Customer Reviews

Darker After Midnight: A Midnight Breed Novel

5 star:		(42)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Midnight Breed is one of the first paranormal romance books I read and I instantly fell in love with the creative and original world Lara Adrian created. The characters stick with you, well after the story has ended and you are always left clamoring for the next book. Every book in this series was great but I have to say that Darker After Midnight is the EPIC book of the series and was truly phenomenal. I really can't give much details without giving away spoilers, so I will do my best to give you a summary.

When Deeper Than Midnight ended, Sterling Chase risked his life by running out of the compound and surrendering himself to the human police and that is where we find him when Darker After Midnight begins. He wanted to give Lucan, the rest of the Order and their mates a chance to flee the compound before the police found them. Chase is now locked up and the bloodlust is riding him hard but he will do what needs to be done in order to save the Order and their mates, the only ones he considers his family and friends. When Tavia Fairchild arrives at the police station for a line up, all hell breaks loose. When Chase meets up again with Tavia, he learns that she is much more than anyone could have expected, to him and to the Breed, and he will stop at nothing to protect her.

Tavia Fairchild is the assistant to a United States senator who also happens to be Dragos' newest minion. Tavia knows nothing about vampires or things that go bump in the night so when she sees Chase for what he really is, and in the throes of bloodlust no less, she thinks he is a monster that's on a killing spree. Tavia's life has been turned upside down. Everything she's ever known is not what it seemed and now Dragos is after her. Utterly alone and weary of who to trust, Tavia decides to go after Dragos to put a stop to his madness.

We also get to see quite a bit of Lucan in this book as well. Lucan is faced with some of the toughest decisions he's ever had to make for the safety of the Order and their mates. After the fiasco that happened at the end of Deeper Than Midnight, Lucan must decide whether or not to flee the compound. And if they flee, where will they go? The biggest test he faces is when Dragos puts his last horrendous plan into motion and puts the entire world into chaos. Now it's up to Lucan to clean up the mess and to try and save the Breed species.

With that said, SO much happens in this book and I don't want to give anything away, so I will not say anything more. This book can be read as a standalone, but I definitely recommend reading the series in order because you will not want to miss any of the events that led up to Darker After Midnight. You will fall in love with the world Lara created and all of the characters in it. This book is a MUST read for all Midnight Breed fans, as the story line from the previous books comes to a conclusion and opens up a new world for the Breed. Truly an EPIC read!!

I give DARKER AFTER MIDNIGHT 5 stars (but..if I could give it more I would)

It's awfully hard to keep momentum up through such a long series. Lara Adrian has, for the most part, been successful at keeping me engaged. However, I think this book is the first one that slumped a bit.

Thar be many spoilers ahead. Yar. Don't read if you haven't finished the book yet.

******SPOILERS HERE******

1. YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO STOP READING NOW BEFORE THE SPOILERSSSSS. Bloodlust. Going Rogue. It was supposed to be Sterling Chase's big problemo during this book, and Ms. Adrian definitely delivered on that promise for the first quarter of it. However, I felt that as soon as Chase got his eyeballz on the female protagonist with her glyphs, that struggle faded into the background. It cropped up now and again, notably during the scene where she convinced him to mate her, but I never really believed that fighting this addiction was a real struggle for him. So much of it felt glossed over. For the balance Lara Adrian was trying to walk between smut and action and violence and lurv, I understand why she made that choice. But I felt a bit sad. I wanted to hear about Chase's struggle.

I wonder if Ms. Adrian was hoping for us to believe that being with Tavia was enough to assuage some of that horrible bloodlust... that his lust for her was enough to help him keep the darker urges at bay. Call me a cynic, but I've known addicts, and that notion is way overly romanticized. An addict loves his or her addiction more than he or she loves anything else. And if Chase was really walking the line as closely as he seemed to think, it makes it harder to believe that he was able to shunt that need off for as long as he did.

2. Tavia is a Gen One female. Sigh. I hate it when authors break with their previously established world-building in the efforts to keep things "new" or "fresh." Only males can be Breed. Females with the crescent and teardrop are breedmates. Still. Is Tavia awesome? Absolutely. Chick has awesome Gen One tatts, an eidetic memory, and she is fiercely protective of those she loves. She's a bad-ass. However, she is the Mariest Sue to ever Mary the Sue. I could have forgiven her that if she'd had real chemistry with Chase. But all she appeared to have (in my opinion), was a long-term, blood bond-enforced case of Stockholm Syndrome.

