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cluckieduck's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Ay yi yi, what has this series turned into?!?
Many will agree that there's been an obvious dip in quality from the OG group of 6, but I've enjoyed a number of the in-between books with the ever-expanding cast of characters and, yes, I did enjoy a handful of snippets from this latest one but it's just becoming too much - too many pop culture references, too many POVs (seriously, there were 9 here), too much exposition (and non-pertinent stuff - where was the backstory on Balthazar? We learn absolutely nothing about him), too many CW:rape scenes rather than love scenes.
I'm really only sticking this out for Lassiter's book, because he's been done dirty at this point and deserves a character resuscitation from what he's been made into.
Disappointingly, it's just a whole lot of nothing.
Many will agree that there's been an obvious dip in quality from the OG group of 6, but I've enjoyed a number of the in-between books with the ever-expanding cast of characters and, yes, I did enjoy a handful of snippets from this latest one but it's just becoming too much - too many pop culture references, too many POVs (seriously, there were 9 here), too much exposition (and non-pertinent stuff - where was the backstory on Balthazar? We learn absolutely nothing about him), too many CW:
I'm really only sticking this out for Lassiter's book, because he's been done dirty at this point and deserves a character resuscitation from what he's been made into.
Disappointingly, it's just a whole lot of nothing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicide, Cursing, Violence, Suicide attempt, Sexual assault, Rape, Murder, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, Gun violence, Drug use, Death, Blood, and Alcohol
jackiepreston's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Sexual content, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Gun violence, and Death of parent
Minor: Drug use, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Suicide attempt, and Rape
syngirl's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Rape, Domestic abuse, Suicide attempt, and Suicide
little_miss_darkness's review
4.25
I love how we finally didn't have to go through 'we have to lose each other' phase.
Not going to lie, I was getting kind of tired of the repetition. But I am glad we finally learn more about Balthazar, and his reason as to why he chooses to steal. Devina is such an interesting character as well. Can't really understand her completely, but I suppose that's the point, her being the representation of pure evil and all that.
I am glad however, that Erika doesn't have to give up her career or her place in the human world to have Balthazar in the end.
Not going to lie, I was getting kind of tired of the repetition. But I am glad we finally learn more about Balthazar, and his reason as to why he chooses to steal. Devina is such an interesting character as well. Can't really understand her completely, but I suppose that's the point, her being the representation of pure evil and all that.
I am glad however, that Erika doesn't have to give up her career or her place in the human world to have Balthazar in the end.
kari_marie's review
medium-paced
3.0
Lover Arisen by J.R. Ward is the 20th book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood. To save everyone Balthazar tries to stay away from everyone. Nobody believes him but demon Devina is still around and inside of him. Too bad he keeps getting distracted by detective Erika. Erika knows something is going on Caldwell and she plans to get to the bottom of it.
Ok I forgot how this book ends. Actually I forgot most of this book. I have happy warm feelings but no distinct details. So this book was a fast pace fantasy with romance that you knew how it was going to end.
Three stars for enjoyable book but forgettable. This series has good reads this one was a weaker one but still adds to the franchise.
Thank you to NetGalley, Gallery Books and J.R. Ward for the free copy. This was an honest review.
aboutthatstory's review against another edition
4.0
Lover Arisen was exciting and intense and I really enjoyed the overall storyline as Balthazar and Erika came together and more unfolded in the Black Dagger Brotherhood world. There was a lot happening and some seriously unexpected things brought into the mix that had me turning the page. I'm looking forward to where it all will go.
I really liked Balthazar and Erika. That push and pull between them was great. I liked Balthazar’s fight within himself to keep Erika safe and her pursuit of the truth. I loved them coming together and her learning who he truly was. As with previous books, I really enjoyed how the story is set up with multiple POVs. I always looked forward to who I was going to hear from next and loved the build as everything was pieced together culminating in an awesome ending. Not only is there the romance between Balz and Erika happening, but there's also major development happening for the world itself. There's a lot of drama and action, a good amount of emotion, and some really intense scenes.
I have a love-hate relationship with Devina because of the diabolic chaos she creates but she makes for a fantastic villain. I also enjoyed her almost playful relationship with the book, it's a life force of its own. The prologue had me excited about a new evil, which was great, but by the time it was officially out in the world, it felt slightly anticlimactic. I liked Nate’s storyline as well as Rahvyn’s, I love what was being set up for her. I absolutely loved getting more Lassiter and seeing a different side of him, he’s always been a bit of a wild card and I am very much looking forward to his story.
It was everything all together that had me hooked and filled with a sense of urgency to read as fast as possible. I loved all that was learned and what the new evil will bring to the series. I really liked Balthazar and Erika and am happy for their HEA. They aren’t my favorite couple but they had a great story I enjoyed. I did think the front half was a little drawn out as everything was laid out. However, it's the foundation of those details that helped make for a great build. This is definitely a great addition to the series for sure. As a long-time fan, I cannot wait for more. Bring on Lassiter!
Complimentary copy received from Gallery Books.
I really liked Balthazar and Erika. That push and pull between them was great. I liked Balthazar’s fight within himself to keep Erika safe and her pursuit of the truth. I loved them coming together and her learning who he truly was. As with previous books, I really enjoyed how the story is set up with multiple POVs. I always looked forward to who I was going to hear from next and loved the build as everything was pieced together culminating in an awesome ending. Not only is there the romance between Balz and Erika happening, but there's also major development happening for the world itself. There's a lot of drama and action, a good amount of emotion, and some really intense scenes.
I have a love-hate relationship with Devina because of the diabolic chaos she creates but she makes for a fantastic villain. I also enjoyed her almost playful relationship with the book, it's a life force of its own. The prologue had me excited about a new evil, which was great, but by the time it was officially out in the world, it felt slightly anticlimactic. I liked Nate’s storyline as well as Rahvyn’s, I love what was being set up for her. I absolutely loved getting more Lassiter and seeing a different side of him, he’s always been a bit of a wild card and I am very much looking forward to his story.
It was everything all together that had me hooked and filled with a sense of urgency to read as fast as possible. I loved all that was learned and what the new evil will bring to the series. I really liked Balthazar and Erika and am happy for their HEA. They aren’t my favorite couple but they had a great story I enjoyed. I did think the front half was a little drawn out as everything was laid out. However, it's the foundation of those details that helped make for a great build. This is definitely a great addition to the series for sure. As a long-time fan, I cannot wait for more. Bring on Lassiter!
Complimentary copy received from Gallery Books.
stackx's review
3.0
4.5/10
The way I don't clearly remember this book and couldn't care less about Bal and Erika
The way I don't clearly remember this book and couldn't care less about Bal and Erika
kodom251999's review against another edition
4.0
We got so much in this book! It was a rollercoaster ride that did not stop from beginning to end. I can’t wait for more!
natypaix's review against another edition
4.0
I'm just going to say that I need Lassiter's book ASAP. That's all, thank you!