Reviews

Dark Whisper by Christine Feehan

susanbevans's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

thebashfulbookworm's review

5.0

Four and a Half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
Dark Whisper by Christine Feehan is the thirty-second book in her very popular Dark series. Dark Whisper can be read as a stand-alone, as the author provides a very helpful family tree at the front of the book.

Book Recap:
Vasilisa Sidkorolyavolkva is of royal blood and she is a Lycan. Her mother has passed down the traditions and told her she will soon find her lifemate. Vasilisa is restless as she knows her lifemate is near, but she knows nothing about him. Her mother told her the prophecy is that her lifemate will find her, and she must protect his soul.

Afanasiv Belan is a Carpathian and a warrior. He’s never met anyone like Vasilisa, his lifemate. He can see what’s in her mind and he knows how she feels, and he feels the bond between them. They fight in unison, each aware of each other and able to fight for and defend each other against their enemies. But, both Vasilisa and Afansiv have secrets and in order to bond completely, they must share their secrets and be able to accept each other.

My Thoughts:
Picking up a book that is #32 in an established series when I haven’t read a single one before, in a genre I’m not familiar with, wasn’t the best idea I’ve had in a while, but it turned out great. This book is full of action and the world-building is amazing.

I learned so much about the different factions, who are friends, who are enemies, and who are friends who turn into enemies. It’s a very complex world, however, if I had been reading the entire series, I’m sure I would have known most of the characters and their worlds and it would have been easier for me to understand. However, the author does take her time and explain things, plus she has an index in the back that helps explain the Carpathians and the Lycans, and that helped me a lot.
The basic story is about power, greed, and control of others. It’s a complex story that kept me on my toes, and I found myself immersed in the world and wondering if they will ever be able to find peace with each other.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

annarella's review against another edition

4.0

I don't remember if I've ever read a book in this series and starting with n 36 could have a bit messy. I was lucky because it can be read as a stand alone and I think Ms Feehan can surely write a gripping book.
There's a lot of strong emotions, greed, and a well developed romance.
interesting world building and characters.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

tinasbooknook's review against another edition

4.0

A great addition to the series. I loved the relationship between Siv and Vasilisa, the way they worked to align and give and take. Intriguing adventure and loved the cameos of previous couples. It was also fun to learn more about what separates the Carpathian and demons and the backstory. Looking forward to re-reading this!

deeangel85's review against another edition

I might have liked this author when I was younger but now that I'm older I can't handle reading any of her Carpathian novels

loverofromance's review against another edition

4.0

 

First Impressions

Dark Whisper is the latest in the Carpathian/Dark Series. I have had so much fun with these books, and I know its a LONG series, but the world building is so fascinating. And we are in a new serial arch of the world building so its so fascinating to see what Christine Feehan is building here. I was so curious to see what she would deliver with Dark Whisper, it does have some unique elements and we get back to the Lycan’s and their society. I loved the Lycan books about ten books ago, so I was so pleased that Christine Feehan returned back to them. This story was so intriguing as the heroine is royalty and there is plenty of action and thriller feel to the story, so if you are a fan of romantic thrillers or romantic suspense mix in with paranormal aspects then this is going to be a book for you.

What I Loved

I will say that there were so many aspects to this story that I truly ended up loving. The first is the characters that I want to discuss first. We have our hero, who is one of the ancient Carpathians but is also a bit more modernized as well. So if that type of hero works for you, then you will really end up loving that. He is so respectful of the heroine all the way through and understands what she needs from him and gives that to her. I love his steady faith in her and has his own abilities but isn’t super dominant unless she is in danger, but even in those scenes, it’s so well done and he is a healthy hero for sure. He is so encouraging and protective of those under his care and that is such an attractive quality. Then we have our heroine, who is a fighter but also royalty. Her mother trained her to fight because she knew that her path would be different from her siblings and that she would be lifemated to a Carpathian. I like the heroine, she is feisty and strong-willed but also has a level of grace about her. I did like that she didn’t get too offended by certain things from the hero, but took time to think through things. The world-building is superb and we go on an adventure with our couple that I have NEVER seen this author do, and wow what an adventure this book ended up being. I didn’t know what to make of it, to be honest, because there was something so different in the plot and the aspects of the world-building. I am becoming more and more intrigued by the four gateways and the tarot card reading. Christine Feehan never ceases to surprise me with her wit and talent of penning such remarkable growth in her world-building that literally stuns me with every serial arch.

What I Struggled With

I will say that what I struggled with the most was the romance unfortunately with this one and is the reason that it didn’t quite make it to five stars like I was expecting it to. After the last two previous books got to five stars, I was expecting this one to do the same. However, it didn’t quite make it. Not saying that I didn’t enjoy my reading with this one, because it’s a definite solid 4-star! However, I feel like the plot working and the world-building made it so that the actual romance actually suffered the most from it. I wanted so much to feel the connection that these two had, but I just wasn’t quite feeling it as I was expecting to. And side note, the heroine drove me nuts at times. I wanted to love her so much, but she was a bit too much of a modern woman for my tastes. She can fight and everything but I wanted to feel her more feminine side that we only received small glimpses of.

Overall View

I found Dark Whisper to be a powerful read that kept me hooked from beginning to end. It’s a story of unique storytelling, a plot with its challenging archs that will leave the reader breathless, and a romance that will intrigue and fascinate the reader in such a way that you will be charmed by their story and keep you yearning for more! 

ceng1018's review

adventurous informative tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I keep reading this series because I like the world view established. This book moved the story line slowly forward. Formulaic writing

mina_reads_30's review against another edition

3.0

I love the series and I have been a fan since the first book came out!

I felt that this one was more paranormal/fantasy than paranormal romance. It did have the romantic element of fated mates but it was mostly battling evil forces. I didn't feel the "Lifemate" connection with Siv and Vasilisa like the other couples in the series, it felt more like coworkers who fight demons.

kristalsty119's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

5.0

jlee76's review

adventurous tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

I have read every Carpathian book and always eagerly await the new one.  These books have developed into a world of sensuality and danger that is mesmerizing.  Dark Whisper is yet another heart-pounding adventure into the Carpathian world.  

 

Afansiv Belan, or “Siv,” is another sexy, dark, alpha male ancient that stole my heart.  Siv was a fantastic character.  Vasilisa Sidkorolyavolkva has been trained since birth to battle the evil that desires her species extinct.  Vasilisa always knows she holds the other half of a Carpathian male’s soul.  Vasilisa is also something “more.”  Siv and Vasilisa’s dynamic has much more give and take than many Carpathian mates. The couple respects each other’s abilities.  

 

 I loved both Siv and Vasilisa.  Their connection felt unique.  Siv and Vasilisa were very much partners and Siv, being an ancient, did an admirable job letting Vasilisa be herself.  I loved the development of the couple’s relationship, and their journey was stunning.  The passionate connection was palpable.  Around seventy percent of this book is battles and action.  I loved it, but at times I felt the paranormal outshone the romance.  I would have liked more sensual and personal moments between the couple added to the plot.  That is a personal preference.

 

This book was a page-turner.  There was battle after battle.  I loved seeing some fan-favorite couples from previous books help Siv and Vasilisa.  Dark Whisper is the thirty-sixth book in the Carpathian series.   I advise reading these books in order as they build upon one another.  Christine Feehan has proven with this book why she is the queen of paranormal romance!  This book is edgy, gritty, and sexy.  This was a page-turner that will keep you up late!  I did not want this incredible journey to end.  Dark Whisper is yet another jewel in the crown of the Carpathian series.  This epic saga of books creates a world I want to visit again and again.  I am impatiently waiting for the next book!

 

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.