3. Dragos. The end was a total let down. I read about his death, and my eye kept tracking down the page. I had to go back and be like, "Wha? That was it?" Considering how long that story arc has persisted throughout this series, I felt it to be a bit of a let down. Particularly Tavia's role in it. She's a n00b to the whole business of being a Breed. Despite being briefed, I doubt she's suddenly a dab hand at espionage, and the thought that she was able to dupe Dragos at all (even in the smallest of small ways) is kind of a hard thing to swallow.

4. ZOMG, babiez. Everyone has them. Everyone wants them. But no! Must not have! But yes! Want so much! It was kind of ridiculous. The arc between Lucan and Gabrielle felt so stilted and forced and angsty that I pulled a muscle rolling my eyes so hard. And Lucan and Gabrielle are some of my faves.

5. The poison pill. Mentioned about a hojillion times. I was expecting big things from it, but Tavia falling victim to Crimson and its ensuing blood lust was just a weird ending to the book. I hate when novels end on cliffies that are then wrapped up in the epilogue. It's a cheap way of taking away all hope and leaving the reader gasping at the climax of a book, only to put a band aid over the wound in the epilogue. "Oh, but it's okay, because she recovered after six months, and guess what? Gabrielle has a baby! And ta-da! Now the Breed have been inducted into the U.N. Hooray! It can be happy party time now! All the bloodshed was worth it."

So yes. There were many things that ended up irking me in this installment.

BUT WAIT!!! DON'T THINK I HATED IT!! Because I didn't. I know I'm picking things bloody here, but that's only at my leisure, after I've put the book down. What Lara Adrian DOES do very well is pacing and tension. I was white-knuckled as I gulped Darker After Midnight down in one sitting. I wanted Tavia and Chase to have their HEA. I wanted Dragos to pay for all the evil he'd done. I wanted Chase to come back from the edge of blood lust. I felt very strongly for all of them. It's just that when it was done--after I'd read the last page--I felt so unsatisfied. I got up, made myself a cup of tea, and started a list of what--ultimately--bothered me about Darker After Midnight. It turned into points 1 to 5 above.

I guess it boils down to this: In a genre full of lackluster novels and tepid knockoffs of lackluster novels, this is a very good book. In a series that has been exemplary, it's a bit of a let down. (Hovering somewhere between 2.5 and 3 out of 5 stars for me. I rounded up because I lub Lara Adrian normally.)

I won't write a long review as everyone else has pretty much said it all. I was disappointed in Hunter's story but thought maybe it was just me. Was really looking forward to Sterling's story and almost feel like I was duped. I guess the series has gone on long enough which is in itself disappointing. I've found a couple more somewhat like this so I guess I'll stick with them.

I am getting sick and tired of wasting my money on writers who clearly just want to get my money, and not give me a good story. They reel you in with an EXCELLENT 1st, 2nd, and 3rd book, then everything after that becomes a little more of a let down until you get to the point where you feel like you wasted time reading the book. There were loose ends, and quick I love you's. How the heck are you that in love that dang quick. I stuck with you Lara but you let me down for the last time. You will never see another dime from me.

My Rating: 5 stars: Personal favorite - a must read (A+)

Last we saw outcast Breed warrior, Chase Sterling, he was sacrificing himself to save his former friends and comrades. Darker After Midnight picks up immediate after the conclusion of Deeper Than Midnight. Chase has been incarcerated by the human police force, the Order has gone into hiding and Dragos is taking over Boston. It's a scary time for law-abiding Breeds. Chase is hell-bent on bring Dragos down, which includes killing off some very high-profile human Minions (mind-slaves to Dragos).

Right in the center of Chase's path of vengeance is the exotic Tavia Fairchild, and soon they both discover she is so much more than anyone understands. Tavia has been lied to her entire life and is inexplicable drawn to Chase. Although she fears him, she stays with Chase because he tells her the truth. Together the two attempt to discover her true origins and bring down Dragos.

So much happens in this story, but it never felt overwhelming or forced. I could write three pages alone of basic plot summary. But the bottom line is that whether you are new to the series or a long time fan, Ms. Adrian does a fantastic job bringing the reader up to speed on both the story arc and the characters without being redundant or intrusive. In the beginning, she writes "slice of life" sections, which give insight into the lives of all of the characters, but also provide an effortless way to catch up on the first nine books (which is especially great for those of us that don't have the best memories). She also does a superb job of covertly mentioning facts so the can remember who is mated to whom, which warriors have moved on, etc.

I also love how Ms. Adrian paints a scene for her readers. She provides details that help construct almost tangible images. It's done in a way without being wordy or obtuse.

