Return to the ¿utterly addictive¿ (RT Book Reviews), “fast-paced and humorous” (Publishers Weekly) world of New York Times bestselling author Dianne Duvall¿s Immortal Guardians.Dana Pembroke has been able to glimpse the future of those she touches for as long as she can remember. But she never saw Aidan coming. When the tall, dark Celt with the charming grin yet world-weary eyes walks through … through her door, the future she sees for him is one full of violence, danger, deception¿ and passion. Because amidst the terrifying battles that unfold in her visions, she also sees herself in Aidan¿s arms and in his bed. Dana knows she should keep her distance, but the tender moments and laughter they share entice her even as she finds herself thrust into a world of vampires, immortals, and other preternatural beings.Immortal Guardian Aidan O¿Byrne has been hunting and slaying psychotic vampires for nearly three thousand years, so visions of bloody battles don¿t trouble him. The battles Dana foresees, however, show Aidan¿s brethren turning against him, so he can¿t help but feel alarmed. While he spends as much time as he can with Dana, struggling to decipher her dire predictions, Aidan finds himself utterly smitten. Hope rises that he has finally found a woman who can banish the darkness and loneliness that plague him. But when vampires begin targeting Dana and a powerful enemy spawns chaos, will fate grant them time to find happiness together?
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“His beautiful eyes were full of dread and sorrow.
“You’re different,” she whispered.
He nodded. “Yes, I am.”
“You should have told me how different.”
A mirthless laugh escaped him. “When?”
Blade of Darkness by Dianne Duvall is the first book I’ve ever read by Dianne, but it certainly will not be the last. I’m happy to pass along that, even though Blade of Darkness is the seventh installment in Dianne’s Immortal Guardians series, it works quite well as a standalone. I never once felt lost and found myself completely immersed in the incredible fantasy world that Dianne has created from the very beginning. While the romance is fully self-contained in this novel, it is obvious that there’s a danger plot that encompasses the series. I’m thoroughly intrigued and will be reading the previous books soon to catch up, not only with the series’ storyline, but the stories of the other primary characters. This is the story of Immortal Guardian Aidan O’Byrne and fortune teller Dana Pembroke.
As the tale opens, readers learn that Aidan is lonely. That’s understandable given that he’s been alone for nearly three thousand years. The great news is that he has a plan to change his status sooner rather than later. To that end, he has broken into headquarters and stolen a list of female gifted ones from which he is determined to find his one and only. He’s been caught creating chance meetings with a couple of the ladies on the list by flattening their tires to meet them by gallantly changing their tires.
Next on his list to meet is Dana. To that end, since she’s a fortune teller, he’s set up an appointment to have his fortune told. Unexpectedly, when she touches Aidan, she sees him furiously fight with swords; then she seems them as a couple steamily making love. Admittedly, she a bit taken back, but she’s also strongly attracted to Aidan and not afraid to face the future.
Aidan is one hot, funny, strong and loyal Scot. Dana is amazing. She’s powerfully gifted, level-headed and single. Ooh la la! Their chemistry is sizzling from the get-go. I love how they were comfortable with each other from the start and how that feels right. Being honest with each other is a definite tripping point because Dana feels that Aidan would mock her abilities and Aidan can never find a good time to disclose that he’s medieval and possesses fangs. Such trivialities…
One of my favorite scenes is when Dana meets the other utterly imposing Immortals en masse but she doesn’t blink nor cut them any slack AND she stands up for Aidan against them even though any of them could crush her to a pulp. She is one tough cookie, for sure! I alternately laughed, swooned and fretted with them as forces interfered with Aidan’s wooing efforts by wreaking deathly havoc. The nerve! I look forward to keeping up with this couple as the series progresses and can’t wait to fill in Aidan’s back story from the previous installments.
Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from Blade of Darkness
“Aidan ducked his head, burying his face in the crook of her neck. “Damn, you feel good,” he whispered, his deep voice hoarse with need.
It only excited her more. “What do you say we forget dinner and the movie?” she whispered, her breath shortening.
“How you tempt me,” he rumbled, tightening his hold.
“If I tempted you as much as you tempt me,” she pronounced boldly, “we would both be naked right now.”
—
“You think I’m a geek now, don’t you?” he jested.
She relaxed a little more. “No.”
“First I say fanny. Now this.”
