Reviews

Dark Alpha's Awakening by Donna Grant

tanyad74's review against another edition

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5.0

Review originally posted at Rantings of a Reading Addict

So far, I think Dark Alpha's Awakening one of my favorites of the series. My notes page is full of all the stuff that happens in this book! I know the blurb doesn't give away the couple, so I'm going to keep my mouth shut and not say who it is. It is one of my favorite couples though.

Bran is still the main villain and he is only getting stronger. It also seems like his allies are growing. How loyal they are will be the question. Bran is showing off his powers in a way that tore at my heart. He seems to be breaking the Reapers down and winning! My anxiety was through the roof.

We see a lot of characters flit in and out of this story. It's like a puzzle to see who fits where. The excitement and action in this book was perfect and kept me on my toes. The ending was a shocker and I'm so excited to see how that plays into the upcoming books. I feel like we're going to go in a new direction now.

Also, River gives birth in this book. What bothered me is Erith's comments and how they relate to what has happened before and is noted in a Dark King book. Seems there might be a conflict there, and it may well have been addressed and I just missed it. If you know what happened there, someone leave a comment and let me know!

xakyr's review against another edition

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4.0

FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE PUBLISHER THROUGH NET GALLEY. I VOLUNTARILY OFFER MY HONEST REVIEW OF THE BOOK, THOUGH IT IS NOT EXPECTED OF ME! RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW!

I have been eagerly awaiting this story ever since I dove into the middle of the Reapers series! I am pleased to say that it didn't disappoint!

This story was action packed, if a little rushed at times, which made the story suffer a bit for me. The recap and origins story at the beginning of the book didn't help much either. When things got going, though, they hit big! I loved how much of the plot lines got resolved, while adding new mysteries and trials for the characters!

Speaking of the characters, I loved that Cael and Erith finally got together and how they did so! Cael demonstrated that he was Erith's equal in every way, and never lost sight of his love for her. I loved that Erith stopped denying that she had also had fallen for Cael. I liked the fact that Erith wound up a bit of a submissive in the bedroom, as it was something I had trouble reconciling in my mind regarding her.

If the series ended right now, I think it would be in a good place to do so, as long as the lingering plot lines would be tied up in other Dragon Kings books, but I'm hoping to see a few more books from this series yet!

ohthesheenanigans's review against another edition

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5.0


Rating: ★★★★✬ (4.5/5)
Title: Dark Alpha's Awakening
Author(s): Donna Grant
Character(s):
Erith: Black, Lavender Eyed
Cael: Black, Gray Eyed
Setting: N/A
Tag(s): Paranormal Romance
Content Rating: R
POV: Third Person
Smexy Level: Hot
Favorite Quote(s):
― “In the midst of chaos there is opportunity.”
― “Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.”
― “Then kiss me again, Erith, or I might go up in flames right here, right now. I’ve wanted to do this for far too long. You’ve given me a taste. I need more.”
― “You’ve had my heart from the first moment I saw you. I became a Reaper just to be near you, just to be able to see you. I never, in my wildest dreams, imagined you’d be mine. I love you for everything you are—and everything you’ll be.”
Overall Opinion:
Cael has been servicing Death for centuries and when a foe, Bran is bent on destroying her and everything she has created, he’s willing to risk everything for her survival. Unbeknownst to Cael, she had lied to Carl by not revealing she knew exactly how to defeat Bran by destroying a few realms to rebuild the last of her power, she concludes that she must become the Mistress of War again.

In the midst of Bran betrayal, her affection and love for her Reaper Cael almost becomes too overwhelming and she fears he may end up in the crossfire. She'd lost Reapers in the past, but she couldn’t lose Cael. To have love so close yet so far away that it could never be hers was a crushing blow and it would destroy her more quickly and savagely than anything Bran thought to do to her. In the process of regaining her strength and withholding dire information, she might very well destroy Earth and everyone she holds dear, including Cael.

I know many reviewers will be shock to learned that I do at times venture off to other genres besides romance. “Dark Alpha's Awakening” blurb about serving Death and becoming Reapers instantly drew me in. The descriptive wording, the in-depth details of Erith and Cael backgrounds, the roles that they play in the battle with Bran and his army. I have never come across a series that was built on some a strong foundation. It has all the great components that make astounding novel. “Dark Alpha's Awakening” is highly recommended action packed novel that is filled with phenomenal paranormal romance that intertwines exponentially well with the other books in in the “Reaper” series.

emilyhei's review against another edition

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4.0

Death is Erith, a woman who chose a life and has since then grown in other ways. Erith has kept herself from showing her true emotions but when it comes to Cael she finds herself in unchartered territory.

Cael has loved Erith since he can remember. When Erith finds herself needing Cael to help defeat Bran things begin to heat up.

I liked this one quite a bit, it helped fill in some things I was curious about from the other book I read. I do think I need to go back and start from the beginning because I did read not in order. Liked Cael, he is an interesting character. I also found myself fascinated by Erith. Unique twist to a reaper series.

redhairedashreads's review against another edition

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5.0

Finally Cael and Erith's story! I have loved the tension between these two from the beginning. Together they make the Reapers stronger and can kick some ass I am excited to see more of them in the future.

