Dark Lover has ratings and reviews. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. The Black Dagger Brotherhood is one of my top ten favorites series of- all- times.
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- Dark Lover Black Dagger Brotherhood Series Book 1 J.r. Ward 0749938188
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A psychic soldier's life is altered by a fairy huntsman and a secret in her own blood. Magic blends with the modern world in this addictive adventure. They took the male I have always loved, the reason for my existence. I was ignorant before, but now I know. This is my Awakening. Looking for a southern-fried, fist-slinging heroine? Meet Peri Jean Mace. She's a foul-mouthed psychic medium who just ticked off a murderer. Product details File Size: Piatkus February 3, Publication Date: February 3, Sold by: Related Video Shorts 0 Upload your video.
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Please try again later. Kindle Edition Verified Purchase. I bought this book on the recommendation of a cashier when she saw me buying the Twilight Saga. Beyond knowing it was about vampires, I didn't really know what to expect. For the record, it's really nothing like the sparkly guys, so don't let that sway you in any way. My first impression was that it was a little hardcore, but as I kept reading, I fell in love with the brotherhood and the vampire race.
I may not like all their customs and rituals, but I love their devotion - to their mates, their brothers, and their beliefs whatever they may be for each individual. I thought the world building was really solid and the story was a wonderfully complex web that leaves so much room for more. The romance itself was both sweet and very sexy. They certainly had some obstacles and their ups and downs, but they got through it and they just work so well together. Wrath is a little hot headed, but also very realistic and practical.
I love the way he thinks, for the most part anyway. Beth is level headed and has an incredible inner strength. They balance each other really well. The drama at the end had me riveted and seemed to bring everyone together. There are some changes in store for everyone and I like the direction those changes are going.
I also adore the last line. I don't like the various perspectives, especially not the "villain's", but I understand it was part of the world building. It just made reading a little slow at times. Ultimately, regardless of how much I do or don't like anything from this book - or series even - or how much I love things I've read since, Dark Lover will always hold a very special place in my heart.
It was my very first adult romance book - my gateway so to speak. I've been hooked ever since. Dark Lover is a tantalizing introduction to the Black Dagger Brotherhood that left me wanting more in all the right ways. Years ago I started reading this series and only made it to chapter five. I am not sure what tore me away, but I am sad that it did.
Dark Lover is wrought with angst, and delicious vampires. This was Wrath's book and while I did find myself having to turn back to the glossary to look up meanings of J. Ward's lore, it was still an enjoyable read. Wrath is not a typical vampire,not in the sense of traditional story vampires. They don't instant heal like other vampire lore, they can materialize just about anywhere, they do not need humans to sustain themselves. I love how unique the world building is. I love that there is just enough alpha maleness without being over the top eye rolling.
All the characters introduced in this novel have their own distinct voices. I will be continuing the series with Lover Eternal next. I just can't put them down now. The first book in the series. I gave the next book a chance and was so GLAD! I LOVE great writing and this book delivers on most levels JR Ward is a masterful story teller.
Her dialog is spot on! The banter between characters is genius at times. Her vampire world is believable and you will get completely sucked into it. It is fast paced. I like how she switches up to different characters points of view. Each book lays the foundation for future books. The only thing I got frustrated with at times was wanting to skip to a certain couples "story" in the future books resist.. Her writing style is so patient and the reader is rewarded for appreciating it. Ward can definitely deliver plenty of THAT!
Funny and sexy and raw! If you haven't yet read 'Dark Lover', by all means do so! It was very entertaining! Can't wait to read the other books! The language is a little dated but that adds to the charm of the book. And for all the violence and action and darkness, there's a beautiful HEA! This book sets the stage for the whole series and introduces the whole band of brothers. And what a cast of characters! All impossibly arrogant but loyal and bound together to protect their race. All that stood between the civilian vampire population and the Lessers. Crossing his arms, Wrath looked around the room, taking each one of them in, seeing their strengths but mostly their curses.
Dark Lover Black Dagger Brotherhood Series Book 1 J.r. Ward 0749938188
Forget all the other books you've read about vampires, this one it totally different! And as someone who does not love PNR books, I still fell in love with the characters and the story. Beth falls under the protection of Wrath, who has made a promise to protect her and watch over her as she transitions. But Wrath did not count on falling for Beth, as he already had a mate for life. He hovered above her, a silent menace. On impulse her hands went to the lapels of his jacket, and she tried to pull him down to her mouth. He captured both her wrists in one of his hands. Literally, after finishing one book I couldn't wait to get my hands on the next, and I've never had that feeling before.
