Darkness Rises by Dianne Duvall

October 18th, 2013 Kimberly Review 124 Comments

18th Oct
Darkness Rises by Dianne Duvall
Darkness Rises
by Dianne Duvall
Series: Immortal Guardians #4
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star

Krysta is used to getting the drop on vampires. Her "special abilities" aren't much, but the plan is simple -- she plays helpless pretty young thing to lure them in. Then her shoto swords come out and it's bye-bye, bloodsucker. Until one night she finds herself with an unexpected ally. He's a vampire, all right, but different. Mysterious. Handsome. And more interested in saving her skin than draining it. Étienne has been an Immortal Guardian for two hundred years -- long enough to know that Krysta is special. He can't stop thinking about her long legs, even more than her short swords. Then he discovers the vamps she's exterminating have friends in high places, and the Guardians are in danger, too. He'll have to accept Krysta's help to save them. The stakes for a mortal are high. But the cost to his heart might be higher . .

Darkness Rises by Dianne Duvall quickly reminded me why I enjoy paranormal romances wrapped in suspense and a little paranormal woo-woo. While this was my first Duvall novel and the fourth in the Immortal Guardians series, this worked wonderfully as a standalone. Fans of Laurie London’s Sweetblood series will love the fast-pace, characters and sizzling romance that Duvall delivers. Three word review: suspenseful, romantic and action-packed.

Etienne an immortal guardian is watching from the rooftops never campus keeping an eye out for vampires. He is a hunter and keeps the bloodsuckers from ruling the night. As he watches he sees Krysta, obviously impaired exiting a sorority house. He is struck by her beauty and begins to follow her fearing she would make an easy target, and sure enough vampires are soon on her tail. When she enters a dark alley, he moves forward to aid her but gets the shock of his life, when this completely sober beauty begins kicking vampire ass. The tale that unfolds was fast-paced, engaging and totally hot. From the characters to the world Duvall had me under her spell, as I laughed, squirmed and rooted for this duo.

All of the characters I encountered throughout Darkness Rises were fleshed out and had unique voices, so that I immediately could tell them apart. Etienne is a two hundred year old Frenchman, who was a gifted one. He was accidentally turned Immortal along with his brother by their sister. As an Immortal, he is young, but already an experienced hunter who can read minds and hear thoughts. I found him to be smexy, funny and just so darn cute. I laughed as much as I sighed over him. Krysta is one kick-ass heroine who see auras. She uses that gift to hunt vampires with her brother, a healer. Krysta is confident, determined and thinks getting to choice her weapons from a collections of bad-ass weapons is the crème de la crème. She is level headed she, and she processes things logically without getting all hysterical. We meet other immortals and gifted ones, and some couples from previous books. I loved how they work as a unit and am anxious to go back and read through the series.

In Darkness Rises, the author gave us a strong sense of the world and the supernatural creatures residing there. I loved all the rich details which slid seamlessly from the author’s pen giving me a panoramic view. While some might say Etienne and Krysta’s romance developed too quickly, but for me, the author made it feel genuine, and I was immediately invested in them both. The sexual tension, banter and smoking hot sex scenes were scrumptious. The plot had the couple facing a new threat, recruiting the enemy and going on the offense. It was intense, action-packed and had my heart racing. The tale is told from several perspectives which help draw me in and connect. There are side threads which develop and will continue into the next book, but for the most part this story was self-contained. After an intense climactic scene towards the end, the author gives us some humor and leaves us on a high note as she sets up for book five.

Fans of action-packed, smoking hot paranormal romance wrapped in suspense will love Darkness Rises and the Immortal Guardians series. I snagged a copy of Darkness Dawns book one in the series and will be working my way through them in anticipation of book five, since I cannot wait to see what happens next.

 

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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124 Responses to “Darkness Rises by Dianne Duvall”

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Agreed, I love the idea of paranormal things, and powers and magic.

  2. Texas Book Lover

    I just finished reading book three about a week or so again and loved it! I am super excited to read your part in Predatory and then Darkness Rises.

    I read just about every kind of romance there is including paranormal romance. I love to mix the paranormals in because they are so far from reality and sometimes that is exactly where I need to be, away from reality. And no matter what kind of book I am reading, if it is well written and captures my attention. I get absorbed into the story and transported like I am living in it.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This was my first, but I snagged book one and cannot wait to catch up with ya all! Enjoy. I love all kinds of romance too, one of my favorites is romantic suspense, and yes that book high where the rest of the world slips away is one I constantly chase 🙂 thanks for your lovely comment and good luck Texas 🙂

  3. felicia sidoma

    I love paranormal because its things that go bump in the night, its unusual and lots of time just straight sexy.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      So glad to hear you love the series, I am so glad I got the opportunity to try this, and snagged book one!

