Customer Reviews

Dark Guardian

5 star:		(56)
4 star:		(32)
3 star:		(13)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

"Dark Guardian" by Christine Feehan is the 8th instalment in the wonderfully sensual and intriguing "Dark" series, and once again Feehan does not disappoint. With fresh and likeable characters and a storyline filled with passion, danger, and suspense, "Dark Guardian" will leave readers cheering Feehan's remarkable talent.

Lucian, one of the legendary ancient Carpathian twins, has spent the last several hundred years pretending to have turned vampire in order to keep his beloved twin (Gabriel of "Dark Legend") from turning vampire himself, knowing that Gabriel had a lifemate out there somewhere. And now that Gabriel has found his other half, Lucian feels his mission has come to an end. For the years he has spent hunting and killing the undead have left a stain of darkness on Lucian's soul, and he has grown weary of his endless colourless and emotionless existence. But Gabriel's lifemate, Francesca, insists that she knows of Lucian's lifemate, and that this woman desperately needs Lucian's help.

And indeed Lucian does find his lifemate, feisty lady cop Jaxon Montgomery, who has dedicated her life to protecting others. But Jaxon has had a nightmarish start in life, with a crazed stepfather who murders everyone who gets close to her, including her biological parents and little brother, and her beloved foster parents. As a result, Jaxx lives a solitary and lonely life, never getting too close to anyone for fear that it will get them killed. So when Lucian appears out of the night to save her from a bust gone wrong, she immediately fears that Lucian will become the next target of her stepfather Tyler Drake's bloodlust.

Recuperating in Lucian's huge and lovely home, Jaxx becomes aware that Lucian is no ordinary man. But though she witnesses some of his remarkable powers, she still fears for his safety. Lucian, on the other hand, is not at all concerned about one mortal man, ex-Navy SEAL though he might be, but he is incredibly touched by Jaxx's concern for him. Jaxon fears the deep connection she feels between herself and Lucian, and doesn't know how to live as one half of a couple after a lifetime of being utterly alone. But Lucian is remarkably gentle and understanding with Jaxon, giving her time to adjust to all the changes in her life. Because Lucian knows the one thing he will never do is let Jaxon go, for she is the light to his darkness, the very air he breathes and the other half of his soul.

But Jaxx is like a beacon of light drawing the soulless undead to her, as they all know that a human woman with psychic powers can be converted into one of them. Indeed, Lucian makes the decision that the only way to keep Jaxx safe is to convert her into a Carpathian, and it was a refreshing change to have a heroine who simply dealt with the change and moved on, rather than agonizing over it. Together, Lucian and Jaxx formulate a plan to draw out the undead hunting Jaxx and Tyler Drake. And there is no chance that Jaxx will sit back while Lucian fights her battles, so she and Lucian become true partners, another refreshing change from previous books. This book builds the suspense effectively to a thrilling climax, and will leave readers utterly sated and satisfied.

"Dark Guardian" is another fantastic entry is Feehan's "Dark" series and it is not to be missed. The romance between Lucian and Jaxx is passionate and intense, and it's wonderful watching them find happiness and eternal love in each other's arms. Amidst the affecting romance of Jaxx and Lucian, Feehan seamlessly mixes in a tale of danger and excitement that will keep readers turning pages. "Dark Guardian" was a truly enjoyable read and it comes highly recommended.

Ok I have loved every book in the Dark series but I really think that this one may have been the best. I couldn't put it down. I usually like to spread these books out so that I don't have to wait and wait for the next but after I read Dark Legend which is Gabriel's story and found out that this was Lucian's story I had to read it as soon as I got it.

Lucian is the twin to Gabriel and is one of the very ancient ones. He has lived for over 2000 years as the greatest hunter of the Carpathians. He has a voice that can make even the most evil of vampires do whatever he wants. He soon finds though that his voice, although compelling, cannot easily command his lifemate. After centuries he finds her. She is human but has special abilities that allow her to be his true lifemate. Jaxx has had a horrid childhood and is a loner because of it. She is haunted by a evil past that has stalked her and everyone deer to her for years. Lucian has vowed to protect her but she is a cop and can protect herself. She fears that she will put Lucian in danger so she fights what her heart and soul are telling her. She decides that she will protect Lucian and fight alongside him in his battles. This is the first time the heroine has taken such a strong role in protecting her lifemate. I really enjoyed how she could be both strong yet vulnerable at the same time.

The love scenes are hot and so wonderfully written. The whole book is just so good that I was both happy and sad at the end because I knew I'd have to wait awhile for a new book. I would recommend these books to anyone, not just because they are romances but because the stories are so well written that you feel like the characters are actually real.

Dark Guardian is Lucian's story. He is one of the legendary twins who was brought forth to our attention in Dark Legend as he played a cat & mouse game with his twin (Gabriel), hoping to prevent him for turning to the dark side. You see, long ago, a "man" unlike he had ever encountered, a man of peace and gentleness, told Lucian that there was a lifemate for his twin. Cleverly, unselfishly, he sets upon a path that insures that his beloved twin will never turn vampire.

