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4.31 AVERAGE
4.31 AVERAGE
I feel like I have been waiting forever for this to come out and I am so glad it finally did. It felt like I was coming home after a long trip. While this book "felt" different that the other four it was equally as good just for different reasons.
While there was a love story there, it seemed to take a backseat to all of the other things happening. There is new threat against the Immortal Guardians and with each new threat it seems like the ante gets upped. Trying to find the bad guy seemed like the biggest part of this book as opposed to the others where the "bad guys" seemed secondary. The love story was there but it seemed lacking. I definitely wanted more of the "romance" portion of the book and I even felt it lacked the sexiness that the others had.
That being said, I still really liked this book but it was because I got so wrapped up in all of the other things that are going on. Aime is pregnant, there is the air of secrecy around Zach and Seth, who are the others, who is the threat, how long is Cliff going to last. Then not even all of this is answered and has me dying for the next book already.
While there was a love story there, it seemed to take a backseat to all of the other things happening. There is new threat against the Immortal Guardians and with each new threat it seems like the ante gets upped. Trying to find the bad guy seemed like the biggest part of this book as opposed to the others where the "bad guys" seemed secondary. The love story was there but it seemed lacking. I definitely wanted more of the "romance" portion of the book and I even felt it lacked the sexiness that the others had.
That being said, I still really liked this book but it was because I got so wrapped up in all of the other things that are going on. Aime is pregnant, there is the air of secrecy around Zach and Seth, who are the others, who is the threat, how long is Cliff going to last. Then not even all of this is answered and has me dying for the next book already.
3.5
Originally posted at Vampire Book Club
Ever since he saved her from a mercenary attack, Lisette has been intrigued by the mysterious Zach. Her feelings are inflated even more when she starts having dreams about the man. She knows very little about him, but one the thing that is certain is that the leader of the Immortal Guardians considers him a traitor so Lisette doesn’t dare voice her feelings to anyone, even those she’s closest to.
Zach, too, has been interested in Lisette from afar and when he finally does appear to her in the flesh, he’s been badly tortured. Lisette has no choice but to help the wounded warrior, but doing so will start her on a path there’s no turning back from. In order to keep their burgeoning relationship a secret, Lisette begins to distance herself from other members of the Guardians.
While out on normal patrols the Guardians begin to notice that the vampires seem to be getting more capable and coherent, giving the Guardians a run for their money when fighting. Further confrontations reveal these vampires might have more knowledge of their opponents than the Guardians would like. As more and more mysterious coincidences appear it seems like someone within the Immortal Guardians may be a traitor. Keeping secrets is not in Lisette’s best interest right now.
The mystery of trying to figure out who would betray the Guardians drew me into the story in Night Unbound. Just when I thought Dianne Duvall was revealing the culprit she would change directions again. It was refreshing that things didn’t get too predictable.
Also, with the myriad of characters that have been introduced throughout the first five books, Duvall does a great job of including little snippets of each character (some more than others) so readers know that certain characters’ stories don’t stop with the end of their books. The camaraderie between the Guardians and their seconds provides for some funny moments, which is something I love reading in my paranormal romance and urban fantasy.
Unfortunately what both of these things did accomplish, however, was to overshadow Lisette and Zach. Lisette is one of the few female Guardians. She’s had to watch both of her brothers find their loves while she sits idly by still aching from her disastrous marriage more than 200 years ago. Zach, what little we know, is an immortal of indeterminate age; we’ll just say he’s been around for a while. But being around for a while doesn’t mean he’s been around. He’s just as surprised as Lisette that there are feelings between them. Their relationship, once established, deserved more than being pushed aside to focus on figuring out who the supposed traitor may be. I would have liked more of a balance, or it would have been nice if their relationship had been more entwined with the hunt for the traitor (an aspect that did begin to be incorporated but was quickly derailed).
All the makings were there for a great romance in Night Unbound. All the right sentiments were expressed and feelings spoken, but when it came down to it the relationship did not feel well rounded or fleshed out enough for me. Overall, the story pulled me in, just not for the reason I think it should have.
Originally posted at Vampire Book Club
Ever since he saved her from a mercenary attack, Lisette has been intrigued by the mysterious Zach. Her feelings are inflated even more when she starts having dreams about the man. She knows very little about him, but one the thing that is certain is that the leader of the Immortal Guardians considers him a traitor so Lisette doesn’t dare voice her feelings to anyone, even those she’s closest to.
Zach, too, has been interested in Lisette from afar and when he finally does appear to her in the flesh, he’s been badly tortured. Lisette has no choice but to help the wounded warrior, but doing so will start her on a path there’s no turning back from. In order to keep their burgeoning relationship a secret, Lisette begins to distance herself from other members of the Guardians.
