Customer Reviews

Darkness Rising (Dark Angels, Book 2)

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Darkness Rising, Book #2 of the Dark Angel series

Author: Keri Arthur

Synopsis: Risa will go to any lengths to avenge her mother's murder--even if it means making a pact with the most evil vampire she's ever met. Lethal and powerful, Madeline Hunter is leader of the vampire council, and will put her resources behind finding the killer--for a price. The venerable vampire requires the assistance of Risa's psychic powers. Quid pro quo.

Someone--or something--is targeting the elders of the local council, cursing the immortal vampires to rapidly age, sink into madness, and die. Risa must track down the vengeful being responsible. But Risa's father, a rogue Aedh priest, also enlists her in a dangerous mission. And not even the great Madeline Hunter may be able to protect her from the shadowy forces that desire nothing less than Risa's destruction.

Our Review [by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L Olson]:

Keri grabbed me quick and hard with Darkness Unbound, Book #1 of the DARK ANGELS series and I boldly stated that I had found a new series to add to my top favorites. Darkness Rising did not let me down as a follow-up installment and my statement for a new favorite series still stands...

Darkness Rising picks up where Darkness Unbound leaves off of course, with Risa's emotions in turmoil, her `gifts' in demand, and a need to see her quest to fruition, even if it means working with and for some unfavorable temporary allies and putting her trust in those closest to her to help her through.

The relationship between Azriel and Risa that was introduced in Darkness Unbound gets so much more tangible and complex in Darkness Rising, so much so that it has not only the reader wondering what is actually going on, but Risa and Azriel themselves. Instead of hurtling two people together as so often happens in Paranormal Romances, we've gone through 2 books now with Azriel and Risa and their budding relationship - whatever that "relationship" may be. What nobody can deny is the magnetic attraction and gut twisting emotion behind whatever is going on with them, and as a reader I'm LOVING the mystery and suspense of it all!

Darkness Rising was an intriguing, action packed, sexy, witty, suspenseful, emotional thrill ride set in a dark, dangerous, sensual, thrilling world, and I didn't want it to end!

I was physically unable to control my facial expressions and vocal outbursts while reading this book, which for me, is a sign of a fantastic read (and I didn't even care when I was being laughed at by the people around me). :-)

Risa goes through so much in both of these books, but she's such a strong female lead you know that she'll come through...some how, some way. I cried with her, I laughed with her, I wanted to slap several someones with her, I cheered her on, I wished for nothing more than for her to be able to rest... it was truly intense, and as always, beautifully written by the amazing Keri Arthur.

LITERAL ADDICTION Paranormal Book Club gives Darkness Rising 5 Skulls, and it is fully deserving of them.

Like its predecessor, we HIGHLY recommend Darkness Rising for everyone! Keri Arthur fans will adore this series, but more than that, these books have EVERYTHING you want in a perfectly written Urban Fantasy. They are dark, dangerous, intriguing, and suspenseful, yet sensual, titillating and gut wrenching enough to keep Paranormal Romance addicts happy as well.

We definitely recommend reading Darkness Unbound before Darkness Rising to get the full incredible impact of the DARK ANGELS series! And while it isn't necessary to read the Riley Jenson, Guardian series first in order to understand and appreciate the Dark Angels series, the supporting characters and historical references (from a book/series standpoint) will mean so much more to you as a reader if you've experienced the lives of Risa's family with them and understand the history of the different supernatural races.

If you just don't have time to read the Riley Jenson books first though, DO NOT let that stop you from reading Darkness Unbound and Darkness Rising. These are incredible books and you'll be sorry if you wait too long to devour them.