Usually after reading a book, I take a break from the series, read something else then come back to it, but this series just had me hooked. I will admit this though, I'm not a huge fan of reading third person books, I'd rather read from the first person, but after reading Dark Lover, I got used to it after the first couple of chapters, and by Lover Awakened which is my favorite it didn't bother me at all. The series as a whole is genius, like how did J.
I had moments where I had to put the book down and gasp because of how the story was turning out. I'm embarrassed to say this because it takes a lot for me to swoon and get a reaction, but boy did I need to have a break from Lover at Last which is book I'd recommend this series to anybody, it has everything; Romance, action, vampires, and easy to like characters especially Zsadist. You know what, I might read this series again. View all 13 comments. Feb 09, Kat Kennedy rated it it was ok Shelves: I originally wrote this review in a more innocent time.
A time, if you can imagine, when I was a lot less cynical and a lot more likely to give books a break. I complained about the content and nature of Wrath and Beth's relationship but let it slide because, hey it was just some light-hearted fun. A couple of years ago I was at my mother's house when a large, terrify I originally wrote this review in a more innocent time.
A couple of years ago I was at my mother's house when a large, terrifying spider began its battle charge toward me with murderous intent gleaming in its eyes witness accounts may vary In case you are unaware, I have a deep and unabidding terror of anything with more than six legs. The spider racing toward me looked something like this: Nobody else at the scene of the event picks up details like I do Because she loves me presumably and to put a stop to my earsplitting girlie shrieks of "Kill it! It is at this point that hundreds of small, though equally malevolent spider spawn emerged from the crushed remains of their mother, all equally intent on destroying me one little piece at a time.
I count this as the most traumatic moment of my life. I find it extremely ironic that it was a vacuum cleaner, the bane of my life, that rescued me that night while I jumped on the couch in a fit of apoplectic terror. And it is with equal terror that I look upon the undead spawn that has filled the market since Dark Lover first emerged into the reading sphere. View all 51 comments. Shoulders were twice the size of most males'.
With a face that was both aristocratic and brutal, he looked like the king he was by birthright and the solider he'd become by destiny. We get the world building, the awesome characters, "Wrath was six feet, six inches of pure terror dressed in leather. We get the world building, the awesome characters, the terrible bad guys, and an amazing main couple! The story The Black Dagger Brotherhood is the only force between vampires and the evil lessers.
They are here to protect the vampire race, and lead them. Wrath is the only pure vampire left, he is their King, although he doesn't want to assume the role. After one of his closest friends gets killed by the evil enemy, Wrath decides to honor his friend's request, and protect his daughter, Beth. Beth doesn't know who her parents are, or that she is part vampire, but after a scary huge guy enters her apartment, her life completely changes. She is drawn to him sexually how could she not be , and doesn't know what to believe when one of her cop friends accuses him of being a murderer.
Wrath wants Beth, even though he doesn't want to, but he needs to protect her, and when her change hits, she will need his blood to up her chances of survival. Will he be able to stay away from her? Will he be able to watch her mated with someone else without ripping his throat out?
DDD "He had her on the bed and under him in a flash of movement, and he pushed up her skirt and tore off her panties with vicious impatience. He didn't treat her blouse or bra any better. There would be time to savor later. Now was all about raw sex. There is a huge dictionary with everything explained in detail, so it REALLY helps, even though all of it is explained in the book as well, but my suggestion is to read it BEFORE you get to the book, you will understand everything a lot better: They can eat food just like normal people, but need blood to survive and stay strong, and that blood has to be from a vampire.
Well, at least for me: I love the way they talk, and swear, and act. It's hard to keep up in the beginning, but with them having such unusual names, you'll have no problem remembering who's who: The BDB guys are uber-interesting, and we meet some characters from the vampire nobility, as well as some humans that will appear later: The bad guys, Mr. D The sex - It's pretty hot, with lots of sex scenes, even though i admit it gets hotter in the next books: He was like no man she'd ever come across before.