While out on normal patrols the Guardians begin to notice that the vampires seem to be getting more capable and coherent, giving the Guardians a run for their money when fighting. Further confrontations reveal these vampires might have more knowledge of their opponents than the Guardians would like. As more and more mysterious coincidences appear it seems like someone within the Immortal Guardians may be a traitor. Keeping secrets is not in Lisette’s best interest right now.
The mystery of trying to figure out who would betray the Guardians drew me into the story in Night Unbound. Just when I thought Dianne Duvall was revealing the culprit she would change directions again. It was refreshing that things didn’t get too predictable.
Also, with the myriad of characters that have been introduced throughout the first five books, Duvall does a great job of including little snippets of each character (some more than others) so readers know that certain characters’ stories don’t stop with the end of their books. The camaraderie between the Guardians and their seconds provides for some funny moments, which is something I love reading in my paranormal romance and urban fantasy.
Unfortunately what both of these things did accomplish, however, was to overshadow Lisette and Zach. Lisette is one of the few female Guardians. She’s had to watch both of her brothers find their loves while she sits idly by still aching from her disastrous marriage more than 200 years ago. Zach, what little we know, is an immortal of indeterminate age; we’ll just say he’s been around for a while. But being around for a while doesn’t mean he’s been around. He’s just as surprised as Lisette that there are feelings between them. Their relationship, once established, deserved more than being pushed aside to focus on figuring out who the supposed traitor may be. I would have liked more of a balance, or it would have been nice if their relationship had been more entwined with the hunt for the traitor (an aspect that did begin to be incorporated but was quickly derailed).
All the makings were there for a great romance in Night Unbound. All the right sentiments were expressed and feelings spoken, but when it came down to it the relationship did not feel well rounded or fleshed out enough for me. Overall, the story pulled me in, just not for the reason I think it should have.
2018 Review
I'm re-reading the Immortal Guardian series again because book 8 [b:Awaken the Darkness|40043924|Awaken the Darkness (Immortal Guardians #8)|Dianne Duvall|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1525559727s/40043924.jpg|62046802] will be published on 10th July 2018 and I wanted to reacquaint myself with the characters and remind myself of the action so far before it's delivered (as if my magic) to my Kindle... Zach joined Bastien as another one of my favourite characters, I'm glad to say my love for him hasn't diminished.
Review - 2017
You can read my full review on my WordPress blog, Flora's Musings...
So, what did I like about it?
I really like [a:Dianne Duvall|4400405|Dianne Duvall|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1350592870p2/4400405.jpg]’s writing style and find her books very easy to read; she writes intelligent, engaging stories with a collection of well written characters within an imaginative world that mixes fantasy and reality which makes it easy to submerse myself into. The pace of her stories is usually fast, full of action and contains a couple of plot lines which run alongside the main romantic story arc. [b:Night Unbound|19083223|Night Unbound (Immortal Guardians, #5)|Dianne Duvall|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1393387123s/19083223.jpg|27110205] did not let me down.
If you’ve read my reviews before, you’ll know that I enjoy books where the characters are not black or white, good or evil but a multifaceted mix of positive and negative traits. I like to see our characters grow through embracing or overcoming challenges (and oh, boy is that the perfect description of Zach); the fact that the characters within these pages have been written with personalities that we can see in the real world around us - even though most of them are mythical, paranormal beings - adds that level of believability to this fantasy tale.
I definitely enjoy a story more if the lead female character is intelligent, resilient and has a good sense of humour that’s similar to my own and I wasn’t disappointed here. Lisette was perfect, what an inspiring woman! I liked the way that all of the characters in this story were written - even the villains of the tale - none of them were flat 2-dimensional creations, they all felt very real. Oh, and like most Brits I do love a bit of banter – this story has loads of it! I found myself COL (Chuckling Out Loud) throughout, usually when Sheldon makes an appearance.
I think I may have reached for the tissues a tad more often while reading this story, but don’t worry, lovely reader, it’s not all tear inducing; the mystery/thriller aspect of this story kept me guessing, the action kept me on the edge of my seat, the blossoming romance made me warm and fuzzy, the banter kept me giggling and the passion set my tummy a-tingling. *oooh*
So, ummm, was there anything I disliked about it?
Nope – even though some of the more violent scene sent my emotions spinning, there’s nothing about this book that I didn't absolutely love!!
So, basically what I’m saying is...
I didn’t want to stop reading this book!
It had everything that I look for in a 5 star book; intelligent writing style that’s easy to read, main characters with depth of personality that I can like (or love to hate) and believe in, depth of character in the supporting cast, believable background story/setting and a balanced mix of relationship and/or romance to action scenes and sex scenes.