Ms. Feehan's adaption of Lucian was breathtaking. He was extremely brilliant, powerful and very, very menacing. Clearly, he was the strongest and most powerful of the Carpathians. He had defended his people for endless centuries and his struggle with the dark side was evident from the start of DL. This Carpathian was definitely an alpha male and one that I eagerly awaited to read about.

Onto the story: Jaxxon Montgomery's young life has been spent in fear and in horror. Her stepfather, Tyler Drake, a former SEAL, has killed anyone that has gotten close to her including her own parents & foster parents. He is clever, cunning and clearly deranged shaping Jaxx into a heroine who is determined to protect herself. She becomes a cop forever knowing that her stepfather is out there waiting to strike again.

When her life is in peril, Lucian saves her and her partner. He brings her to his mansion desperate to heal her ~ to claim her. He is clearly gentle, tender and their love senes are incredibly hot. But . . . (*Don't hate me here*)

For me, Lucian didn't seem as powerful as some of the other males (Mikhail, Gregori & Darius). He seemed, well, rather mellow and that aura of menace that I thrilled to in Dark Legend was gone. I expected Lucian to be more like the males mentioned above. Since he had existed for endless centuries without a lifemate, constantly battling the darkness, I thought that his aura of menace would be much more evident as it was in DL.

Despite my crazy quirks, Dark Guardian was a good read.

Ms. Feehan is a great author and I have all her books. Dark Magic is my favorite. The unique thing that I have always loved about the Dark Series is that the male, although very dominating, he does not wait until the end of the book to express his feelings for his lifemate and does everything he can to win her love which is so unlike the typical romance story.

Lucian's story was a little different because this was the first time a Carpathian male agreed to allow his lifemate to hunt vampires with him. I was glad to see some interaction with Gabriel and his family and the mention of several others I've read about previously. I would love to see Ms. Feehan bring everyone together and update us on how they are doing.

I did not give this book 5 stars because: I felt there was too much unnecessary killing done my Jaxon's stepfather and when he finally surfaces to kill Lucian, Jaxon just brushes off her "internal alarm system" and they never even get to confront "Uncle Tyler". A few more paragraphs on the wedding day scene would have been nice. I was disappointed that we did not get to witness Francesca and Jaxon's time together before the wedding.

All in all, I still think this is a good book and I'm looking forward to Bryon's story in "Dark Symphony".

I am a big fan of Christine Feehan, and I love her "Dark" series. Overall, I really enjoyed her newest installment in Dark Guardian. But there were a few quibbles that I had with the book that prevented me from giving it a higher rating. Mostly they centered around Jaxx, the heroine. When we first meet her and read about her life in the first chapter, I was looking for a completely different human heroine than what we have seen in the other Dark books. Since she was a policewoman, trained by the Navy Seals as a child, I thought she would be more centered and mature as a character. While there were some instances she displayed this throughout the book, overall I felt she was not as "fleshed" out as she could have been, especially considering her profession. At times I felt she was not deserving for the hero.

However, Lucian was great. Perhaps it is because he is a true ancient, but he was very mellow and understanding, and allowed Jaxx more freedom than some other Carpathians we have read about. And I really was moved by the part were he tells Jaxx about the "man" who told him about Gabriel's lifemate. The end was also moving, in which we see a reunion of sorts with most of the Carpathians. Like I said, overall enjoyed this book, although not as much as Dark Legend, which was the story of Gabriel, Lucian's twin brother.

But it kept me entertained and I look forward to the next one.

The world of Christine Feehan brings to us the story of Lucian and Jaxon. Lucian is one of the most powerful Carpathian male to hunt and find his lifemate. Jaxon is a wonderful, adaptable character that makes me proud to be a human woman. They have the right mix that gives a delicious balance to the story. I enjoyed the clashes between them. The fights and opinions remind me a lot of Mikhail and Raven in Dark Prince. This story has just the right amount of suspense and love. Once you began reading this book, you will not be able to put it down. It is definitely a keeper. I can't wait for the next installment in this saga. Keep writing Christine Feehan.

Jaxon "Jaxx" Montgomery has survived domestic violence though her brother and mother died at the hands of her stepfather. Now she is a highly regarded police officer with quite a reputation for success. On the current case she senses a deadly trap and aborts the mission. However, a macho rookie Craig Benton ignores her order to retreat and charges inside the building setting off the ambush. Jaxx and her partner Barry Radcliff place themselves in danger to rescue Craig. Only the work of a wolf saves their lives.

The wolf Lucien takes Jaxx to safety because he knows this feisty human is his life-mate. After living on the edge of the dark, he, like his twin brother before him, has finally found the woman that enables him to see colors in a world of black and white. Though Jaxx is drawn to the Carpathian she wonders if he is the magnet that brings the monster back to finish the incomplete slaughter he started years ago or is he the monster?