And her body knew it just as clearly as her mind did. She realises how extraordinary he is, and falls in love with the fierce vampire King: As a human, Beth is pretty weak physically, and has no sex urges, until she sees Wrath: D Oh man and what a way to discover them ahahahhahahah Those two can't get enough of each other, even though it isn't rational, but when it comes to mates and their connection D So, even though she is weak physically, as a characters she is fantastic, strong, willing to fight for Wrath and standing by him when he needed it.
And when she comforted Rhage, that was one of my favorite scenes in the book: His blood is the strongest, and that's why he was needed to help Beth through her transition. The attraction was a surprise, but one Wrath couldn't avoid. He wants Beth like no other before, and even though he fights it all the way, he knows he wants to mark her and make her his leelan. He is King, but doesn't feel worthy of the title. He has a sad history, and the way his parents died But soon he will have to make a choice, because the Brotherhood will not survive without strong leadership, and the lessers are growing more and more powerful by the day.
I just have to say, Wrath is HUGE and badass and pretty cold at the beginning, but we get to see him "melt" and show more and more of his emotions, and that ending with Beth, OMG! He was a jerk a few times ahahhah but the poor guy's people skills are like ZERO ahahhahhah: DD Some of my fav scenes were with Wrath and Fritz: You're just too mean to find a grave and lie down. I'm not a total savage. Flipped the gold lighter shut. But I guess I'll settle for quantity until I find her. Life just sucks, doesn't it?
May 01, Ren rated it really liked it Shelves: Thanks for all friends and people who have like this review and commenting. Allright, this is the first book that start my love for BDB series, and when I know this book will be translated a year ago at February , I'm excited!! Waiting months later, no news Waiting next months later, still no news And then at July, the publisher said that their try so hard to translated this books!
Waiting, and waiting, they said this book wll be published at November, and then they decide to decline until December I'm still waiting And then they said again, they decline it until March this year!! Alright, still I'm waiting, and then when the cover for translated version is coming up: I'm speechless and said: Ward know about this cover, she will go ballistic!!
For the publisher in this case, GPU: Thanks to make our dream ruined! It doesn't matter if you said that the story is great, the story is good. Yes, I know about that! But what with people that don't know about BDB? They always buy a book based it cover! Did you know what they're thinking when see this book at bookstore? They will think this is a book with "WTF Cover"!! Ahh, dunno if I want to buy this translated version or not! There are people said that the model at the cover look alike Keanu Reeves!!
No way, at last Keanu is sooo much better!! Cut that crappy hair! I'll buy this book to know about the translated version, because my friends said this book lack of romance.. Then, it make me more curious. Which I'm not do it. Dec 18, Elle rated it it was ok Recommends it for: Recommended to Elle by: The general GoodReads population. I was sucked in by the high ratings for this series. And the fact that I couldn't go anywhere on GR without this little red paperback popping up and waving at me.
I'm totally worth it' blah blaaahh. Where were the characters??? I could not for the life of me identify who was who and why they were there. And WHY did they fall in love? Ward, trying to sell me this idea of love-at-first- It's your fault. Ward, trying to sell me this idea of love-at-first-sight-but-first-I'm-going-to-shag-him-senseless-to-be-sure, again????
Don't misunderstand me Goodreaders. I'm not adverse to filth on paper. I wish I had more of it. But surely there has to be more than just sex and filth to a good romance? I need the romance to develop. Goddammit I need a heads-up before the clothes come off. I will not continue with this series. I will, however, keep this little red book on the bottom shelf should the need for quick filth arise in future. But I doubt it. View all 19 comments. I decided to read the entire series I have always loved the first book in the series It's liking going back home, visiting "people" that have become my friends.
Beth is such a fabulous character - perfect queen material She leaned in, prodded them a little. Eating with those puppies was going to take some getting used to, she thought. On impulse, she brought up her hands, turned her fingers into claws. Some of the quotes I loved in this book: I mean, is it a dick thing with you all? Do you wear that leather to turn each other on? I am so invested in the series that I am unable to keep away from anything BDB First reviewed in Third or fourth time I have read this book I am so totally addicted to the Black Dagger Brotherhood Series And yes, I will read it again and again and again!!!!!!
I have become so obsessed with this series I don't remember even being so into a series like this Wrath making me pick his book up again!!!!! I loved it even more than the previous times Wrath and Beth are just an amazing couple I hope that the new book coming out in will have more about them I wanted to finish it and go onto the next one.