The pairing of Chase and Tavia is exemplary! They both feel damaged by life and don't trust others. They find truth and salvation in each other's arms, but it takes time. I adore that they both make mistakes, and then realize that they want to be better for each other. And their smex scenes... WOW! They are intensely erotic. Like most romances, the pair must give and go through a lot, but this is one of those situations where the couple just comes together for all the right reasons, and it feels perfect.

The book also brings the series fans full circle with a Gabrielle and Lucan subplot. The couple doesn't dominate the book, but rather compliments the overall story - we started with them in the very first book, and it is fitting to come back to the Order's leader and his mate. Lucan's struggle between wanting to have a child and concerns over a violent future are heart-felt and emotionally wrenching. There is a scene between the two - a discussion about having a baby that showcased Lucan's inner-turmoil and the complete love and devotion each has for the other, and it tore me up inside.

This was most definitely the conclusion of a major story-arc involving Dragos and his Gen One Hunters. But this is NOT the end of this amazing series. Ms. Adrian has already announced that the upcoming story arc will focus on the younger characters, with the next release focusing on the mysterious Mira.

So much happened that leads to the next story. We are given glimpses of the Breeds and Breedmate origins, Jenna is still evolving and Tavia is a miracle that leaves so many possibilities for the future. Without giving spoilers, I will tell you that this book changes the game in a MAJOR way and I am more excited than ever to see what comes next!

I honestly could go on and on. I have so much exuberance for Darker After Midnight because it is the perfect climax to this amazing series. I only hope that I got a fraction of how wonderful this book is within my review.

Reviewed by Francesca (Under the Covers Book Blog)

It feels like I've been waiting to read Chase's story since forever, and well, I have. I fell in love with his character in Tegan's book and have seen him go from a highly respected member breed society to an Order warrior, to well... it hurts to think where he's gone lately.

But I think this was always the frame of mind he was supposed to be in, not the too far gone, but the bit reckless and out of control. He was always a rebel at heart and just needed that side of himself to come out.

This book picks up where Deeper Than Midnight left off. Chase is the prime suspect the human police have on a murder attempt on a politician as well as some terrorist attacks around town. The Order has been forced to relocate and Chase, he has one mission in his mind before he "finishes" himself. He wants to destroy Dragos.

Caught in the crossfire here is Tavia Fairchild. First of all, let me just say she might be one of my favorite heroines of this series. And you're in for a surprise with her character! A Big One! She is truly the perfect match for Chase and through his attraction to her she's able to bring him down from the ledge just enough for him to see a future.

As a couple, they were great together. The romance and the heat were excellent. But that's not all this book has to offer. Dragos is still present and causing havoc. There were even times in this book when I thought "How can everything be going his way?". But in the end, the story was full of action, it grabs you from the first page and doesn't stop until the end. What a ride!!!

And I can't leave aside the little ones. I love Mira and Nathan and Kellan and I'd love to see their characters developed more. Maybe even get books? Also there are new developments with most of the couples, which was very nice to see.

If you are a fan of this series, you have to read this book NOW! If you haven't started it yet, what are you waiting for? A bit dark, and not always roses, this series and characters are captivating!! Great job Ms. Adrian!! I can't wait for more!

* ARC provided by publisher

SPOILERS*******

Lara's series is one I have always looked forward to reading. I can't say I'm as excited about what is to come next at this point. I have a bad feeling that this series is about to fall into the same cluster- "fluck" as many series before it. The author seems to be grasping at all new story lines to keep her series going. (Sound familiar... Dark Hunter series, BDB series, etc.).

All of a sudden, there are species that no one knew about before? Female Gen-Ones (although I have to admit that I loved Tavia's brief bad-a** female warrior moment when Chase was threatened), Atlantian men who like to procreate and flee...

No one ever noticed, in all of those hundreds of years that have passed, that the breedmates families were all missing or dead?

If it was so easy to unleash the Rogues, why would Dragos have waited so long to do it?

The humans and the Breed are living in peace...Kum ba yah. "Can't we all just get along?"

All of these huge changes in the Breed world, happening all at once, seems a little too coincidental. And a little desperate. It's the darkly sexy and mysterious Breed world that has kept many of us readers wrapt for several books. But that was swiftly brought to an end in the last couple chapters and epilogue of Darker than Midnight.
I found the Atlantian theory boring to read about and skimmed through a lot if it. (Can we get back to Chase's story now?). Enough said.

Despite all of that, my interest in Chase's story was strong enough to keep me reading. I absorbed his story completely and wanted more.

