Courting Darkness (An Otherworld Novel) [Mass Market Paperback]

Yasmine Galenorn (Author)

Book Description

Release date: November 1, 2011 | Series: An Otherworld Novel (Book 10)

We're the D'Artigo sisters: sexy, savvy ex-operatives for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. But being half-human, half-Fae means our powers go haywire at all the wrong times. My sister Delilah is a Death Maiden and werecat who belongs to the Autumn Lord. My sister Menolly is a vampire who's dating a gorgeous werepuma,  and the godfather of the undead-set. And me? I'm Camille, Priestess of the Moon Mother, married to a dragon, a youkai, and a Svartan. But my dragon father-in-law has decided that he doesn't like having me for a member of the family...           

It's Winter Solstice, and Aeval welcomes me into her Court of Darkness. With Morio still dangerously weak from his injuries and Vanzir alive only thanks to my silence, the thought of training under Morgaine doesn't seem as daunting as it did. But then, Hyto returns to shatter my life. Captured and swept off to the Dragon Reaches, can I manage to stay alive long enough to escape, even as Smoky's father intends to break my spirit, then my body?

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Yasmine Galenorn writes urban fantasy for Berkley: both the bestselling Otherworld/Sisters of the Moon Series for Berkley and the bestselling Indigo Court urban fantasy series. In the past, she wrote mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime, and nonfiction metaphysical books. Her books have hit the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists numerous times. Yasmine has been in the Craft for over 30 years, is a shamanic witch, and describes her life as a blend of teacups and tattoos. She lives in Kirkland WA with her husband Samwise and their cats.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Jove; First Edition edition (November 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 051515007X
• ISBN-13: 978-0515150070
• Product Dimensions: 4.1 x 1 x 6.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #88,922 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author Yasmine Galenorn writes two bestselling urban fantasy series: the Otherworld Series (Sisters of the Moon Series), and the Indigo Court Series, both for Berkley. She will soon be adding an Otherworld spinoff--the Fly By Night Series. She's also written a paranormal mystery series (the Chintz 'n China Series) for Berkley Prime Crime, a short-lived mystery series (the Bath & Body Series) under the name of India Ink, again for Berkley Prime Crime, and eight metaphysical nonfiction books (Llewellyn Publications and Crossing Press).

Yasmine is a shamanic witch, and walks an eclectic path. She considers her life a blend of teacups and tattoos--the former in her china closet, the latter on her skin. She's a theatre major, a graduate of the Evergreen State College (Olympia WA). She lives in the Seattle WA area with her husband and is the mother of four cats.

Because so many people ask, you pronounce her name this way: Yaz-mihn (NOT Jasmine--it's a "Y", not a "J"). Last name is pronounced: Gal-eh-norn The accent is on the first syllable.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Dark, Gritty, and Raw November 1, 2011

By A Book Obsession.. TOP 1000 REVIEWER

Format:Mass Market Paperback

Things were really starting to look up for Camile. She's more in love then ever with her triad of husbands, now that Morio is on the mend, and the other two are home safe with her, well as safe as they can be considering the war. Even her upcoming training with Morgaine doesn't bother her as much anymore. All that changes when she is captured by Smoky's father, who is bent on vengence. He plans to break her mind, body, and soul slowly in the most horrific ways possible. She knows she must hold on to hope with every last shred, but how long can she really hang on with what she is about to face?

Not once in this entire series has the danger been as real and horrific as it was in Courting Darkness. In the author's note at the end she talks about how the story was dark, but that it had to be that way due to Hyto's nature. I completely agree with her, especially since he is by far the sickest thing the sisters have faced. That's really saying something when you look back over everything that has happened. My heart was pounding for the entire book and I literally cringed everytime Hyto came around. However, it isn't all dark as we got to see just how strong Camile is. What she withstands is nothing short of remarkable, but what is even more impressive is her character growth in the end. She learns that she can't always be the rock and that sometimes its okay to lean on others for support. In the past she has always taken on the heaviest burdens, but now I see her sharing some of that with the others, making the group only stronger in the end. The more these sisters grow and mature, the greater a force the become to be reckoned with. I know I wouldn't want to be on their bad side.