I was totally hooked. Set in modern day Caldwell, New York a war is going on between vampires and Wrath, the last purebred vampire is king and leader of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, a group of vampire warriors fighting the evil Lessing Society, which is bent on eradicating vampires. He has been asked by his closest friend, Darius who is murdered by the lesser, to look after Beth, his half human daughter. Beth has never had a serious relationship and longs for some excitement in her life.
She becomes totally enthralled with Wrath. He seduces her on their first meeting and enters a sensual world that she never could imagine existed. The sex scenes are so erotic and sensual and sizzling HOT…. We meet the vampire warriors…. I loved the way the characters were named…. You are taken on an exhilarating ride filled with fast action, sensual romance and a vampire world you have never seen before. You lose yourself in this dark and exciting world and you want to discover everything in it.
To help understand some of the terms and dialogue in the story, a glossary helps you the descriptions. I recommend the books are read in the series reading order. View all 29 comments. Wanting to get an image of Wrath in those leather pants, I visited photo bucket and this is what I found. While there are no leather pants, I thought he was perfect: This is my first "ad Picture of Wrath This is my first "adult" vampire read.
I've stayed away from this genre thinking how on earth could I like a hero who drinks blood?! The thought has never been appealing and actually was kind of a turn off. But with the push from my GR friends I caved and took the plunge. All I can say is WOW, I have really been missing out! I loved this book! He was such a loner, guarding his feelings and deeper emotions.
But when he fell, he fell hard! I particularly enjoyed his first feelings of jealousy…. For the price of admission, you get a splitting headache, a nearly irresistible urge to commit murder, and an inferiority complex…. My ultimate goal is to become his leelan! This man is one of the sexiest I've read! I love alpha warrior heroes and this book is filled with sexy, male testosterone.
Some were a little scary; some were a lot scary! But they all were fascinating! I also met the enemy, the lessers, and hope their entire race will be obliterated! It was an intense; erotic, emotional read with just enough laugh out loud moments to make this near perfect. I am intrigued by this band of brothers and can't wait for more! The Black Dagger Brotherhood is one of my top ten favorites series of- all- times. There is just something about this series that made me fall in love from book one.
No matter how many times I read these stories they never get old. Dark Lover does an amazing job of laying out this new and exciting paranormal world. The Black Dagger Brotherhood world is a kick ass world filled with kick ass dark heroes that steal your heart and melt your panties. Each brother is sexy, unique, intriguing, and totally amazing in their own way. Dark Lover is Wrath's book.
With his failing eye sight, dark past, and his insecurities about being able to lead his people Wrath has refused to ascend the throne. He instead serves his people by being a warrior, and killing lessers, until Beth. Wrath was surly, closed off, and at times an asshole. But Wrath was a multifaceted character. He was also loyal, sweet, caring, and sexy as hell. Beth Randall Thought she was a normal boring everyday human, til a sexy tall dark "man" shows up, rocks her world and tells her she is half vampire.
Beth was sweet, understanding, supportive, but she was also sassy, independent, and didn't let people walk on her. Beth had a lot thrown at her but she handled it well. Beth was a great mate for Wrath. You're just going to walk up to her and say, 'Hey, I know you've never seen me before, but I'm your dad. Oh, and guess what? You've won the evolutionary lottery: Let's go to Disneyland! And I don't know how to keep you safe enough. I don't know how the hell to - " "We'll figure it out," she said.
The bigger and badder they are the harder they fall and Wrath fell hard and fast for Beth. They had great chemistry between them and a sweet love. I really loved the uniqueness of this world. The way vampires had to feed from other vampires not humans, the way they bond and mate, the fact that you have to be born vampire, and the bad guys Lessers. The Lessers were gross and creepy in their differences. I mean come on pale, blonde, impotence, soulless humans that smell like baby powder lol that is original. I also loved that all the brothers were foul mouthed, hard asses that have the sexy bad boy vibes flowing.
Especially Z there is just something about Z that makes me want to melt. I liked Butch a lot too. Dark Lover is a great start to an amazing series and it does an epic job of pulling you in and making you fall in love with the brothers. I'll be a J. Ward fan for life! That's what you'd see. View all 54 comments. God, so that's how the Black Dagger Brotherhood series starts out, huh? I am so bummed that I didn't start with this one. It only makes sense to read the series in order but at the time, I only had the sixth and seventh book on hand. Nevertheless, Dark Lover is as solid as ever.