Unfortunately, now that the guys and their mates are public knowledge, there would be no need for them to continue to live in underground dark havens. They can all move into apartments and single family homes. Sadly, the Breed have become just another accepted nation in the world. Nothing more or less mysterious than your next- door neighbor.

The Midnight Breed series has been one of my favorites since I picked up the first book in the series Kiss of Midnight. Like many readers, I have been anxiously awaiting Chase's story for quite some time. After watching him struggle so much in the earlier stories, I wanted to see him find the redemption and happiness that he deserved. I was not disappointed.

In Darker After Midnight we get an entirely new perspective into Chase's psyche. Not only has he been struggling with Blood Lust far longer than anyone realized, but we are also introduced to the fact that he has spent a lifetime feeling inadequate and unworthy due to family dynamics. Chase was a compelling character who managed to be very intense and dark at times but also extremely vulnerable. He so badly wanted to feel love and acceptance, but saw himself as such a failure that he was unworthy of it which meant he is constantly pushing those who want to give him those things away.

I like the introduction of female breeds and look forward to the future story lines involving these women. I hope there are some kick ass women to join Renata on the front lines with the men. I was thankful that this book provided us glimpses in to the rest of the order and their families as well. The plot surrounding Gabrielle and Lucan was very emotional and I appreciate that even though Lucan has found his HEA, that Lara Adrian continues to force her characters to develop further and face hurdles personally and not just as part of the larger story.

My only complaint would be in how the book ended. I am sure a part of it is that this was to the be last book in the series, but it was frustrating to have a book feel like it was wrapping up the series when you know that isn't the case. I also really struggled with how the Epilogue was handled. In Chapter 44 there was so much that you knew needed to be sorted out with both Tavia and Chase and then suddenly in the Epilogue it is six months later and we get a very short description that essentially tells us that yes it was bad, but now it is all better. Given how much focus was put on Chase's struggle with Blood Lust and the fact that Tavia ended up having to fight that same battle I do wish that we had gotten to see more of that time.

I am intrigued to see where this story goes how that the Breeds are exposed to the world and the order has a very visible role.
Darker After Midnight: A Midnight Breed Novel

After literally gobbling up every book in this series in a matter of weeks, including a Breedmate Novella, I had high hopes for this book. Maybe my benchmark was too high because in the end, the book felt rushed and loose ends were woven together too quickly in the last few chapters.

I enjoyed the story of Chase and Tavia. I enjoyed learning some Breed culture. I liked how the kids (teenagers) were moving towards a "normal" life. I was quite happy with all of it. But the ending was anti-climatic. It was as if Ms. Adrian decided 3/4 of the way through the book that this would be the last installment. Dragos had to die, the Breed had to "come out", and there had to be an introduction of epic proportions. Oh, and throw in a few babies for good measure so everyone could live happily ever after. And the last few bits in an Epilogue too.

Obviously I'm disappointed but to watch a writer grow and "bloom" and then suddenly crash is a lot for a fan to absorb. Of course I'll buy Ms.Adrian's next novel but it will be with trepidation.

After being disappointed in Books 7, 8 and 9, most particularly 9, because it seemed that 9 was centered on Sterling Chase than Hunter, my hopes were not high on this book. Book 9, which was Hunter's story, seemed to be building one up on Chase's character instead of getting into the story of Hunter and Jenna. Ms. Adrian reminded me of J.R. Ward's later writings in that she was so busy setting up the characters and storyline of her next book, that the present storyline was lacking.

Then Book 10 comes out with Sterling Chase and to which I loved his character and I loved Tania, so much so that I missed them with all of the other stuff that was going on in the book, besides all of the Breeds and their Breedmates. For me, it seemed to move away too much from Chase and Tania to delve more into Jenna as well as Lucan, the latter of which I love, and the other voluminous characters. The oxymoron of this is that, since I could not get into Jenna and Hunter in Book 9, because Ms. Adrian was too busy building up on Chase, whose story would be in book 10, I was not interested in Jenna and her dreams which took up a lot in book 10. I wanted more of Chase and Tania and not go backwards to Jenna and Hunter. A lot of that should have been taken care of in their story in Book 9 enabling us to embrace Jenna and Hunter more. So, because of what happened in Book 9, for it seemed as if Jenna and Hunter was an aside and Ms. Adrian was building up on Chase for his story in Book 10, I have mix-match feelings on this book. I just could not get into Jenna's situation, when I wanted more focus on Chase and Tania. Of late, Ms. Adrian does not focus on the two main characters as other writers such as Ms. Cole, Ms. Diane Duvall, and D. B. Reynolds, the latter of which is one of my most favorite writers.