories are built on more than sex between the h/h.
If you like your heroes and heroines with a bit of depth and conscience, then I think you'll enjoy this series as much as I do.
In Black's series, Guardians are vampires who don't feed from humans. Killers are vamps that do. The problem is, it only takes once and the vamp becomes hopelessly addicted. Obviously killers are bad guys and guardians are mostly good guys. But, are all killers really bad?
Drake feeds on humans, but he's careful to select those the world could really do without: murderers, rapists, etc. He's been a presence in each of the other books in the series and his story is really good. Drake finds himself in charge of a very small, very unpowerful (read young) group of vamps when a very evil, powerful, and on-the-hunt group of vamps hit Baltimore. They've come on the orders of one of the oldest vamps in Europe and she wants Drake's friend's head on a platter, literally!
Faith is a fairly young vamp in the bad guy's entourage. She would die to get away from her master, but for her younger sister who is still human and under the spell of the master. When she's all but ordered into Drake's bed as a spy, she suddenly finds that not all of her master's orders result in pain...and if she can make Drake her ally, maybe he can help her and her sister?
I'm probably not explaining this as well as I'd like, but I do enjoy this series. The moral dilemmas of each of the characters are examined and very few of the bad buys are wholly bad...and none of the good guys are wholly good. Alot like real life!! There's some very sensuous and sexy characters in each of Ms Black's books, but the stories are built on more than sex between the h/h.
If you like your heroes and heroines with a bit of depth and conscience, then I think you'll enjoy this series as much as I do.
February 23, 2019
great last book wish their was more to come from this series
March 27, 2025
When the master of Baltimore goes missing, his second in command must step up in his place to take control of the coven. With zero desire for leadership and terrified of what the power may resurface within him, the hero is nether the less able to defend the small group of vampires at best he can. Threatened by the vampires who holds his boss imprisoned, he must accept the presence of a master vampire from France and delay the man from his quest to find and return with the vampires he's been tasked to find. The hero may be younger than the master vampire but the hero is extremely intelligent and unwilling to be a door mat to the man. He is strong yet not nearly strong enough so he must play the game in which he finds himself.
The heroine is under the master's control and is forced to share his bed, worse, she's compelled by glamor to enjoy it. But she does what she must for her younger mortal sister and knows that she needs to get the girl as far away from the master as she can and as soon as possible. When she's ordered to seduce the hero for information, the heroine is immediately honest about it and seeks the hero's aid. Though he's a Killer, a vampire who must kill his victims for blood, something inside of his speaks to her. She knows that despite his addiction, despite his violent past and his own self-doubt, he is a good man. With him, she's not compelled to feel attraction and she does to him not out of orders from her master but because he has the ability to make her happy. He makes her smile, he makes her playful. But she also knows that deep inside there is a darkness to him, but he's her only hope.
The hero must do battle not only with the vampires who's playing a dangerous game with him and his fellow Guardians, but also with himself as his maker has begun plaguing him with torturous memories of the man he vowed never to be again.
I thought this book was marvelous well thought out and deep for a romance novel. It focused a lot on character development and painted the main characters as well as supporting characters in equally black and white tones. There was good and bad to everybody and the bad guys weren't just bad guys just as the good guys weren't just good. I enjoyed that aspect of the story almost as much as I enjoyed the hero as a person. He was resourceful, honest with himself and doing everything in his power to be a better man. Though he is doubted by everyone throughout the book, he stays strong in his resolve to do what needed to be done despite popular opinions. The fact that even his own people her zero help and in most cases a hindrance just showed me how capable the hero truly was. It also made he strongly dislike Jezebel and Eric as they were so damn ignorant and stupid most of the time. I liked the heroine. Doing everything in her power to save her sister as well as being able to deep the heart of a man with a lot of darkness made her a great heroine and someone to admire. It had an interesting tone that gave me the impression that anything could happen at any moment and it kept me interested in the plot as well as where the characters were going. It was a fitting enough the series and it ended on a high note.