This is book 2 in Ms. Arthur's new Dark Angel's series and I have to say; I am loving it! I am a huge fan of her Riley Jensen Series and was sad when it ended. I tried to like her Myth and Magic series, but it was just not as good as the Riley books, not that it was bad, but there was something missing and I don't know what it was, it just wasn't doing it for me. With this new series Ms. Arthur has gone back to Riley's world and written an amazing book about Risa Jones, whom we met as a little girl in the Riley series. Darkness Unbound is book 1 and was absolutely amazing, Darkeness Rising is just good as good or maybe better than the first. The book is fast paced, there's a ton of action, mistery and sexual tension. The only complaint I have is about all the tension between Risa and Azriel...I just want them to get together already!! Maybe it's just me, but I get this Riley/Quinn sort of connection between them and I can't wait for them to finally get together.

As soon as I read Darkness Unbound, I knew I had to get a hold of this book and fast. I was already an addict and needed my fix. Now I am going to have to wait and wait for the next book to come out. I am pretty sad about that. I am in love with this series!

Darkness Rising is just all around amazing! There is never a dull moment and I was glued to it from page one. Risa is tough and her life is facing some of the craziest things ever. All the characters have some amazing supernatural abilities that are really unique. We also get to see Riley and the crew which I love! Even with Risa's life being crazy, she is working for the devil (or vamp council) trying to find the keys protect herself and her friends, she is still half wolf and needs her lovin' time. I just wish she would get it on with The Reaper! I have been suspicious of Lucien since book 1 and this book only makes me question him more. I am not trusting that mofo!

Again start with the Riley Jenson series if you haven't and then read these. I love both of the series! And I think these Dark Angels Books are going to be just as good if not better then the Riley books. Yes I just said that...lol. Just be prepared to be waiting anxiously for the next book.

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Risa Jones is back for the second novel in the Dark angels series and has done some growing since her debut. In the first book, she was forced to come to grips with her abilities and the new dangers that came to surround her. It ended with her mother's murder, a tragedy that shook her up badly, as well as a number of unresolved issues that prevent her from resuming a normal life. "Darkness Rising" begins two months after the conclusion of "Darkness Unbound" and shows Risa ready to deal with these problems she put off. The first being to find the keys to hell that her Aedh father demands she locate, and he is growing impatient with her delays in obtaining them. The other is Madeline Hunter, from the vampire council, who is holding Risa to her promise to serve the council in exchange for aid in finding her mother's killer. Madeline wants her to look into an attack on council members and lets her know failure will not be tolerated. These two issues become top priority now that Risa is back in the game.

She isn't alone in dealing with them, though. Her roommates Ilianna and Tao both step up to help, putting their lives at grave risk in the process. Yet they refuse to take no for an answer, wanting to be there for their friend. Azriel is even more active in watching over Risa than before and Lucian (her current lover) takes a more prominent part in her life, which seems to have positive and negative effects. There are brief moments with Risa's extended family, including her aunt Riley, but she generally tries to avoid them in this book, not wishing to put any more people she loves in harm's way than absolutely necessary.

I must say I liked this novel even better than the first. It was clear Risa was less reluctant to do what needed to be done and more confident in herself. She still had some doubts in her abilities, but managed to overcome those by being willing to ask for help. She depended on Azriel even more heavily this time and he seems to be growing more attached to her. I enjoyed seeing the byplay between them. There is definitely chemistry there and the two are becoming much more aware of each other in ways that have nothing to do with their "duties". I'm hoping they give in to their needs soon as I think they could be really great together.

Lucian's behavior is becoming more suspect, as I guessed might happen. Not enough for Risa to push him away, yet, but she is discovering there is more to him than she originally believed. This causes her to become frustrated because she realizes everyone, aside from her family and close friends, has an outside agenda and is using her for their own purposes. I could certainly understand her bitterness, though I also felt she was somewhat blind to certain realities.

Regardless, Darkness Rising proved to be well worth the read. I enjoyed the action, character relationships, and world building that has made this series unique from others I've read. The story progressed further in most areas and came to a satisfying conclusion, even if it was expected to end on another cliffhanger. The Dark Angels series is excellent and not one to miss if you enjoy the urban fantasy and paranormal genres. I'll be ready for the next book, Darkness Devours, which is set to be released July 5th, 2012. The novel can't come fast enough, as far as I'm concerned!