This dude is so fucking hot, it's insane. He's so arrogant and aggressive. He's possesive and passionate. He's the best King in my mind. And Beth, where do I even start with her? She is so strong, even from God, so that's how the Black Dagger Brotherhood series starts out, huh? She is so strong, even from the very beginning. I love how she is able to keep her man in place. But most of all, I think the highlight of this book is Butch. Brian O'Neal is just so funny when he's around Marissa. I cannot wait to read his book, Lover Revealed. Also, the chemisty with the rest of the brothers is awesome too.
Their dialogue and endless banter just livens up the darkness and is refreshing and fun. Damn, I love this series. It's to die for. She tilted her head, considering him.
There was something she couldn't decipher in his tone. He dug his hand into his thick, dark hair. They were really nice eyes, she thought. And they held a lonely yearning as he looked at her. As if he couldn't have something he wanted. She knew all about that. The human laughed, a burst of sound that came from deep inside his chest.
Not staring at all. Hey, this is a nice rug.
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Have you noticed it before? I am currently being held hostage by a PNR-loving troll. I therefore cannot be held responsible for the contents of this review. I can do this. My life will never be the same but I can do this. The fucking PNR gods are with me. I believe I can fly. I believe I can touch the sky view spoiler [sorry, that wasn't me speaking, that was the alcohol I've been consuming to accept this new PNR-loving persona of mine hide spoiler ]. Hell just froze over!!!!!! The end of the world is near!!!!!! You lost enough friends as it is when you gave this book a 5-star rating, do you want to lose more?
That's what I thought. Okay, I need to calm down. You have to admit, though, this is such breakthrough for me! No wonder I have such a hard time dealing with it! Something just occurred to me. Does my loving liking this book mean I'm human after all? Worse things have happened. Then again, maybe not? Well not right now anyway. Maybe tomorrow view spoiler [Oops, I think the alcohol is speaking again hide spoiler ]. Okay, I can totally do this. I am brave and fearless. Which means the expression "suspend disbelief" takes a whole new dimension here.
Think of it as "suspend disbelief" to the power of Wait just one second here. We're not going anywhere here. You thought we were? Guess I fooled you then. Anyway, I was going to tell you why I loved liked this but I think I'll just tell you why I shouldn't have loved liked it instead.
Black Dagger Brotherhood - Hachette Australia
It will be much faster. Am I the only one thinking of the seven dwarves here? What girl in her right mind would have unprotected sex with a super hot thug-looking, deliciously mysterious unknown bastard who breaks into her apartment in the middle of the night?! Please Sarah, do try and refrain from raising your hand here, some of your dear friends wouldn't understand. Fangs growing in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, NOW! Can we have sex first? No offense girl, but you really need to get a life. Need I say more? Need to say more, I mean. Because there's insta-love and there's insta-get-married. These people don't fool around, do they?
Well they do but —hey! Will you take your mind off the gutter for just 5 seconds?! I meant fooling around, not [quote unquote] fooling around. It's like a bacterial infection! I can't fight it!
Someone please call ! Too late, I think I just died. I'm seeing fluffy bunnies and pastel-colored rainbows everywhere. This is the END. A decaf asshole, if you will. A big, cosy teddy bear in leather pants. But still a little too diet for my taste. Now MY Z is something else altogether. Please don't get excited girls, I already did the Bam! So don't waste time getting all hormonal on me. His ass is MINE. Ange seems to think Vishous is hers.
Slightly delusional, but very funny. Go away, go away! Someone please give me my pills NOW!!! Phew, that was a close one! A huge thank you to whoever passed me the pills. I'll be eternally full of grate. And the moral of this review is: Take all the lovey-dovey crap away and I'm giving this 8 stars. And this is bloody PNR. And I don't even like bloody vampires.
Please let it be known that I am being forced to read this against my will. Blah blah blah thread Dec 11, Heather rated it did not like it Shelves: Ward for being intelligent enough to make that up. With a name like Wrath, I was expecting some sensual sinning to take place, but all I got was a blind, leather duster wearing vampire thug who introduces us to ridiculous supernatural turf wars, rap music, and the f bomb.
Even worse, the supposed world of sensuality began as a cable guy fantasy gone wrong. This book was tragic. If you are able to smell someone so strongly that images form in your mind, that person is made of stink and you should run, quickly, in the opposite direction. Also, someone named Wrath has no business cuddling with anyone except the devil. Seriously, am I supposed to believe that someone named after one of the seven deadly sins is capable of falling in love with someone so insipid?
