You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.

465 reviews for:

The Beast

J.R. Ward

4.31 AVERAGE


Always action packed and fast paced this series is still going strong! So glad to see the old guard getting their own stories again. But I do love some of the younger brothers. Can't wait for the next one!

This is one of those difficult to review books.

Firstly, it started with action from the outset; fab, exciting.

And I actually really liked seeing Rhage's vulnerable side. Even big, tough Brothers can have mental health issues, as we've seen before. It's something that makes this series intriguing.

However, it needed a bit of a polish. Some bits were rushed, and some spelling/grammar mistakes and inconsistencies crept in. Oops! That makes it 3.5* for me, really.

That being said, I still loved it!

Those who love Rhage's inner beast i.e. the dragon, may well love him a little bit more by the end of this book.
And there's still the intertwining of stories. What's happening with the Scribe Virgin?? Assail is an interesting chap, and the company he keeps - curious! Where's Xcor?

OK, so it's not the best book in the series, but still good. I'm still addicted to the BDB!
I'll be reading the next one as soon as my TBR allows.

This was another frustrating installment to this series for me. First 80% was sooooo boring. Story didn't progress at all. Just dragged. Last 20% good. Finally something happens. But overall, another installment that will never get a reread.

Yes I still love Rhage and all the original BDB boys. Yes I will never tire of being in their world. But seriously.....I'm getting frustrated. I think it's wayyyyyy past due for Xcor's book. I don't want another book about V's mom issues or Tohr's grief right now. They've had their books. I really need Xcor to be next. He more than deserves it and there are TONS of unanswered questions that have been floating around for the past...What? like 3 books? Come oooonnnnnnn! Rhage's story to me was a solid 3, but Assail and Xcor's side stories knocked it up. Warden please hear me when I say I love BDB but can a girl get some resolution!!!

This book made me remember how much I love Rhage! It has been a while since we have seen Rhage and Mary so this book was a treat! Even though this book was spoiled for me, it still hit me in the heart strings.

My favorite part of this whole book is Rhage's devotion to Mary. What they go through in this book is hard for couples, but no matter what Rhage makes it known that his love for Mary will never waver. It was beautiful to see that devotion. I also loved how Rhage and Mary work through and process this together. It takes a little while for them to get there, but once they both open up they were able to work toward a goal that made them happy...and that goal was again beautiful to read about.

Besides Rhage and Mary, Assail's storyline is getting more interesting to me. I am a sucker for his type of character, so I am very interested to see what happens to him. Also, the tension with the Bands of Bastards and the Omega is building up. XCOR AND LAYLA JUST NEED TO LOVE EACH OTHER ALREDY. Gosh I can't wait for their book.

Anyway, 4/5 for me (basically bc of Rhage), and I have started to get into this series again!

I love these books.

I loved this book. The past few books for me have just been okay and I've been longing for the old Black Dagger Brotherhood books in the beginning and this one delivered. I laughed so hard with this one. I can't wait for the next book!

J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series is filled with interesting stories of the vampires who protect the race. THE BEAST is the 14th entry in the series and revisits two favorite characters Rhage and Mary.

An unexpected gulf has opened up between Rhage and Mary with neither able to understand the source. Rhage and Mary and his dragon alter have overcome tremendous odds to be together. But in their bargain with the Scribe Virgin (the entity that created the Vampire race), they may have given up on a dream they didn't know they had. While Mary works to help a suddenly orphaned vampire child, Bitty, Rhage struggles to control the panic and insecurity that have started to plague him. Unfortunately, the Lessening Society is stronger than ever, Xcor the leader of the Band of Bastards, a Chosen in the midst of a difficult pregnancy, and a potential threat from the Glymera, there are a lot of things demanding Rhage and Mary's attention.

If THE BEAST had only focused on Rhage and Mary and one other side story, it would have been an easy 5 star rating. The book, unfortunately, felt bloated with too many narrative threads that went nowhere and acted as mere set-ups for future novels. A solid effort that could have benefited from a stronger editor.

What can I say but I LOVED this installment of the BDB! The Brother Rhage and his shellan Mary have fallen into a relationship block and they can't seem to find their way out. The story starts off with Rhage being given a warning to night fight that night. His life is in danger and Vishious has seen the vision. Rhage disregards the warning and dives right into the fighting. And the he almost dies.

Meanwhile Mary is at Safe Place dealing with the passing of an abused female and her now orphaned young. Bitty pulls at your heart strings right away. Mary is having a hard dealing with wither she be at home with her injured hellern or caring for the your girl.

As the story progresses Rhage is faced with a sad truth. He loves Mary but not he knows that they are missing the one thing that they can never have on their own, a young. And enter Bitty again. Rhage meets her and it is love at first sight. They bond quickly and Mary is allowed to continue her growing bond with the young girl.

Long story short. Rhage and Mary are able to resolve their issues and put the adoption of young Bitty in the works. Layla gives birth the young and the twins are doing alright.

Great story

Oh, my heart! I'd been looking forward to more Rhage and Mary, but that little girl is just the best thing. The freakin' BELLY SCRATCHES! haha When they brought her home? And her excitement at recognizing Fritz? Killed me! Legit, tears.

Such a great read, I couldn't put it down!