Series: Dark Dynasties #1
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Published by: Forever on July 1, 2011
Format: eARC
Pages: 368
Source: NetGalley
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For centuries, shapeshifting vampire Tynan MacGillivray has prowled the night as an outcast, valued only for his ferocious hunting skills. When a feud among the immortals escalates into all-out war, he is ordered by his ruthless queen to locate a Seer - a human woman with a special gift - who can secure victory for their clan. Ty's search leads him to a quiet New England town, but once he has the Seer in his grasp, her touch awakens within him a hunger like he's never known...
Lily Quinn has always been different. Since childhood, she's had vivid nightmares and an eerie sixth sense. When a sexy, silver-eyed stranger demands her help, Lily plunges into a new world of danger and sensuality. With Ty, she discovers sizzling passions she cannot deny and powers she cannot control. Soon, it is clear that Lily is much more than a Seer - she holds the key to ancient secrets and unthinkable destruction. But will a vampire's vow of eternal protection stop these evil forces...or unleash her dark destiny?
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A phenomenal start to a series that flawlessly weaves vampires and Egyptian Mythology into one original paranormal romance!
In a vampire world separated by dynasties and hierarchy, Tynan MacGillivray of the Cait Sith bloodline, is rejected by most and nicknamed a “lowblood,” due to his shapeshifting abilities but used by his queen for his extraordinary hunting skills. With an impending war between immortals, Ty is given the task of finding a Seer who can ultimately be his people’s salvation. A simple job turns into more when Ty locates the Seer he’s searching for. Lily provokes a lust and insatiable need in Ty that will test his loyalties in the name of love and unleash powers in her that she’s never known.
There is much detail and back story to DARK AWAKENING in the beginning chapters that might seem much for some but is completely necessary in introducing us to the author’s fascinating paranormal world. The concept of different dynasties among the vampire race truly makes this book stand out. The politics and feuds among the different classes in the vampire world make for an interesting plot. Blending history, mythology and the paranormal isn’t an easy feat but the author accomplishes it beautifully. Not every dynasty is touched upon in detail in this story but I hope the author revisits this in the following books.
Ty is a tortured hero who earns your sympathy and admiration. Taught to think he’s nothing more than a pet to those he serves, Ty often struggles with proving his worth to avoid being an outcast. He’s a little dark rough around the edges due to his past but is still loyal, caring and sexy as hell. A vampire who purrs…that’s all I have to say!
Lily is just as much an outcast as Ty in her world. Abandoned by her adoptive parents, she has never felt safe and loved. Keeping her abilities to herself for most of her life, she alienates herself from those around her and yearns to live a normal life. Lily is a strong and loving character despite the challenges she’s had to overcome. What struck me most about her was her calm and collective stance on the chaos that ensues when she meets Tynan and is introduced to his world. The romance that develops between Lily and Ty is a flawless match, two wounded souls who seek acceptance and love. Their chemistry is short of sizzling and my only complaint is that there weren’t more scenes between the two!
This book is a solid beginning to a new vampire world in paranormal romance. You completely immerse yourself in the story and characters who take you on an emotional and action filled ride. Another great addition to the story are some of the supporting characters who will leave you wanting with their smooth talking ways, Jaden and Vlad in particular. DARK AWAKENING is a compelling story of self discovery, growth, acceptance and love mixed with secrets, power and danger that is sure to captivate readers!
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