Courting Darkness, like all of Camille's books, comes jammed packed with sensuality.... (Who can blame her as she has three incredibly sexy men for husbands!) It's always entertaining to watch them all struggle to get along and make things work, as each man is very different. Of course the focus in this book was mostly on Smoky due to the circumstances. I really enjoyed the closer look into his life. As a dragon he is so very territorial and quick to anger, yet his devotion to Camile is incredible. To see such a powerful being practically bow down before her is quite amazing. Despite his extreme reaction to certain events, I found myself falling even more for him, so that he is probably my favorite of her husbands.

With each new installment in this series, my favorite sister always seems to shift to whose ever turn it is to narrate. I think this really shows how talented Yasmine Galenorn is as she is able to make the reader fall for each sister over and over again. They all have their own unique "voice," and the variety really ratchets the enjoyment factor tenfold. As always, the ending left me satisfied yet more than hungry for more. So, make sure you don't miss Courting Darkness as it is yet another great installment in this stellar series. Read more ›

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars I was pretty disappointed November 5, 2012

By Melissa J. Boynton

Format:Mass Market Paperback

I had enthusiastically picked up this book with fond reminiscence of the first three books of the series, at the time of purchase not knowing that this was book ten of a series. The good thing about Galenorn's writing and the way that she does set up her Otherworld series, however, is that the novels can be read as stand-alone books as she does spend time reintroducing characters and giving a rehash of what happened previously. She rotates the point of view of her books between her three main characters, each sisters with unique talents. Courting Darkness is told from the point of view of Camille, a witch and priestess of the Moon Mother.

When I had picked up the book I noticed the spine was stamped "paranormal romance" and thought "that's not right. These were always more urban fantasy. Girls kicking butt with magic and being awesome." But, as I started reading, I quickly remembered why I didn't enjoy Camille as much as a character, and why this really is paranormal romance and not urban fantasy. As I saw someone describe them, her books are "porny." But really, what can you expect from a character who has three husbands?

I had some problems with this book. Big problems. There is a scene of sexual assault in this novel that I really don't think Galenorn needed to go into such graphic detail on. I've read other books where the horror of rape were implied without having to go into implicit detail. In addition to the scene, I found it ludicrous that after, the main character, Camille, would be lacing herself into a corset to "support" her bruised ribs. Really? And sexual activity right after a sexual trauma? Has Galenorn ever researched sexual trauma or PTSD? Looked at a psychology text? I really lost interest at that point....

Along with the disturbing rape/sex combo in the book, there were some inconsistencies that it seemed she tried to pick up at the end unsuccessfully. She kept introducing bad guys with no rhyme or reason as to why they were being introduced, then no mention of them until the very end. It looks like she's going to leave them for another book. Honestly, all I could think of was that her characters are big fat self-important Mary Sues. Read more ›

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Dark & gritty continuation of Otherworld series November 17, 2011

By M.S. Thomas

Format:Mass Market Paperback

First I want to say that if you aren't reading this series you should be. It's one of the best written urban fantasy series out there. That being said, this is the tenth book in the series and not a good place to start.

This book was impressive and yet so difficult to review. It was action packed from start to finish and had my full attention from the first page. I won't go into detail about things because so much happens and I don't want to ruin it for others so I will be brief.

Getting a glimpse of the Dragon Reaches was awesome, I love Smoky even more after this book and Vishana is bad ass. I never liked Chase before but my feelings for him have changed and it's exciting to see him grow. I'm thrilled that the Vanzir situation is resolved and look forward to seeing what happens with him next. I'm soooooo happy for Iris. The Morio and Menolly storyline is still developing and I'm really curious how their bond is going to affect the dynamics of both Camille's marriage and family. I know that's all rushed and a bit confusing but I'm trying for no spoilers.

On to the sick and twisted... With Hyto being a psychopath I was expecting this book to be dark and twisted but wow. What a sadistic bastard. Much respect to you, Yasmine, for taking your characters in a direction other authors wouldn't dare to tread.

Courting Darkness was an exceptional read and I loved that the first chapter of the next book, Shaded Vision, was included. After reading such a dark book it was good to read something that made me laugh so hard I scared the crap out of my dog. Delilah and her kitty urges always make me laugh but this scene takes the cake. Can't wait to read the rest of it.