The latest Carpathian vampire romance is an exciting entry that employs a human to refresh the tale of Lucien. The return of Lucien's sibling Gabriel and soul mate Francesca add a nice touch, as the audience will relish seeing them support the lead characters. Lucien remains a powerhouse of morality and Jaxx is a fine intrepid individual who is his perfect foil, but seems more Carpathian than human. DARK GUARDIAN is a wonderful novel that enhances the Christine Feehan universe completing the twist from DARK LEGEND with the strong story of one of the darker Carpathians.

Harriet Klausner

Jaxon Montgomery has spent her entire life looking over her shoulder, waiting for her stepfather to strike once again. He'd murdered everyone she'd ever loved or let herself get close to, and she never knows when he might strike again. She has spent her life training to be a protector.

Lucian Daratrazanoff is Carpathian. He's the Carpathian that their own people whisper about in awe, that even while they depend on him for protection, they fear. He's the greatest, strongest in existence. He's walked the Earth alone for over two thousand years, and thought never to meet the light to his soul, his lifemate. And then he meets Jaxon.

After suffering horrendous injury in a set up, Jaxon awakes to find herself in the most incredibly beautiful home, with the most luscious man she's ever laid eyes on. She immediately fears for him, that her stepfather will be hunting him for having helped her.
Lucian has to teach Jaxon about Carpathians, about their ways, and that he fears no humans. And that they are destined to be together for all time...

Ms. Feehan has penned the most wonderful love story!! Lucian is the alpha male, the greatest of his race, yet it's wonderful the way he adjusts his thinking for Jaxon. He understands her enough to be willing to step back in his beliefs at times, to let her be her own person. Jaxon was someone I felt sympathy for in the beginning, and had tons of respect for by the end. The two of them together were the perfect match, and the humor and wit that Jaxon abounds with in the story are not to be missed.
Every time I think she can't get any better, she amazes me and does! DO NOT miss this book!!

I have read all of Ms Feehans' books and I believe that this is one of her best.

I enjoyed reading about Lucian, the great Carpathian guardian who after a long and stark existence finally finds his lifemate. Centuries of hunting the undead and protecting human and carpathian alike have taken their toll on our hero, and just when he is ready to end his existence he finds Jaxx.

Jaxxon Montgomery, a strong, modern woman who refuses to sit back and allow Lucian to "protect" her from the dangers in her life. Jaxx, a police officer, has spent her young life guarding those closest to her against the threat posed by her sociopathic step-father.

As the events of their meeting and courtship evolve, Jaxx and Lucian establish a relationship to be envied as evidenced by the bantering between them.

I recommend this book to all those who enjoy a good romance with a little suspense added in for flavor.

...If you are wondering about the Dark series, and whether to start, here are some tips:

1) Christine Feehan writes about vampire-like beings, the Carpathians... Feehan creates an entire society - the Carpathians - whose original homeland was in what is now Romania, Moldova, (and perhaps part of western Ukraine).

3) Carpathians have their own biological laws of existence...

4) To add to this, new facts are discovered in almost every book, with the discord between old facts and new being explained by the failure to pass on knowledge between generations, thanks to a massive catastrophe...

5) The balance of power between males and females is very uneven, partly because of the highly skewed sex ratio (a premise that I find fascinating), and partly because of the nature of male Carpathians themselves. This is shown in the relationships of males and females in each and every book, except in DARK GUARDIAN which is a bit unusual. [And of course, if you cannot stand the thought of vampires or vampire-like creatures, or intensely purple love scenes, avoid the entire series].

Now to the review of this title proper:

DARK GUARDIAN is the latest of the Carpathian (or Dark series) books to hit the shelves. Further books are forthcoming for those completely addicted, although they come out only once a year. The series starts with DARK PRINCE (where we meet the leader of this people), and is currently at the 8th book (not including a novella "Dark Dream").

The hero of DARK GUARDIAN is highly unusual. Lucian is one of twin ancient Carpathians who have hunted vampires (male Carpathians who have "turned", or started killing their victims) for about 2000 years. It was far more fun reading about [Lucian] and speculating about his actions and motivations, than reading Gabriel's story. How does Lucian then fare in his book?...I have to confess that I ended up skipping the love scenes because they were too many, and too purple.

The book disappointed me in the end, because of the ending...

I have mixed feelings about the Dark series, after having read just about all the books (DARK GOLD aside). Some are clearly better than others, notably this one. Some are far more moving than others, and you feel that the hero and heroine are genuinely matched, as in DARK DESIRE. But as a whole... discrepancies between what was believed and what is now known are explained away too easily. There are also major discontinuities in chronology between the books (and the lifespans of the characters who appear in them).

... In the Dark series, we are limited to about one hundred years (with the occasional unreliable flashback to some 500 years back). Feehan does American settings well, but she Americanizes her foreign settings (with no allowances for history, geography or local customs). I was attracted to the series by the idea of a society with a skewed sex-ratio, but Carpathian society and its mores is not exactly what I was looking for.

Rating for this book = 4.3 (B+), deduction of 0.3 for the ending.
Rating for the series as a whole = 3.3 (C+)

Comment = series addictive on first couple of reads, but does not stand up well to close scrutiny.