  5. Dani

    This is one of those series I keep meaning to start reading. I am totally addicted to these kinds of books! 🙂

  6. Damaris

    I love paranormal stories for the creativity! The world building, the special abilities of the characters. Great combination that enhances the story. Thanks for the giveaway.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      :snort: I am so glad I could feed your addiction and look forward to hearing your thoughts on them Vilia 🙂

  8. Lori H

    I am looking forward to starting this series. The first book is the next book on my nightstand stack 🙂 I’ve heard so many good things about it. Thanks for sharing 😀

  11. Diane Sallans

    Paranormal really frees the author to make up there own world – and I gotta have the romance!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yep in paranormal I need the romance, in UF I can wait 3 or 4 books for it to build..LOL

  12. Lark of the Bookwyrm's Hoard

    Jayne Ann Krentz was the one who got me into paranormal suspense. I’m not big on the really dark stuff, or demons and fallen angels. (Or zombies, as you know.) But if there’s some humor along with the woo-woo stuff, that’s a lot of fun.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Krentz, well Quick was the one I cred for my love of paranormal woo-woo. This isn’t overly dark, in fact it is warm and fuzzy in a lot of places. I would say snag book one from the library…you never know until you try. I bought book one and cannot wait to devour it 🙂

  13. kimbacaffeinate

    *waves to Pamela* I am really happy I tried this series, and hope you get a chance to read them 🙂

  15. Berls

    This is a series I’ve had on my TBR for a little while now. I didn’t know they would work as standalones – but this one really sounds good. Do you know if these characters are in the other books? Because a chick kicking vampire butt took me straight to Buffy – which, as you know, is my happy place (even if she’s not really like her).

    Great review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Etienne is in past books, as well as a lot of the secondary characters, I am sure we will see them in the next book as well. I grabbed book one, and fans are telling me it was their favorite 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thanks. I love paranormal romance and the suspense in them.

  17. Stephanie F

    I love this series. The family dynamic, sexy men and women that hold their own and kick a**. It has everything I love about PNR and UF. Great review.

  18. Jenea

    Why yes, those cover Are great! *fans self* It does sounds really good too. I’m glad that you enjoyed it. 🙂

  19. Braine Talk Supe

    PNR’s got the best of everything: suspense, mystery, blood & gore and hot romances, it engage me in every way. Gets my heart pumping for different reasons, keeps me young.

  20. Terrie Fulk

    I love paranormal romance due to the darkness and mysterious aspect of them. The idea of a mate or soul mate is romantic. Also the alpha male vamps and shifters.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yep Terri, those alpha males are yum, and I like the mystery and suspense as well. Like you I am a romantic and love the idea of a soul mate. Good luck!

  21. Eva Millien

    I love this series and I love paranormal because there is always something special with every story. evamillien at gmail dot com Thanks for sharing.

  23. Sienna Snow

    This book sounds amazing, and I love paranormal because they’re just more intense I guess, same with the men :)))

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I think it is those suspenseful elements added to the tale, and yep the men are yummy!

  24. Carmel

    I’m so glad you loved this one and will be continuing with this series!! The first book is still my favourite though. Roland… *swoon* Can’t wait to read your thoughts!

  25. Michele

    You’re killing me. Another amazing sounding series to add to my list! Do stop tempting me with your reviews, k? … Nahhh… you know I don’t mean it… 😉 This truly sounds like my kind of book, and the guy on the cover looks like McSteamy from Grey’s Anatomy… yes, please! Have a wonderful weekend 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Hehehe, hmm I could just do spotlights? :snort: but I love sharing my thoughts to darn much. Just call me the “book pusher” 🙂

  27. Ellen

    This sounds like a great book. I love the fact that even though it is part of a series that it can be read as a standalone. Wonderful review!

      • Dianne Duvall

        I’ve lost count of the number of favorite series I started reading in the middle, so I wanted to make sure readers wouldn’t be lost if they started mine in the middle, too. 🙂

  28. A Voracious Reader

    Yay! I’m glad you enjoyed it! If you liked the style, etc in this one then you will get much the same in all the others. I love, love, love this series. Keepers, every single one. And seriously? I’m anxiously waiting for Seth’s book. *fans self vigorously*

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Thanks, and yes I bought book one and cannot wait to devour them all!

    • Dianne Duvall

      Thank you so much for the wonderful reviews you’ve given my books! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the series! And, even though it isn’t his, you’ll see a lot of Seth in the next book (Night Unbound, Book 5). 😉 I hope you’ll like it!

  29. Melissa (Books and Things)

    I know! This series rocks. I hope you really enjoy the series and you will love Sebastian. 😀 Read all of the series and you will see why I say that. LOL I can’t wait for the next installment. I’m thinking an angel will get his chance next… I hope David gets his day too. 😀

  30. Shellyb

    I love the fantasy aspect of paranormal romance. It’s my favorite genre!