The heroine is under the master's control and is forced to share his bed, worse, she's compelled by glamor to enjoy it. But she does what she must for her younger mortal sister and knows that she needs to get the girl as far away from the master as she can and as soon as possible. When she's ordered to seduce the hero for information, the heroine is immediately honest about it and seeks the hero's aid. Though he's a Killer, a vampire who must kill his victims for blood, something inside of his speaks to her. She knows that despite his addiction, despite his violent past and his own self-doubt, he is a good man. With him, she's not compelled to feel attraction and she does to him not out of orders from her master but because he has the ability to make her happy. He makes her smile, he makes her playful. But she also knows that deep inside there is a darkness to him, but he's her only hope.
The hero must do battle not only with the vampires who's playing a dangerous game with him and his fellow Guardians, but also with himself as his maker has begun plaguing him with torturous memories of the man he vowed never to be again.
I thought this book was marvelous well thought out and deep for a romance novel. It focused a lot on character development and painted the main characters as well as supporting characters in equally black and white tones. There was good and bad to everybody and the bad guys weren't just bad guys just as the good guys weren't just good. I enjoyed that aspect of the story almost as much as I enjoyed the hero as a person. He was resourceful, honest with himself and doing everything in his power to be a better man. Though he is doubted by everyone throughout the book, he stays strong in his resolve to do what needed to be done despite popular opinions. The fact that even his own people her zero help and in most cases a hindrance just showed me how capable the hero truly was. It also made he strongly dislike Jezebel and Eric as they were so damn ignorant and stupid most of the time. I liked the heroine. Doing everything in her power to save her sister as well as being able to deep the heart of a man with a lot of darkness made her a great heroine and someone to admire. It had an interesting tone that gave me the impression that anything could happen at any moment and it kept me interested in the plot as well as where the characters were going. It was a fitting enough the series and it ended on a high note.
May 28, 2008
Jenna Black/ Hungers of the Heart
# ISBN-10: 0765357186
# ISBN-13: 978-0765357182
A Spellbinding Tale that'll have you hungering for more!
This is the fourth book of the Guardians of the Night series. The Guardians are an organization that protects the humans from the vampires who want to kill them. The Guardians feed off a lamb’s blood to keep the beast at bay, but they must start this ritual from the moment they are made. It is next to impossible to go back once a vampire has killed to survive. Drake is a vampire, a killer, but he preys only on unsavory individuals. Some of the vampires resent him for being a killer, leaving him always alone—an outsider. He decides to team up with Gabriel, a born vampire and killer who heads the Guardians in the Baltimore area.
This story is a power struggle between Brigitte, a born vampire and her mother, who resides in Europe. The French Seigneur, Armand and his entourage of killers arrive to take Brigitte back home and to kill Gabriel. Armand must not fail or he will face a most unpleasant death himself.
Drake is forced to take over leadership of the Guardians when Brigitte kidnaps Gabriel for her own evil plans. Drake must keep the peace by dredging up a part of his past he thought he’d put to rest. He starts to question himself. Is he’s evil and just fooling himself to think otherwise?
Faith is one of Armand’s unwilling concubines--unless under the influence of glamour. She has never killed and detests her life, but she must endure for her sister’s sake. (She is human and at risk of being turned.) Faith and Drake are drawn to each other and connect not only physically but emotionally as well.
In Ms. Black’s tale we have a grander view of the vampire world and all who are involved. Drake has been a character in all the Guardians books and I have looked forward to reading his story. Hungers of the Heart did not disappoint. The love story between Faith and Drake is sexy as well as heartfelt and sweet. They are both guilty of self-doubt, but together they bring out the best in each other. They are perfectly matched. I loved how the author creates her characters – not all are good nor are they completely evil. They are complicated beings, which is the magic that brings her characters to life.