In a thrilling new series where the heroine is the only one who can find the keys to hell and the winged supernaturals are far from angelic, Darkness Unbound and Darkness Rising are the "must read" new releases of 2011.

Darkness Rising, book 2 in Keri Arthur's new Dark Angel series, picks up pretty soon after Darkness Unbound. Risa is physically mostly recovered from her experiences in Darkness Unbound, but she is still struggling with grief. Seeking vengeance, Risa made a deal with the head of the vampire council and now has to investigate murders of council members and fend off threats from her father and other evil Aedh's who need Risa to find the keys to the afterlife.

I really love this series, the world is complex, dangerous, technology savvy, and sensual at the same time. The characters all have some paranormal ability, and those abilities are diverse and interesting. The Aedh and the reapers are energy beings, their primary form is that of mist or energy and they can exist on the astral plane, what the characters call the "gray fields." As a half-Aedh, Risa is able to travel to the gray fields, and she is much sought out for this ability. She is very unique in her abilities, but she is also easy to relate to. She is a young woman who loves her friends and family, and she would like nothing more than to live a "normal" life. For those of you who are Riley Jensen fans, know that Risa is not as sexual. Risa is still part wolf (in this world werewolves are extremely sexual beings), and not shy about sex, but at the same time, she is more reserved than Riley was. When it comes to finding answers and protecting those she loves, Risa pushes her own limits and often risks seriously hurting herself. Risa is loyal, sexy, and smart and I have decided that she is a new favorite heroine.

Risa is so busy dealing with the vampire council and figuring out how to read her father's book that she does not have a lot of time for romance. Lucian, her fallen Aedh lover is out of town for a good portion of the book, and his behavior is questionable, to say the least. At the same time, the sexy reaper who is assigned to follow Risa around, Azriel, is developing more human tendencies. He begins to have a sense of humor and relate to Risa more, but he is still very stubborn and secretive. There is definitely some sexual tension between the Risa and Azriel, and that tension kept me hoping for more.

Darkness Rising is an excellent sequel to the Dark Angels series. This is the type of series where every book pulls you deeper into the story and promises so much for the next installment. Darkness Unbound held promise for a gripping new series, and Darkness Rising delivers. Paranormal and Urban Fantasy readers, you really do not want to miss this series.

*I received a copy of this book for review.*

(This review contains spoilers for book one) Considering the ending of Darkness Unbound, I was both super excited and nervous to start Darkness Rising. I really wanted to know more about what happened to Risa's mother but I was afraid that Risa would no longer be the her usual kick butt self, or that a depressing cloud would smother the book. I was so happy to see that the book wasn't angsty or depressing! But still showed how the death affected Risa which was also important to me. I hate when there's character death and the other character say "OMG I'M SO SAD!!" and then poof, they're happy again and unchanged.

Quite a few hugely minor characters from Darkness Unbound made reappearances in Darkness Rising. I love it when authors do that because I feel much more immersed in the world rather than simply getting the same props and main cast but a new storyline (like in cartoons, for example). None of the character returns I'm referencing really mattered or were ones I cared about, but all were memorable enough for me to recall them. I also loved all of the tiny continuations from the previous book in the series like Iliana's parents harping on her need to mate with a stallion and her willingness to do anything to get out of having dinner with them. It's always little things like that that make the book and characters for me.

I thought Lucian was okay in the first book but something about him in this one creeped me out. It wasn't anything he did specifically either, I just didn't like him. The entire book I was waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop and for Lucian to screw Risa over. This made at least the first half of the book a little weird for me whenever he was in a scene because I don't think that was quite the intended vibe. On the other hand, I freakin' adored Azriel. I was much more ambivalent towards him in Darkness Unbound but with his new found playfulness and other 'unfortunate' human traits, I found it hard not to love his character. His transition from stone cold and completely inhuman to attempting jokes for Risa's sake and a few displays of emotion were a joy to read. Every time I caught some progress towards something new, I wanted to start my own cheer for him or something equally fangirly. Maybe it was Azriel's explicit and vocal hatred for Lucian that swayed me...