  31. Heidi

    I grabbed a copy of book one after I read Melissa’s review. I haven’t delved into a good paranormal romance in awhile, so it is time. I plan on reading a lot more of what I want to in 2014 and this series is at the top of the list!

  32. Chris Bails

    I love paranormal romance. I love different authors takes on the paranormal beings. I love the fantasy part that there is all these paranormal beings are living amoung us.

  34. Candace

    This sounds great! I do like some paranormal romances and the plot of this sounds good. I also like that this can work as a stand alone. Thanks for the wonderful review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I like her twist on vampires and the suspense really drew me in, thanks Candace and good luck!

    • Dianne Duvall

      For me, the biggest challenge in writing a series is ensuring that each book can be read as a stand-alone novel, so I was happy to see Darkness Rises passed the test. 🙂 I hope you’ll like my Immortal Guardians, Candace!

  35. gamistress66

    really enjoying this series and looking forward to more 🙂 and I agree, those covers are indeed yummy 😉

    • kimbacaffeinate

      So glad to hear you are enjoying this series and that I am not alone as I drool over these covers..LOL good luck 🙂

  37. Amber M

    I like paranormal romances because anything can happen, and I like the unexpected when it makes things better and more intense. This sounds like a good series. 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I love the unexpected too Amber, plus I’d like to think there is more out there..LOL Good luck to you 🙂

  38. Tammy

    To me, paranormal romance just adds that extra something to romance books. Even more things can happen with special powers.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I am glad the audio versions are good, and I am so glad I tried this series!

    • Dianne Duvall

      Hi, Felicia! I hope you’ll like the audiobook! I haven’t had a chance to listen to it yet myself, but think Kirsten Potter did a great job on the earlier books. 🙂

  42. Nick

    I’ve never heard of this series before, but it sure does sound like fun.
    I love how Krysta looked sweet and innocent and then all of a sudden started kicking vampire butt! LOL! That must have come as a shock to Etienne. I will keep this book in mind when I want to read a paranormal romance!
    Lovely review, Kim!

    • Dianne Duvall

      Hi, Nick! Thanks for joining us. Krysta does the unexpected and catches Étienne off guard several times in the book. If it were possible for an Immortal Guardian to go gray, I think she would have given Étienne several gray hairs by the end of the novel. 🙂 I hope you’ll enjoy their story!

  43. Jenny

    YAY KIM!!!! I’m so glad you’ve started this series! It’s one of my very favorite PNR series, I hope you go back to the beginning because all the books are awesome. I can’t wait for the day when we finally get Seth’s book. *sigh* Probably a long wait on that though:) I’m so excited to get my hands on Etienne, I adore him!

    • Dianne Duvall

      Wow! Thanks, Jenny! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the series! You’re right. I think it’s going to take me a while to get to Seth’s book, but I’m working on the fifth book in the series — Night Unbound — now and can tell you that Seth plays a large role in it even though he isn’t the hero. 🙂

  44. glass

    Oh, I completely forgot about this series. *hides behind her bookshelves* I loved first three books – I had hard time finding good pnr after Black Dagger Brotherhood.

    Great review.

    Glass @ Way Too Hot Books

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Don’t hide, this was the first one for me..LOL I cannot wait to read the others 🙂

  45. Sebella Blue

    I have been a fan of this series since book 1, Darkness Dawns. It incorporates humor, off the charts sexiness and a cat.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Sweet, I am glad you love this series, I am looking forward to reading the first books and those yet to come. I loved the banter and snark between the characters and yep it was smexy!

    • Dianne Duvall

      Hi, Sebella! More often than not in the paranormal romances I’ve read, animals were terrified of the vampires or other preternatural heroes. I decided to do the opposite in my series and made animals (cats in particular) love my Immortal Guardians. 😉

  46. Mary

    “Paranormal woo-woo” *snort* But, yeah, that’s why I like that genre — hot, suspense-filled and fast-paced. Plus, Immortals Guardians are always a good thing.

  47. Evie

    This sounds pretty delicious 🙂 I don’t read much paranormal romance, or urban fantasy for that matter, but I think if I were to try something like that, I’d pick a series that is romantic and action packed like this one 🙂 I’m really happy to hear that you enjoyed it so much and that it can be read as a stand-alone! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts with us!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Evie until I read Second Site by Amanda Quick I was like you, and now I love mixing them in to my reads. 🙂

      • Dianne Duvall

        I’ve always loved paranormal romance. I’m so glad publishers finally recognized the demand for them and started publishing more. I used to have to wait forever between reads. 🙂

  48. Ginny

    I just added to my TBR shelf. I have been wanting a new paranormal romance series to read and this one sounds perfect. I’ve been in a reading funk lately so I think I will pick up book 1 this weekend. I love paranormal romance.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I haven’t read the previous books, but I love Duvall’s twist on Vampires. I think you would enjoy this, the heroine is kick-ass, and the dynamics of the “family” is interesting.