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Dark #3
Dark Devotion
The time of Odin is over. The Aesir gods now live among the humans in their bustling modern cities. Their brutal dominion over the other gods and their eradication of the entire dark elf race may have ended, but their actions have not been forgotten.
Beneath Rhys's skin lies a legendary and feared beast. Rhys is tormented by his daily struggle to contain the ruthless, cold-blooded creature sharing his body. But when his best friend Galen disappears, Rhys's careful restraint and self-control are finally broken. Fueled with a desire to find Galen, Rhys strikes an unlikely alliance with the only god who knows the truth about his dark past.
Taer has found her revenge, yet she's still not happy. There's something missing from her life, but still she fights what her heart is telling her. It's only when the incredibly infuriating and dangerously sexy Aubrey goes missing that she can admit her true feelings for him. Taer's racing against time to rescue Aubrey, but when will she finally allow him into her heart?
Perfect for fans of Gina Showalter and Patricia Briggs.
- GenresParanormal
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2016
1 person is currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Dawes
40 books229 followersLauren Dawes is a USA Today Bestselling Author. She's an urban fantasy/paranormal romance writer and the author of the Half Blood Series and the Dark Trilogy. You won’t find any friendly vampires in between the pages of her books; just blood, teeth and violence.
When she’s not writing, she’s reading or designing book covers. She currently lives in Canberra, Australia with her husband, daughter and cat.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorlaurend...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/officialldawes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlaure...
Website: http://www.authorlaurendawes.com
When she’s not writing, she’s reading or designing book covers. She currently lives in Canberra, Australia with her husband, daughter and cat.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorlaurend...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/officialldawes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlaure...
Website: http://www.authorlaurendawes.com
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 25, 2016
I received this book early in exchange for an honest review, and I'm glad I did. Dark Devotion is the third book in the Dark series. This book focuses on Rhys, a shapeshifter trying to control his other side and Taer, a woman who still feels incomplete despite having had her revenge. The Dark series on a whole is a little darker than I would normally read, there's a lot of violence and no guarantee of a happy ever after, but I was hooked from the start. Without giving too much away, Rhys's history was fascinating and Loki's part in it made me realise how much of a warped personality Loki has. All bets are off when he's in the story which really adds to the tension, because you don't know what he's going to do next.
I really liked Taer's struggle to deal with what happened in book 2. Revenge isn't going to make everything all right and she has to deal with that, and deal with her feelings towards Aubrey. Dawes shows Aubrey's softer side in this novel and makes him sympathetic in spite of his job which really should make him a bad guy. There is no black and white in this series, just endless shades of grey as people make the best choices they can in the situation, not necessarily the nicest choice.
If you like your fantasy dark and gritty, this is the series for you.
I really liked Taer's struggle to deal with what happened in book 2. Revenge isn't going to make everything all right and she has to deal with that, and deal with her feelings towards Aubrey. Dawes shows Aubrey's softer side in this novel and makes him sympathetic in spite of his job which really should make him a bad guy. There is no black and white in this series, just endless shades of grey as people make the best choices they can in the situation, not necessarily the nicest choice.
If you like your fantasy dark and gritty, this is the series for you.
October 9, 2017
Much as I was affected by the scenes involving the discovery of Sophie's I'll-health and ill-fated rush to the vet, and despite my love of Norse mythology, I really struggled with this series. Especially this book. The only relationship (romantic, friendships, mortal enemies, whatever) that felt natural or organic was the one between Eir, the Goddess of healing and Mason. Much preferred the Helheim series by the same author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2017
A stunning finish to the trilogy. I have enjoyed these books so much - the characters, the action, the overall plot. Well-written, well-paced and well-presented; a really great series.
February 21, 2016
Rhys is tormented by his daily struggle to contain the ruthless, cold-blooded creature sharing his body, but when his best friend disappears, his restraint and self-control are broken and something is still missing from Taer’s life in this riveting conclusion to the Dark trilogy.