My biggest issue with Darkness Unbound was how confused I was. So much was thrown at me at once and some of it was never explained or only done so vaguely. The biggest one for me was Iliana was called a Mare countless times and her potential mate was referred to as a stallion. I spent the entire book wondering if Iliana was a centaur, but I knew that couldn't be right but the only other option I came up with was that it was just metaphorical. It never occurred to me that Arthur meant that she shapeshifted into a horse until it was plainly said in Darkness Rising. Anyway, in Darkness Rising things were explained so much more satisfactorily. I always knew what was going on.

Darkness Rising
Reviewed by Ann (Under the Covers Book Blog)

**REFERENCES TO DARKNESS UNBOUND, THE FIRST BOOK OF THE SERIES WILL BE PRESENT**

Keri Arthur continues Risa Jones' journey as she tries to avenge her mother's death. However, in the process, Rise gets tangled up in business with Madeline Hunter, the leader of the vampire council. Her task is to find a killer. The victims are losing their immortal powers, causing them to age rapidly and grow mad. Tasked with finding out the reason why, Risa is put to the test to see if she can handle herself in the worst of times.

I recommend reading this series in order because there is not much summary from the first book of this series. If you don't, you may miss some important backstory going into this book. Furthermore, the romantic subplot to this book carries on from the first book as well.

Speaking of romantic relations...or um, the lack of with a particular reaper, I was glad to read about Azriel again. As a spiritual being, he takes the form of a shirtless and totally ripped, dark-haired warrior with a wicked blade strapped to his back. Azriel is Risa's reaper and sexy sidekick. He follows her around, whether she likes it or not and this time, Azriel shows more human emotions than the last book. Apparently, if he stays within a form long enough, he starts to gain human emotions. I CANNOT WAIT to read more about him. He's just all kinds of awesome.

Tao and Illiana, Risa's BFF also make regular appearances as does Stane. I love it when they are all kicking some ass together. They are just so badass.

What I also love about this series is the incorporation of various mythology. There's some witchcraft, some bits of folklore and Arthur really makes it her own. I've never read anything like this series.

If the first book in the series got me pining for more, then this book has made it into a full blown addiction! I'm hooked!

I enjoyed all the Riley Jenson series and she saved Risa as a baby and its been enjoyable seeing her grown and her interaction with Riley and family as well as her trials

This is the second installment in the Dark Angel series by Keri Arthur. Risa will just about anything to help her get justice on the people who murdered her mother, including make a pact with the most evil vampire she has ever met. Also, someone had been attacking the elders of the local council making the age rapidly, go mad, and die. And to top it off, Risa's father has gotten her into a dangerous mission that may become the cause to her destruction..

This book was amazing! A wonderful sequel to the first book, Darkness Unbound. The characters continue to develop and the action just keep getting better and better. But I am starting not to like a certain someone.

The characters make the book. Risa is always amazing and on the top of her game in more ways than one. I love her attitude and how she feels the need to try and protect everyone around her. Her, how do I put this, desires are always "enjoyable". It keeps you entertained and turns up the heat in the story.

Lucian...I'm really starting not to like him. Something about him just throws me off. It seems he always has his own agenda and you can never tell if he's lying or not. He kind of annoyed me in this book, especially towards the end.

Azriel! I love him. I loved him and Risa moments. I like his character. The way he acts, his attitude, and his fierceness. I want something to develop between him and Risa so bad. I'm itching for it and hope it happens.

And the evil vamp, Madeline....Not going to even touch that subject.

And that ending was definitely a cliff hanger. Not to please to have to wait until the next book releases. Amazing sequel, I cannot wait until the next book. For people 18+ and really definitely recommend this series, especially for those of you who liked the Riley Jenson series.

Second in the Dark Angels series.
Keri Arthur has a style of writing that draws you into the story and you just can't put it down.
Her characters have a passion you will enjoy reading.
A "Must Have" series, you want for your own library!