Due to the graphic nature of the violence and sex scenes, I would only recommend this book to adults who are not offended by this sort of content, so if you enjoy strong alpha heroes and independent capable heroines, tense and often traumatic and brutal confrontations and hot lust/romance scenes then give this book a go.
Review - 2015
What a great story!
I was gripped. This series never ceases to impress & surprise me; the twists, the turns, the emotional rollercoaster, the passion, the sorrow and the fun.
Can't wait to see where Dianne Duvall takes us next.
I'm re-reading the Immortal Guardian series again because book 8 [b:Awaken the Darkness|40043924|Awaken the Darkness (Immortal Guardians #8)|Dianne Duvall|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1525559727s/40043924.jpg|62046802] will be published on 10th July 2018 and I wanted to reacquaint myself with the characters and remind myself of the action so far before it's delivered (as if my magic) to my Kindle... Zach joined Bastien as another one of my favourite characters, I'm glad to say my love for him hasn't diminished.
Review - 2017
You can read my full review on my WordPress blog, Flora's Musings...
So, what did I like about it?
I really like [a:Dianne Duvall|4400405|Dianne Duvall|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1350592870p2/4400405.jpg]’s writing style and find her books very easy to read; she writes intelligent, engaging stories with a collection of well written characters within an imaginative world that mixes fantasy and reality which makes it easy to submerse myself into. The pace of her stories is usually fast, full of action and contains a couple of plot lines which run alongside the main romantic story arc. [b:Night Unbound|19083223|Night Unbound (Immortal Guardians, #5)|Dianne Duvall|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1393387123s/19083223.jpg|27110205] did not let me down.
If you’ve read my reviews before, you’ll know that I enjoy books where the characters are not black or white, good or evil but a multifaceted mix of positive and negative traits. I like to see our characters grow through embracing or overcoming challenges (and oh, boy is that the perfect description of Zach); the fact that the characters within these pages have been written with personalities that we can see in the real world around us - even though most of them are mythical, paranormal beings - adds that level of believability to this fantasy tale.
I definitely enjoy a story more if the lead female character is intelligent, resilient and has a good sense of humour that’s similar to my own and I wasn’t disappointed here. Lisette was perfect, what an inspiring woman! I liked the way that all of the characters in this story were written - even the villains of the tale - none of them were flat 2-dimensional creations, they all felt very real. Oh, and like most Brits I do love a bit of banter – this story has loads of it! I found myself COL (Chuckling Out Loud) throughout, usually when Sheldon makes an appearance.
I think I may have reached for the tissues a tad more often while reading this story, but don’t worry, lovely reader, it’s not all tear inducing; the mystery/thriller aspect of this story kept me guessing, the action kept me on the edge of my seat, the blossoming romance made me warm and fuzzy, the banter kept me giggling and the passion set my tummy a-tingling. *oooh*
So, ummm, was there anything I disliked about it?
Nope – even though some of the more violent scene sent my emotions spinning, there’s nothing about this book that I didn't absolutely love!!
So, basically what I’m saying is...
I didn’t want to stop reading this book!
It had everything that I look for in a 5 star book; intelligent writing style that’s easy to read, main characters with depth of personality that I can like (or love to hate) and believe in, depth of character in the supporting cast, believable background story/setting and a balanced mix of relationship and/or romance to action scenes and sex scenes.
Due to the graphic nature of the violence and sex scenes, I would only recommend this book to adults who are not offended by this sort of content, so if you enjoy strong alpha heroes and independent capable heroines, tense and often traumatic and brutal confrontations and hot lust/romance scenes then give this book a go.
Review - 2015
What a great story!
I was gripped. This series never ceases to impress & surprise me; the twists, the turns, the emotional rollercoaster, the passion, the sorrow and the fun.
Can't wait to see where Dianne Duvall takes us next.
I have been following the Immortal Guardians since Darkness Dawns came out and have fallen in love with the series. This is the latest in this series, and one I have been anticipating a lot. Lisette d'Alencon is someone who I have always wondered about and I was very glad I got to read her story. Zach, her love interest has secrets of his own and is accused of betraying the leader of the Immortal Guardians, Seth. He isn't the one responsible for the things he is accused of, but there is a lot of distrust between him and Seth. Lisette has to sneak around with Zach because Seth told her to stay away from Zach. Lisette is a very strong female who isn't afraid of kicking ass, and Zach loves that about her. This story isn't one that should be read as a standalone. They reference many things from other books, so for a reader who hasn't read the other books in this series some of the conversations might not make sense. I absolutely loved this book and this series will continue to be an auto buy for me. This book rates a full 5 stars and I'd suggest everyone who likes paranormal romance read this, and every other book in this series.