She smiled. “Actually, I thought your fanny was cute.” Her eyes widened. “The fanny,” she corrected hastily. “I thought the fanny was cute. Your saying it, I mean.”
He winked. “I prefer the first one.”
She laughed. “I bet you do.”
—
“Sit down,” she ordered, nodding toward her bed.
He cast it an uncertain look. “I can’t. I’ll stain the covers.”
She stared at him. “You’re kidding, right?” He sported deep wounds that bled profusely and he was concerned about staining her bedding?
“Perhaps if I cleaned up a wee bit—”
“Sit your ass down,” she ordered, pointing at the queen-sized bed.
Eyebrows flying up, he sat so swiftly she almost laughed.”
Blade of Darkness hit all the right notes for me with outstandingly vivid characterizations, dangerous dynamics, humorous banter and swoony sexy times. If you enjoy passionately hot, action-packed paranormal urban fantasy romances teeming with twists and turns, I’d highly encourage you to check out Dianne Duvall’s Blade of Darkness!
If you have never read Dianne Duvall and her Immortal Guardians… DO IT NOW! It will be the best series you’ve ever read (if you like paranormal!).
This may be my favorite book in this series yet. The author really outdid herself. I love these characters and wish I was part of their family. There were so many funny parts. We got to see them all gathered together at David’s house a lot, which is something I love. So much happened in this one that I don’t know where to begin. We get a surprise at the end for one couple we have grown to love. We also get to see more of General Lane. I hate spoilers but I have to say, if you read this for nothing else, read it for the scene in which Seth is thoroughly kissed! Not to mentioned shot with tranquilizers twice. There were also a lot of hair raising moments.
I really liked Dana’s character. I have to say, this author writes female characters better than any I have ever read. I love books that have the main character be a strong male. But I also love the heroine to be strong. There’s always a perfect balance with Dianne’s couples. They fit perfectly. If you like audiobooks, be sure and snag this one. Aiden’s accent is to die for. What a great narrator!
We see a lot of Chris and, as usual, he drives me mad lol. This time I wanted to punch him. But it all works out and he is better than ever. There’s so much that could happen in future books. I can’t wait!
Blade of Darkness by Dianne Duvall is book 7 of the Immortal Guardians series. Led by Seth who is the oldest among them, the Guardians defend humanity against those driven violently insane by the same virus that infected the Guardians and gave them their immortality. I ran across these books through the Audible Romance Package on pure luck, and am thankful for it. I binged all seven books, along with the short stories and prequel Gifted Ones books, in an almost obsessively short amount of time. You could read Blade of Darkness as a standalone, but as always I advocate against it. This series especially there is a deep connection between the characters that enhance the enjoyment if you know them all.
In Blade of Darkness, Immortal Guardian Aidan has recently transferred hoping to ease the loneliness he has faced for the past 3000 years. A stronger threat has emerged and is trying to bring down the Immortal Guardian’s, making Aidan a direct target for elimination. Out of the series, Aidan’s was one of my favorites. There was a tense misdirection at play throughout Aidan’s story, and visions from Aidan’s lover Dana greatly exacerbated it. Aidan is forced to put enormous faith in his Immortal family at a time it seems they have no reason to back him. I appreciate when reading a series, you can’t take for granted that in the end, everyone will come away from the conflict unscathed. Ramifications are necessary for me to hold onto my suspension of disbelief. I felt there are real things at stake for the Immortal Guardian group in Blade of Darkness.
This series is a stand out among the urban fantasy, paranormal romance genres. I would not hesitate to recommend Blade of Darkness, and the Immortal Guardians series as a must read. The urban fantasy elements are a great mix of action, mystery/thriller, and comedy. From the question surrounding Seth’s true origins to the hilarious, snarky attitudes of some of the Guardians and their seconds, those who help the Guardians complete their daily duties, I readily admit it is great fun for me. The paranormal romance aspects of it are a great addition, but not at all what holds the stories together. But when the romance takes a front seat in the narrative, it is well worth experiencing, and insta-love is rare which I appreciate. I have added Dianne Duvall to all of my follow lists and eagerly await the next Immortal Guardian installment. All opinions are mine and may not be identical to others. I urge all readers to come to their own conclusions.
Another Immortal Guardian finds love at long last. I have the Audible version, which I’ve listened to several times. I love this series.
This is a great series, the story keeps you turning the pages. You will not be disappointed.
Fantastic