In order to find Galen, Rhys strikes an unlikely alliance with the only god who knows the truth about his dark past and the readers can’t help but become ensnared in the deadly web of deceit and devotion as the hunt for Loki intensifies. Spine tingling tension and adrenaline pumping excitement can be found on practically every page of this story as Odin desperately tries to manipulate his way to ending Loki’s threat, Rhys’ control of the beast within is on very shaky ground as he and comes across the Valkyries and Taer struggles with her relationship with Aubrey until he becomes a pawn in this deadly battle. The scenes are well written with vivid descriptions that make it easy for the reader to become caught up in all the exciting events that guarantee the reader is glued to the pages.
There is plenty of emotional turmoil flowing throughout the pages due to relationship struggles, inner personal struggles, fear and of course the desire for revenge that marks each and every step of this battle. The steady to fast paced and smooth flowing plot draws readers in with lots of suspense and excitement, romance and strong, compelling characters that reach out for the readers’ understanding.
The trilogy is best read in sequence due to the complexity of the plot, it is full of twists and surprises that keeps readers guessing and the author’s creative play with the Norse pantheon of gods is truly fascinating and held me hostage from the very first book even though the trilogy is a bit on the dark side.
In order to find Galen, Rhys strikes an unlikely alliance with the only god who knows the truth about his dark past and the readers can’t help but become ensnared in the deadly web of deceit and devotion as the hunt for Loki intensifies. Spine tingling tension and adrenaline pumping excitement can be found on practically every page of this story as Odin desperately tries to manipulate his way to ending Loki’s threat, Rhys’ control of the beast within is on very shaky ground as he and comes across the Valkyries and Taer struggles with her relationship with Aubrey until he becomes a pawn in this deadly battle. The scenes are well written with vivid descriptions that make it easy for the reader to become caught up in all the exciting events that guarantee the reader is glued to the pages.
There is plenty of emotional turmoil flowing throughout the pages due to relationship struggles, inner personal struggles, fear and of course the desire for revenge that marks each and every step of this battle. The steady to fast paced and smooth flowing plot draws readers in with lots of suspense and excitement, romance and strong, compelling characters that reach out for the readers’ understanding.
The trilogy is best read in sequence due to the complexity of the plot, it is full of twists and surprises that keeps readers guessing and the author’s creative play with the Norse pantheon of gods is truly fascinating and held me hostage from the very first book even though the trilogy is a bit on the dark side.
February 18, 2016
Full review @http://www.abookishescape.com/2016/02...
The End, as I mentioned in the beginning this final installment is a brutal all debts paid in full read. From the so many wrongs of the past both Gods and humans will pay for their actions from good to bad. As the momentum built the reader is transfixed with the what will happen next. Towards the end there is an opening that could result in another book. Do I see it happening probably not because at the very end the reader receives full closure with all the story lines. This wasn’t a happy ending with pink bows because lives are lost and tons of blood is shed but it is a rest easy there is finally peace in our lives kind of an end. No lie I typically am a pink bow happy ending kinda gal but Dawes does an excellent job of expressing the beauty of peace through pain so I totally dig this ending. Bravo I’m looking forward to seeing what is in store for her fans and readers.
My Rating
4.5 Light Elf, Wolf, Tavern, Brothel, Blood, Restraints, Deaths, Thor, Blood Message, Grandson, Little Fighter, Clan Decision, Wedding Day, Servant, Valhalla, Sword, Betrayal, Drugs, Hand, Ripped, Slain, Fire, Lightning, Vanishing, A Simplified Yet Amplified Love Through Peace Full Stars!
The End, as I mentioned in the beginning this final installment is a brutal all debts paid in full read. From the so many wrongs of the past both Gods and humans will pay for their actions from good to bad. As the momentum built the reader is transfixed with the what will happen next. Towards the end there is an opening that could result in another book. Do I see it happening probably not because at the very end the reader receives full closure with all the story lines. This wasn’t a happy ending with pink bows because lives are lost and tons of blood is shed but it is a rest easy there is finally peace in our lives kind of an end. No lie I typically am a pink bow happy ending kinda gal but Dawes does an excellent job of expressing the beauty of peace through pain so I totally dig this ending. Bravo I’m looking forward to seeing what is in store for her fans and readers.
