A sinner’s only hope is true love in this passionate new novel in J.R. Ward’s #1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood series.Syn has kept his side hustle as a mercenary a secret from the Black Dagger Brotherhood. When he takes another hit job, he not only crosses the path of the vampire race’s new enemy, but also that of a half-breed in danger of dying during her transition. Jo … during her transition. Jo Early has no idea what her true nature is, and when a mysterious man appears out of the darkness, she is torn between their erotic connection and the sense that something is very wrong.
Fate anointed Butch O’Neal as the Dhestroyer, the fulfiller of the prophecy that foresees the end of the Omega. As the war with the Lessening Society comes to a head, Butch gets an unexpected ally in Syn. But can he trust the male—or is the warrior with the bad past a deadly complication?
With time running out, Jo gets swept up in the fighting and must join with Syn and the Brotherhood against ultimate evil. In the end, will love true prevail…or was the prophecy wrong all along?
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Ok, I was excited to dive into this beaut! I loooooooooooove getting lost in J.R. Ward’s BDB world and this book definitely did not disappoint! I was trying to not read it too fast but I was lost in Syn and Jo’s lives. The lessers were building up in this book and Butch’s prophesy was a big theme here, too. There was so much going on and I wanted to wrap myself up in J.R.’s words! While Syn was the major focus, I liked how we saw other brothers as well. This book reminds me of why I love this world of hers. I don’t want to ruin this story for you, so I’m just going to say if you’ve loved her other books, I’m certain you won’t be disappointed with what’s happening here. And to say I was shook is an understatement. I’m already eagerly awaiting what’s to come! J.R. Ward is a dang genius!
4.5 stars
Like the other books in this series, this one has multiple stories going on at once, so it took me a bit to get acclimated to all the points of view. But then I started getting invested not only in Syn and Jo’s story, but also the symbiotic relationship of Butch and V.
Jo Early is a reporter with a special interest in vampires so she seems to be ending up in the right place and then having to have her memory wiped. She is adopted and unaware of her own nature as a half breed or what may be in store for her, but the brothers can tell. And there may be more of a connection than anyone realizes. She is bold, inquisitive, and determined to get answers which puts her at risk.
Syn is one of the Band of Bastards. He has lived a long, hard life and deals with an inner demon who thrives on violence. He also does side work as a mercenary, and it leads him into Jo’s life. He does not get attached to people and he has a lot of personal issues. But they develop a connection and he realizes that he wants to be a protector for her. And she unexpectedly finds herself relying on him. But he knows she deserves more than he can give and he cannot change who he is. And she has no idea what she is really getting mixed up in.
And Butch and V seem to be a near end of taking out the lessers and they are both necessary to complete that goal. But no one is sure if the prophecy is true. And desperate evil can be even more unpredictable.
The layered story all pieces itself together to lead to a much-awaited climax. I really came to like Syn and his relationship with Jo. He unexpectedly found himself with opportunities for growth and change. I like when even the character himself is not sure if they are redeemable. It illustrates the importance of finding purpose, connections, and a sense of belonging.
There are some other notable points of view with a couple of characters weaved in, but they felt like more side stories to me. I was most interested in Jo and Syn, Butch and V, and the battle fans have been waiting a long time for….and it did not disappoint. There are some twists and surprises. And it set up a possible match made in hell (or heaven) for the next story.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Amazing book and story!
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This is the story of Syn and Jo. It’s also a story of war and despair. And a story of hope and love.
It’s hard to dive into the review and only tell you bits and pieces of the story. So let me just say that this is yet one more piece of the entire series that makes it so freaking addictive!
Syn is a soft hearted guy deep down. He has not always been a good person and he recognizes his faults. But when he and Jo meet he recognizes some thing inside. Some thing pure and wholesome that makes him look at the world differently. Yearning for something more he doesn’t believe he deserves.
I don’t want to spoil this awesome read for you. What I will say is that Ward has an amazing imagination and a talent beyond anyone in this genre.
The Sinner is gruesome but very bad ass at the same time. Full of love and appreciation for each other, these characters are just a perfect example of true friendship. They truly are brothers and a wonderful blend of family.
An amazing story of caring, compassion, and a deep connected love. An explosive story you simply cannot miss!!
5 Fabulous Hot Stars!