And can someone explain the mythology to me? And why would they drink human blood? View all 50 comments. Sep 12, Clair rated it did not like it Shelves: I remember a few years ago, being huddled around a table in the canteen, and talking about books with some of my friends. They were nigh on obsessed with this vampire hunting series, having bought all the books and swapping them between each other. I never got to borrow any copies but then again I was kind of burnt out on vampires anyway , but the name did stick in my mind.
Some months later, I asked one of these friends about the title of the books she loved, and she said they were part of a se I remember a few years ago, being huddled around a table in the canteen, and talking about books with some of my friends. Some months later, I asked one of these friends about the title of the books she loved, and she said they were part of a series called the Black Dagger Brotherhood.
The title sounds kind of cool, doesn't it? Eventually I downloaded the e-book, and started reading it. I was howling four percent in. Reading this book was like watching a really bad crime thriller that wallows in its own grittiness and has stereotypical characters, like the grumpy detective, the shallow heroine who can't help but get herself in trouble, the devoted vampire bride whose husband just won't reciprocate her affections, and various other oddball vampires who just so happen to be purebred or highly-trained and thus, are more awesome than civilian vampires.
Oh, the characters… Sigh… Oy vey, in fact. The aforementioned shallow heroine is named Beth. She works for a newspaper, and is described as being stunningly gorgeous.
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No, seriously, I mean it. Ward goes at length to make sure you know this. Beth has long black hair and perfect facial shape and lips made for kissing a man seriously, J. She finishes work at the beginning of the novel, and is almost raped by this utter berk. However, she's saved and she gets back to the apartment, and seems to freaking forget about almost being raped. She jitters for a moment or two, then has a shower, eats a ready meal, and plays with her cat. In the morning, this guy called Butch who she lovingly nicknames Detective Hard-Ass rather objectionably demands to know how she got some of her superficial injuries from being assaulted.
Beth eventually tells him, which leads us on to my other point about bad characters in this book. Being the daughter of a retired police officer, I can tell you that in most developed nations, the police generally don't beat the living tar out of suspects before making an arrest, which is exactly what Butch does to the guy who nearly raped Beth, even though the only evidence he has is a description of his appearance.
Do you know why that is? Partly human rights, partly not living in a part of the world where police brutality doesn't really exist, and partly compensation culture! Yes, call it political correctness if you will, but I highly doubt Butch's policing skills. Beth even says early on in the novel that Butch's interrogation methods leave people in hospital.
Well, kudos to you, J. Ward, for perpetuating the stereotype that most cops are violent idiots who were probably bullied at school and now take out all their rage on criminals, because a badge and ID card now legally allows them to. And while this Billy Riddle kid who almost raped Beth confesses his crime the moment this hilariously over-the-top depiction of a hard-nosed police officer threatens to whack him in the privates so hard that he'll be 'pissing sitting down for a week', what would have happened if it was a case of mistaken identity?
Butch would have egg on his face in the form of having his badge and gun taken away, and he'd probably be forced to pay out massively in compensation. When Butch finds Billy in the morgue later that afternoon, he threatens him and really physically abuses him. Grabbing him by the lapels, slamming him against the wall, slapping him around the head, and breaking his nose. Now, I'm not saying that Billy doesn't deserve this kind of punishment for his horrible crime, I'm just shocked that anyone would think any police investigation revolves around mercilessly beating up a suspect and apparently putting some of them in hospital!
You know that tense interrogation scene in The Dark Knight where Batman interviews The Joker and slams his head into the table and throws him around the room and shakes him and slams him against the wall? That's a cool scene, but it's complete and utter fantasy! Butch took that type of good cop bad cop routine and amplified it, and it's fucking ridiculous. Boy, we are in for a ride. Now, let's look away from our human characters for a moment, and onto the vampires. The vampires all have absolutely ridiculous names. Wrath is one of our main characters, and besides being described as what appears in my mind as the horrifying cross between Vegeta from Dragon Ball Z and Neo from The Matrix , he's at least… okay as a character.
He's boring, but hey, we've got ridiculous names to talk about! Vishous These all sound like names a really crappy DJ or band or artist would give themselves. Speaking of that, there's mention of a band called 'Tomato Eater'. So, he's a tortured soul who enjoys pain. He's got tattoos and piercings all over the place, and he's heavily scarred because of his addiction to pain. So surely his name should be Mhasokhist? Of course, Beth isn't just there to look pretty. No, she has connections to the vampires, in that her father Darius has just been killed off via a car bomb, and lo and behold, he's a vampire!