This is a series you do not want to miss.
This story can stand alone, but you don’t want to miss the other Guardians of the Night tales.
Watchers in the Night
Secrets in the Shadows
Shadows on the Soul
Karen Michelle Nutt, PNr Reviews
Karen Michelle Nutt
www.kmnbooks.com
www.myspace.com/karenmichellenutt
www.authorsden.com/karenmichellenutt
# ISBN-10: 0765357186
# ISBN-13: 978-0765357182
A Spellbinding Tale that'll have you hungering for more!
This is the fourth book of the Guardians of the Night series. The Guardians are an organization that protects the humans from the vampires who want to kill them. The Guardians feed off a lamb’s blood to keep the beast at bay, but they must start this ritual from the moment they are made. It is next to impossible to go back once a vampire has killed to survive. Drake is a vampire, a killer, but he preys only on unsavory individuals. Some of the vampires resent him for being a killer, leaving him always alone—an outsider. He decides to team up with Gabriel, a born vampire and killer who heads the Guardians in the Baltimore area.
This story is a power struggle between Brigitte, a born vampire and her mother, who resides in Europe. The French Seigneur, Armand and his entourage of killers arrive to take Brigitte back home and to kill Gabriel. Armand must not fail or he will face a most unpleasant death himself.
Drake is forced to take over leadership of the Guardians when Brigitte kidnaps Gabriel for her own evil plans. Drake must keep the peace by dredging up a part of his past he thought he’d put to rest. He starts to question himself. Is he’s evil and just fooling himself to think otherwise?
Faith is one of Armand’s unwilling concubines--unless under the influence of glamour. She has never killed and detests her life, but she must endure for her sister’s sake. (She is human and at risk of being turned.) Faith and Drake are drawn to each other and connect not only physically but emotionally as well.
In Ms. Black’s tale we have a grander view of the vampire world and all who are involved. Drake has been a character in all the Guardians books and I have looked forward to reading his story. Hungers of the Heart did not disappoint. The love story between Faith and Drake is sexy as well as heartfelt and sweet. They are both guilty of self-doubt, but together they bring out the best in each other. They are perfectly matched. I loved how the author creates her characters – not all are good nor are they completely evil. They are complicated beings, which is the magic that brings her characters to life.
This is a series you do not want to miss.
This story can stand alone, but you don’t want to miss the other Guardians of the Night tales.
Watchers in the Night
Secrets in the Shadows
Shadows on the Soul
Karen Michelle Nutt, PNr Reviews
Karen Michelle Nutt
www.kmnbooks.com
www.myspace.com/karenmichellenutt
www.authorsden.com/karenmichellenutt
November 10, 2013
Love the convoluted action in this book. So many different factions all betraying each other while others were just fighting to keep themselves and those they care about alive. I was a bit confused over who was older and therefore stronger than the others, but it just added to the suspense.
I loved the sisters: Faith and Lily. Faith showed real concern for her younger sister, though I probably would have swatted her a few times. But I didn't quite feel the connection between Faith and Drake. I know at first she was just using him to get away from Armand, but I never really felt that disappear enough to show her beginning to care for Drake.
I also think that Gabriel's role in the story was too simple. He conveniently dissappears at the beginning, then so easily escapes just when needed. At first Jez's attitude was perfect, but then when she wasn't needed, she just faded into the background.
I wish these stories wouldn't end so abruptly. Give us a bit of domestic, non-danger time. With the current couple and with the previous. Have a epilogue that shows something later in their life. In this one it could have been Faith helping Gabriel remodel his house or having a party to show it off.
There are several characters I'm looking forward to seeing more in future books. Of course we know Armand is going to be featured in one and probably Lily. But Brigitte is a loose cannon that will cause all kinds of trouble. And I won't be surprised if her mother continues to be trouble also.
Best part: Lily's shopping trip.