The fight with Bran finally concludes. New allies were made. Usaeil is causing more problems and has taken Xaneth. I really hope we see her taken down soon.

willowb's review against another edition

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5.0

So wonderful!

I've loved every book in this series and I'm so happy for Erith and Cael. Donna Grant never disappoints and I can't wait to see what my favorite characters are up to next time!

nikkisbooknook's review against another edition

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5.0

The Reapers are back and about to take on their arch-enemy, Bran, in an epic battle!

Erith, Death herself, has been faltering. Bran has found some way to suck her life force and power. She struggles to continue in her duties but her faithful Reapers are bow about to give up on her. Especially not Cael.

Cael has been half in love with Erith for centuries. But as he serves her it would not be appropriate to go any further. But when he has to stay and protect Erith from further attempts to steal her power, they are pulled closer together, until neither of the can shy away from their feelings any longer.

The Reapers seek allies, some more likely than others. Xan has to play both sides, but is Seamus a double agent for Bran or will he perform the tasks given to him by Erith?

Great story, epic battles and passion to singe the pages. I loved when Erith finally takes up her dual mantle. And the new wardrobe...well she is like a modern day Xena! I was amazed by how the author managed to get Erith and Cael on a level playing field and I can't wait to see what happens next!

malissac's review against another edition

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4.0

This was another great addition to the Reaper series,. I have been waiting for Cael and Erith's story since the beginning just like every other reader of this series and I can't say how happy I am that Donna didn't make us wait too long for their HEA.

This is one of those books in a series that leaves you not being able to say too much about simply because of the amount of things that happen, things that may change the tide of not only your favorite characters futures but the tide of the war the characters have been battling since book one.

Donna gives us so many resolutions in this book and yet I feel like she blew the door wide open on so many other new outcomes and adventures. One of my favorite aspects of these books and especially so in this one is how it is interwoven within the entire 'Dark King' world and that it is bringing us just that much closer to the outcome we are all desperately waiting for, the revelation of just who is Rhi's Dragon King! I for one am rooting for Con, even if he has made me wish it wasn't him a time or two.

The relationship between Cael and Erith is exactly what you want it to be. Steamy, romantic, caring, supportive, and balanced. It really could be no other way!

This is a must read for fans of this series. If you are new to this series, DO NOT start here, you need to go all the way back to the beginning and if you want to really experience this world, you need to go way back to the true start of it all with Dangerous Highlander! I know it's a lot of books, but I promise you wo'n't regret it, but fore warning....we're all still waiting for Rhi's Dragon to be revealed so be patient! Haha

ladywithaquill's review against another edition

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4.0

The story we have all been waiting for finally happened, and it did not disappoint! Talk about a slow burn romance - this is the 7th book in the Reaper series, so we have been waiting SIX. BOOKS. for this romance to heat up into a beautiful, sexy fire. I loved all the twists and turns in the story, and we got to see other characters we love and are still waiting for their own happily ever after. Donna Grant has a way of making her readers totally invested in her world and characters, and what makes this book so special is that she completely delivers on such an anticipated couple's relationship. So much pressure but she nails it!

Mistress of War. Heather. Death. Erith. All very different names for one extraordinary being. Erith has lived for longer than recorded memory, her role changing from explorer to destroyer to judge. With her band of betrayed men reborn as Reapers, she seeks justice among the Fae world, passing judgment on those who have done wrong. But she is growing weak, her power and life force being drained by a rogue Reaper named Bran, and her only course of action is to become the Mistress of War once again. With her Reapers by her side and her secret love, Cael, she must put an end to Bran before he destroys everyone and everything Erith holds most dear.

The heat between Erith and Cael was so sexy and satisfying after so many books of them tip-toeing around their love for each other. Erith had been so strong for so long, and it was nice to see her relax a little bit and give control over to someone else for a change. While Cael deferred to Erith for a lot of things, I think their relationship was largely equal as they became closer. Erith could lean on Cael and allow him to take the lead at times, and then at others Erith pulled forward and protected Cael. It was a very symbiotic, compatible relationship, and seeing them be so comfortable with each other was truly rewarding. So many other characters became involved as well, like Rhi, Balladyn, and Xaneth, and it whet my appetite for more books in the future. Rhi is a really fun secondary character who just knows what to say at the right time. Balladyn and Xaneth have hidden depths to them, and that's what makes it so fun to see them in different settings. This book had so much to offer, I wish it never ended!

As always, I look forward to what comes next from Donna Grant! She never fails to deliver and make her readers' dreams come alive on the pages of her books.

**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**

bookwifereviews's review against another edition

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5.0

So I have been so invested in this world Donna Grant has created. I have been a fan since Dangerous Highlander. I have loved every single character and I am just so in love with everything about this series and all the ones before it. I feel like I have been waiting for this book in particular for such a long time. Death is such an interesting character. I wanted her story from the first Reaper book and I was not at all disappointed.

If you haven't read this series I highly recommend it. This series is technically a spin off of the Dark Kings series and I absolutely think they should be read in the correct order. Plus like I said this world is fantastic and you really don't want to miss out on a single word Donna Grant writes!