OMFG!!!! THIS WAS SO EFFIN' AMAZING!!!! CAN NOT WAIT TO READ SETH'S STORY!!!!!!! I'm way too curious to know about whom would the next part be (Please let it be Seth or David!!!) PLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEEEEEE!!!!
Listened for Review/Purchased (Tantor/Audible)
Overall Rating: 4.00
Story Rating: 3.75
Character Rating: 4.25
Audio Rating: 4.50 (not part of the overall rating)
First Thought when Finished: I loved Lisette and Zach in Night Unbound by Dianne Duvall!
Story Thoughts: Going to admit that I love the romance part of Night Unbound. It was refreshing that words like love and support were early (for romance) to raise their hand in this story. It made me fall in love with the romance more than I expected too. As for the forwarding of the overall arc of the series. I felt this was a bit of filler novel but important filler. A lot happened but we only moved forward a bit. That being said, at no point was I bored during listening to the story. It was well worth the time.
Character Thoughts: Second admission: I liked Lisette in the previous books but I wasn't sure I could handle her as the lead in a full-length novel. I was wrong. In fact, it was a little frustrating when the story wasn't about her and Zach. I loved them together. Zach has always been swoon-worthy to me. He is one of those broken but healing characters I love to love. However, falling in love with them as a couple stunned but pleased me.
Not writing spoilers but why you can't skip this: Two very important pieces of information come out during this book. Also if we don't find a way to save Cliff I am going to cry (that isn't a spoiler as he is infected but I say this every book since Bastian).
Audio Thoughts:
This is a series that I will only listen to on audio. Kirsten + Dianne = great author/narrator pairing. Kirsten outdid herself this time--her numerous accents were dead on!
Final Thoughts:Now counting down to the next one!
Overall Rating: 4.00
Story Rating: 3.75
Character Rating: 4.25
Audio Rating: 4.50 (not part of the overall rating)
First Thought when Finished: I loved Lisette and Zach in Night Unbound by Dianne Duvall!
Story Thoughts: Going to admit that I love the romance part of Night Unbound. It was refreshing that words like love and support were early (for romance) to raise their hand in this story. It made me fall in love with the romance more than I expected too. As for the forwarding of the overall arc of the series. I felt this was a bit of filler novel but important filler. A lot happened but we only moved forward a bit. That being said, at no point was I bored during listening to the story. It was well worth the time.
Character Thoughts: Second admission: I liked Lisette in the previous books but I wasn't sure I could handle her as the lead in a full-length novel. I was wrong. In fact, it was a little frustrating when the story wasn't about her and Zach. I loved them together. Zach has always been swoon-worthy to me. He is one of those broken but healing characters I love to love. However, falling in love with them as a couple stunned but pleased me.
Not writing spoilers but why you can't skip this: Two very important pieces of information come out during this book. Also if we don't find a way to save Cliff I am going to cry (that isn't a spoiler as he is infected but I say this every book since Bastian).
Audio Thoughts:
Narrated By Kirsten Potter / Length: 13 hrs and 21 mins
This is a series that I will only listen to on audio. Kirsten + Dianne = great author/narrator pairing. Kirsten outdid herself this time--her numerous accents were dead on!
Final Thoughts:Now counting down to the next one!
Be still my beating heart... I freaking love this series so freaking much I can't stand it! This book was so good!!
I was a little nervous about this on just because Lisette and Zach were both immortals.. well Zach isn't technically an immortal but I was just afraid that there wasn't going to be that tension between them like there have been with all the other immortal couples. And then the added tension with turning them. I always loved that. But honestly this book did not need that tension at all.
Zach is obviously different and I have wanted to know more about since he warned Seth his phone was broken and who doesn't love Lisette. I loved learning more about Seth too.
And yay the baby was finally born!
Loved how everything was woven into this book. "The others" were sprinkled in. I am glad we are finally learning more about them. And I am freakin glad that Zach got away from them!! Their relationship is adorable. I love that Zach lets her be herself without going too caveman.
Re-read 5/4/2016
I was a little nervous about this on just because Lisette and Zach were both immortals.. well Zach isn't technically an immortal but I was just afraid that there wasn't going to be that tension between them like there have been with all the other immortal couples. And then the added tension with turning them. I always loved that. But honestly this book did not need that tension at all.
Zach is obviously different and I have wanted to know more about since he warned Seth his phone was broken and who doesn't love Lisette. I loved learning more about Seth too.
And yay the baby was finally born!
Loved how everything was woven into this book. "The others" were sprinkled in. I am glad we are finally learning more about them. And I am freakin glad that Zach got away from them!! Their relationship is adorable. I love that Zach lets her be herself without going too caveman.
Re-read 5/4/2016
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
fast-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
Loving this series. Lots of adventures and great cast os characters that I am looking forward to learning more about.