I loved the sisters: Faith and Lily. Faith showed real concern for her younger sister, though I probably would have swatted her a few times. But I didn't quite feel the connection between Faith and Drake. I know at first she was just using him to get away from Armand, but I never really felt that disappear enough to show her beginning to care for Drake.
I also think that Gabriel's role in the story was too simple. He conveniently dissappears at the beginning, then so easily escapes just when needed. At first Jez's attitude was perfect, but then when she wasn't needed, she just faded into the background.
I wish these stories wouldn't end so abruptly. Give us a bit of domestic, non-danger time. With the current couple and with the previous. Have a epilogue that shows something later in their life. In this one it could have been Faith helping Gabriel remodel his house or having a party to show it off.
There are several characters I'm looking forward to seeing more in future books. Of course we know Armand is going to be featured in one and probably Lily. But Brigitte is a loose cannon that will cause all kinds of trouble. And I won't be surprised if her mother continues to be trouble also.
Best part: Lily's shopping trip.
July 25, 2008
Disappointing. At some point I must've read something by Jenna Black that I really liked, because I have an author alert set for her at the library, so I get notified when they order new titles by her.
In this book, the male character, Drake, isn't remotely likable. Usually, the male lead is either super smart, super compassionate, unwaveringly loyal, strong enough to defeat any bad guy, deeply romantic, amazingly powerful... something. Drake is none of these, and I didn't like the "love interest," Faith, much either. The story was sort of OK, but seemed to veer off into some odd direction. What initially looked like the #1 priority (a rescue) got put off because the group of vampires didn't dare do anything to annoy the visiting bad-guy vampires or lead them to the missing head vampire.
I guess there's another title in the series coming, probably, but I don't really care.
In this book, the male character, Drake, isn't remotely likable. Usually, the male lead is either super smart, super compassionate, unwaveringly loyal, strong enough to defeat any bad guy, deeply romantic, amazingly powerful... something. Drake is none of these, and I didn't like the "love interest," Faith, much either. The story was sort of OK, but seemed to veer off into some odd direction. What initially looked like the #1 priority (a rescue) got put off because the group of vampires didn't dare do anything to annoy the visiting bad-guy vampires or lead them to the missing head vampire.
I guess there's another title in the series coming, probably, but I don't really care.
May 2, 2010
I received this as an advance reader's copy a while ago, and just recently decided I needed some romance to distract me from my recent move and other things in my life! This was a perfect choice. It's sexy and funny (as you expect from this genre), but there are no surprises. So, if you are looking for a new take on vampire lore this book may not be for you...but if you read a lot of these series then I suggest you give this author a try! She's good.
June 21, 2011
I've read all this series and have enjoyed them but this one has to be my favourite, Drake is by far one of my favourite characters in this world. There was so much going on and it just kept getting more and more entertaining. There has to be a next one coming out but there's nothing on Jenna Black's website as yet to be released which is a bit disappointing as I'd like to continue this series but oh well.
June 14, 2009
this book was nearly as good as #4 but it does not inspire me to read more of the series. These vamps in this series are not strong and get beat up all through the book because they don't drink blood. This book is about one who does so he is not as woosey as the other ones in the Guardians of the Night gang. Drake is interesting but he can't save this series.
April 28, 2010
Entertaining enough, but after reading 2-4, this is still not my favorite vampire series. The heroes (with the possible exception of Gabriel from #3) are weighed down by far too much guilt and self-doubt.
I liked her Morgan Kingsley series much better.
I liked her Morgan Kingsley series much better.
Read
October 7, 2008Hungers of the Heart (The Guardians of the Night, Book 4) by Jenna Black (2008)
December 4, 2010
(Johnnie) Drake banished from Phila goes to Gabriel in Baltimore, winds up in war with Brigitte to save Faith & Lily
August 19, 2011
Just as good as the midnight breed series... and kinda reminded of it... but very Very well put together! kept me on my toes:))))
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews