Curious how other's would like to see this series end.

[Nykyrian]

I adore Azriel as much as I want to smack Risa, which is to say, a lot. That being said, I'm dumbfounded by how many roadblocks they have to jump over to be together. I think it's obvious they're soulmates, or lifemates, or whatever the hell. But I can't seem to fully work out a HEA for them. Do they live on this plane (which I can't see, since Az hates it here), the grey fields (which would bore Risa to tears), part time in both? I'm curious what other's think is going to happen. I am convinced that any child of theirs, especially a daughter, is someone I would go out of my way to avoid pissing off. Both parents have nasty tempers, though Az tends to boil and Risa just blows, but combined...damn, and they're powerful to boot.

[Susanne]

I also adore Azriel. I think the reason that he stopped her from accepting death is because he could not bear to part with her. There was a part in the last book (Darkness Unmasked) where Azriel asks Risa, if there was any way they could be together, would she take it. She says, yes, then, wonders if some sort of agreement had been reached. I also think, that should they live in the grey fields when not on duty, she would not be unhappy. The grey fields of the reapers/dark angels is full of life and colour. It is only to others that they are grey and void of life.

[Matteo]

I want Risa and Azriel together too, but I'm not sure how that's gonna work. Won't Risa have to die to become a Dark Angel or a reaper or am I wrong? While I enjoy the storyline, I am growing a tad bit annoyed with Hunter and her BS, and Risa and Azriel's inability to get over their issues. The rape of both Riza,and Ilianna, was rough to read. I had to wonder if that was really needed. Could they have become pregnant some other way, and how is the storyline gonna work with Risa being pregnant? She gets the crap beat out of her at least 3-4 times each book. Both girls being pregnant at the same time is going to be a lot for the storylines of the next book, especially with Tao losing control. I love the books but I have no idea where this is going to end.

[Matteo]

Susanne wrote: "I also adore Azriel. I think the reason that he stopped her from accepting death is because he could not bear to part with her. There was a part in the last book (Darkness Unmasked) where Azriel as..."

I think if they had made an agreement, Risa would not have reacted so strongly to Azriel stopping her death and changing her fate and chances at seeing her mother again. She would not have sent him away.

[Susanne]

Matteo, please read pg 284 of Darkness Unmasked (at the bottom thru the top of pg 285).
"You know," I said, as he [Azriel] pulled out a chair and seated me, "You might just become a keeper if you carry on like this."
He didn't immediately answer, but when he did, his voice was oddly formal. "And would you wish that, if the situation were different?"
I paused, the sandwich halfway to my mouth, and met his gaze. "If the situation were different, if we weren't who we were, and the option was there, yes, I would like that very much."
He nodded, and it oddly felt as if an agreement had been reached. I frowned, wondering what exactly that might have been, but his expression--or lack thereof--very much suggested he wasn't about to elaborate.
"Because there is nothing to elaborate," he said softly. "What happens next is in the hands of the fates." (Arthur, Keri; Darkness Unmasked; pg. 284-285)
I think this is where he believes an accord has been reached. He wants her, and he cannot bear to lose her to death. She herself admits on pg 371 that it is mostly anger and fear talking when she banishes him. I think she is hurt because she thinks he only took her from the grey fields because of the child. I believe that Illiana knows that Risa and Azriel are destined for one one another (given what she says to Risa at the end of the book).

[Veronica]

Thanks for bringing that quote, Suzanne. I had forgotten about it but when I first read it I remember wondering what the agreement was about. It makes sense in hindsight with what happened at the end. I get so frustrated with Risa though because she can't seem to see that Azriel truly loves her now and that it's not just all about the mission anymore.

Also, God but I hated Lucian. It ticks me off that all of Azriel's and Risa's lovemaking scenes were of the fade-to-black variety while we had to read about Lucian raping her the first time (along with Risa's stupid ass hormones that still respond to him. Just ugh!).

[Susanne]

I agree with you Veronica. Also, idiot Risa would rather believe that Azriel is only interested in the child. From what I have read, I think ALL children are precious in his eyes--not just his own. He has loved her since he saw her, and she is too blind to see it. Even Iliana has noticed; not just because of her vision or Dia's visions, but also because of the way Azriel looks at her & reacts when Risa is in danger. Heck he beat the snot out of Jak when he thought Jak was involved when Lucian took her and raped her--and, at that time, he did not even know that she was pregnant. Sorry. Ranting. Just love Azriel--want to slap Risa for her blindness.

[Veronica]

Yeah, it's like she has blinders on when it comes to him. It seems obvious to us but she can't get it through her head. Has Keri Arthur stated how many more books there'll be in the series?

Also, I've not read the Riley Jensen series but is there any mention of any visions/prophecies about Risa in that series that allude to Azriel? I guess we should start calling him Rephael though, even if it seems weird after all this time. lol

[Susanne]

There is only 1 more in the Dark Angel series that comes out Nov 4. It is called Darkness Unsplintered. I think that it does mention (when Riley and Dia--Risa's mom become friends) that Dia says she sees demons and dark angels in Risa's future. I will look it up and get back to you. BTW: The Riley Jenson series is soooo worth reading! =)
It does seem weird to know his real name now. That is, again, Risa's fault. In banishing him, he can no longer be attuned to her chi. If she can ever get past her mountainous pride & ego to call him back, she has to say his true name--when not attuned to her chi, he cannot know when she needs him.

[Veronica]

Ack, only one more!

ETA: A quick look at Keri's FAQ page at her site indicates that there will be seven books in the series. So there will be one more after Darkness Splintered - "Darkness Something Dramatic" (still untitled). Whew! After taking five books to find the first two keys I didn't think one book was going to be enough to find the third and wrap up everything else, namely Risa's and Azriel's (hopefully) HEA.

[Susanne]

Oh! Thanks! Last I had looked at the site, Darkness Unsplintered was to be the last! I am very happy that we will get one more! I, too, am hoping to see Azriel and Risa get their HEA.