Her body is transitioning now she's come of age, I guess, and so the Black Dagger Brotherhood puts her under their protection. She begins noticing something's off, and then… there was the mother of all awful vampire sex scenes. I'm no prude, but the writing was just hysterically awful, not erotic in the least. Ward seems obsessed with the shape of her characters' faces, with undulation and curvaceousness.
Now, in this sex scene, Beth is rocked by a wave of lust when Wrath, a creepy looking guy dressed all in black leather, stalks into her apartment. Normal people would tell him to get out, call the cops, you know, be a bit freaked out. No, she quite happily lets the weirdo chomp on his cigarillo which is not a sexy image in the least — it makes me think of some corrupt old oil baron , then close the distance between them, and yes, it all ends up in the bedroom.
And if you thought the sex scenes in the Sookie Stackhouse books were bad Beth's breasts descriptively strain against her top, Wrath's John Thomas throbs like it has its own heartbeat, Beth's body undulates in a sexy wave If there was ever a time I wanted brain bleach, it was now. I mean, for gods' sake, when Beth decides halfway through foreplay that she doesn't really want to have sex after almost being raped the night before, like Khal Drogo from A Game of Thrones , he grumpily says 'no' to her refusal and continues anyway because he lusts after her so much.
And Beth just lets him! Then there's a description of Wrath's abdominal muscles looking like someone had inserted paint-rollers underneath his skin. Because home improvement is, need I remind you, dead sexy. Another bizarre choice was the security at a mechanic's workshop being 'tighter than a tick'.
I understand that ticks do clamp down something awful on skin resulting in Mr. Tick , but that is a godawful comparison. The terminology is also a really big problem in this book.
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The reader occasionally gets vampire-specific lingo, such as shellan and doggan. If you're curious as to what they mean, well, basically a shellan is the permanent partner of a vampire, and bonded to them for eternity. A doggan is a servant of a higher-ranking vampire. And since the vampires in this book all seem to be rich, princely bad boys, they happily ignore their wives and make sure Fritz the butler knows his place every once in a while.
However, the most major problem that The Black Dagger Brotherhood has in this regard is that those terms are not defined in the slightest. I had to go 'well I guess since shellans are kind of like wives then Admittedly, TBDB has an interesting take on the vampire mythos. Rather than the Black Dagger Brotherhood feeding from humans to sate their appetites, they actually feed off each other. Human blood is their equivalent of junk food, in fact.
It fills you up, but not for long. Being exposed to sunlight results in second and third degree burns before turning into ashes, and the vampires even have their own religion, where the Scribe Virgin is the embodiment of good, and the Omega is the embodiment of evil who creates soulless 'Lessers'. Interesting, but there are still some incredibly flawed things about this book. I also remember sitting back whilst reading this book and realising just how much of a sausage fest it was. There are more than 10 men featured as protagonists, antagonists, or deuteragonists, and barely 5 female characters.
Now, this isn't too much of a problem. I don't demand that the books I read have an equal balance of the sexes, it's just that the female characters are awfully written here, like some of them were just an afterthought. Beth is attractive and has no common sense whatsoever. I don't care that she and Wrath are fated to be together, but you do not let some creep come into your apartment and have his way with you because you're rocked by feelings of lust. The other female characters are underdeveloped wives, or prostitutes who wind up murdered.
There's a smidgen of back-story to one of them, whose name is Mary, but otherwise, they're just cheap trollops who are there to dress provocatively and get killed for it. I barely got to know Wellsie or Marissa, two of the 'wives' of our main vampire characters, because there's little to no background information about them. Wellsie is pregnant and deeply in love with her mate. Marissa is mated to Wrath but breaks up with him when he gets serious with Beth and then her brother Havers is all like: The pacing in this novel is also a major problem.
Things seem to happen much too fast. Stuff like character relations, discovering vital plot information, getting over the shock of something And then we get distracted away from the main plot to focus on inane shit like Beth and Wrath having sex, Marissa and Butch having sex, and over the course of twenty or so bloody pages near the end, we have Wrath and Beth getting married. Let's forget about this serial killer and his lackey, Billy Riddle.