My Rating
4.5 Light Elf, Wolf, Tavern, Brothel, Blood, Restraints, Deaths, Thor, Blood Message, Grandson, Little Fighter, Clan Decision, Wedding Day, Servant, Valhalla, Sword, Betrayal, Drugs, Hand, Ripped, Slain, Fire, Lightning, Vanishing, A Simplified Yet Amplified Love Through Peace Full Stars!
June 26, 2019
Gods, Valkyries, and Elves Oh My!
Dark Devotion is the third book in the Dark series by Lauren Dawes.
When I requested this book I had yet to read the first two, but was not worried about needing to have done that.
Well shortly into Dark Devotion I stopped and went and purchased the first 2 books, Dark Deceit and Dark Desire. I did not purchase the first two because I needed the back story. I did it because I knew within just a few chapters of Dark Devotion that I wanted to get absorbed into this storyline and stay for as long as I could.
I know very little of Norse Mythology, but not once did I feel lost. On more than one occasion I found myself crying while reading this. This is not your typical HEA, sometimes the good guys don't make through to the end and it was their loss that tore at my heartstrings. To do that shows you the author knows what their doing.
Dark Devotion is flooded with mythical beings, but Dawes was able to bring in real life problems and emotions that I feel grounded the characters.
Dark Devotion is the third book in the Dark series by Lauren Dawes.
When I requested this book I had yet to read the first two, but was not worried about needing to have done that.
Well shortly into Dark Devotion I stopped and went and purchased the first 2 books, Dark Deceit and Dark Desire. I did not purchase the first two because I needed the back story. I did it because I knew within just a few chapters of Dark Devotion that I wanted to get absorbed into this storyline and stay for as long as I could.
I know very little of Norse Mythology, but not once did I feel lost. On more than one occasion I found myself crying while reading this. This is not your typical HEA, sometimes the good guys don't make through to the end and it was their loss that tore at my heartstrings. To do that shows you the author knows what their doing.
Dark Devotion is flooded with mythical beings, but Dawes was able to bring in real life problems and emotions that I feel grounded the characters.
June 15, 2016
Kindly provided with an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.......
Woo wee.....if you want tormented hero's, myth, magic, fantasy and paranormal all wrapped up in one box then look no further. Here's your read !!!
This was book 3 in the series and although I had not read books 1 & 2, I had no problem getting up to speed. The book centers around Rhys who is searching for his friend Galen. I would say its quite the gripping read. The ending is "Dark" with not every character surviving. Normally I am a rainbows and HEA kind of gal. However, I felt the conclusion suited the theme of the book......survival of the fittest.
Overall I enjoyed and would recommend. Well done Lauren and many thanks for the opportunity x
Later peeps xxx
Woo wee.....if you want tormented hero's, myth, magic, fantasy and paranormal all wrapped up in one box then look no further. Here's your read !!!
This was book 3 in the series and although I had not read books 1 & 2, I had no problem getting up to speed. The book centers around Rhys who is searching for his friend Galen. I would say its quite the gripping read. The ending is "Dark" with not every character surviving. Normally I am a rainbows and HEA kind of gal. However, I felt the conclusion suited the theme of the book......survival of the fittest.
Overall I enjoyed and would recommend. Well done Lauren and many thanks for the opportunity x
Later peeps xxx
April 16, 2016
I received this as an ARC in return for an honest opinion.
Although there wasn't enough romance elements in the book to keep me reading, I loved the way this book was written. It had some great characters, great narrative and a fast-moving plot. Awesome writing Lauren. I'd call this an urban fantasy more than a romance. If u love UF, this one is for you.
Although there wasn't enough romance elements in the book to keep me reading, I loved the way this book was written. It had some great characters, great narrative and a fast-moving plot. Awesome writing Lauren. I'd call this an urban fantasy more than a romance. If u love UF, this one is for you.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews