Christine Feehan

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Book Review – Dark Challenge by Christine Feehan

July 5th, 2010 | Author: Maryse

Dark Challenge
I just finished book #1 in my “old school” marathon (but it’s actually book #5 in Christine Feehan’s “Dark” series). It was just “okay”.

It started off well enough, but quickly bored me with the repetitive, over-the-top love declarations. I actually found myself skimming through the love scenes (which I usually never do). In fact, even with all the action and drama that I expect and love to read in paranormal romance novels, I “live” for the love scenes and the intense moments (okay, well, I don’t really “live” for them, but you get the picture ). While I remember really being taken with the love intensity in book one and two (Dark Prince and Dark Desire), this book just didn’t have “it”. My heart never melted, I didn’t find myself re-reading the most intense love scenes (which I usually do), despite the depth at which the author tried to convey the emotions. Every few pages the two main characters practically went into sappy poetic discourses of their undying devotion. Sweet, yes, but come on. It all felt so…old-fashioned.

Julian Savage (hunky identical twin brother of Aidan – a character that I loved in book #3) feels he is at the end of his journey, and after he finishes protecting (warning) his current charge (beautiful famous singer “Desari”), he intends on walking into the sun and ending it all before the darkness takes him. He is an ancient Carpathian (immortal that has not yet changed into an evil vampire), and has yet to meet his lifemate. His life is meaningless, and he fears not being able to combat the darkness threatening to take over and change him into what his kind has been fighting against.

However once he meets Desari, all emotion, and feeling flood back to him, as he realizes they are lifemates. Another surprise is that she, and the troop (band) she travels with are all Carpathians (including two extremely rare females that the main Carpathians didn’t even know existed). This Carpathian “family” has survived together against all odds for centuries (from children to adults) and know nothing of their heritage, and others of their kind. Once Julian meets up with them, both he, and they, realize they have MUCH to learn from each other.

There is “some” drama when Desari, who was raised differently than what is customary with Carpathian women, resists Julian (and believe me…”resists” is used loosely here - haha).

One of the finer romantic moments that, to me, had merit in terms of “realistic” reactions to the intensity of their connection (Julian had purposely separated from Desari to prove a point – causing her to miss him terribly):

Tears shimmered in her eyes and on her long lashes. She sank onto the wooden bench beside the table, hanging her head in defeat.

“There is no need to call me.” Julian’s muscular form solidified beside her, close enough that she could feel his body heat. His arm curved around her shoulders. “I cannot take the separation from you, Desari.” he made the admission without hesitation, uncaring that Darius was within hearing, wanting only to spare her further pain.

“What have you done to me?” There were tears in Desari’s voice as well as her eyes. Her fingers curled into two tight fists so that her nails bit deeply into her palms. Her voice became a tragic whisper. “What have you done that I cannot be without you?”

Another interesting part of the book that explains the connection of lifemates:

Julian had no intention of giving up Desari. It would be impossible even if he were inclined to do so. They were tied together for all eternity. The ritual words had been spoken. Although they had no completed the cycle of the ritual, the ancient words themselves were binding, and Julian knew the consequences. They would be unable to be apart without intense grief, without dire physical discomfort. And the waves of Carpathian heat would eventually overcome them, demanding they unite. It was a protection for the male’s sanity, for his soul, that he could bind his mate to him for all time regardless of her fears. Fears could be dealt with; the destructions of one’s sould was for all eternity. Desari believed she could control her destiny, that she had a choice, but Julian knew better. She belonged to him, was a part of him.

Sidenote / rant: Now which is it? As per other explanations in the book, they are lifemates, destined from birth and “supposed” to be together – meant for one another because that is just the way it is. Pre-ordained. Perfect for each other. They are supposed to mutually want one another for all eternity the moment they meet, (and usually do). Without fail. Why then, if this is the case as Julian keeps insisting, do the Carpathian males (including Julian) have to force the bond on the “lifemate”?

I just re-read the quote and caught this:

It was a protection for the male’s sanity, for his soul, that he could bind his mate to him for all time regardless of her fears. Fears could be dealt with; the destructions of one’s sould was for all eternity.

Ohhhhh…riiiiight – anywaaaayyy…

There is “some” drama when Desari’s older, dominant and overly protective brother Darius opposes his sister’s uncontrollable attraction to Julian. There is also ”some” drama when Julian and Darius must fight their enemies (attracted to this group because of the two rare Carpathian women). The enemies keep coming around like “mobs” until you finally get to the real bad guy (which unfortunately, I read through like it was nothing, and found myself frowning instead of feeling elated).

However, there are a few interesting story points that I wish Ms. Feehan had expanded upon that had REAL potential. I would have loved to read about the introduction of this new troop to the main Carpathians. I would have loved some actual ”Gregori” reaction about their connection to him. I would have loved to read about the reunion between Julian and Aidan. I would have loved more turmoil or situations between the two males (her brother and Julian) that claim Desari as theirs to protect. And the final enemy is an interesting story in itself. There should have been MUCH more about that, and the grand finale really shouldn’t have left me wondering where the rest of the book was.

There was one side story that I did enjoy in this book, and I have a feeling the story will be expanded upon (it’s probably the next book). This one DID have intensity and drama, and emotion, and left me hanging, so I will continue reading to find out how it goes. Hopefully it won’t be as monotonous as this one.

Perhaps Julian and Desari have a part two to their story? While this one mostly bored me, there were so many potential opportunities to make it more interesting and more relatable. I wish the author dropped some of the never ending love speeches, and added some actual character interaction and a multitude of feelings and reactions. This might have enticed the reader to become more emotionally invested, and I might have really enjoyed this book.

Posted in Christine Feehan, My Book Reviews | 8 Comments »

Book Review – Dark Desire by Christine Feehan

August 1st, 2009 | Author: Maryse

As mentioned in the previous book’s review, I enjoyed this book immensely, however I found it difficult to read at times due to the bouts of aggression from the male lead character.

Jacques, an immortal Carpathian, had been tortured, left for dead, and buried alive for years. Spiraling to insanity, he discovers that he is telepathically linked to a female doctor (Shea O’Halloran). While they do not they do not communicate with words, he never really leaves her mind. In his madness, he realizes that she is his only link to life beyond his grave. She feels the connection to this stranger, by way of nightmares, and eventually finds herself drawn to the Carpathian Mountains. Subconsciously, his call to her is more profound now that she is near, and, in a trance, she finds him.

Finally rescued and aided by Shea, Jacques’ frequent fluctuations between madness and sanity during his healing, are highly distressing. Even more disconcerting was how Shea’s compassion for his suffering, and desire to heal him, overrode her own sense of self preservation (considering his occasional terrifying bursts of rage). She almost seems to have an unhealthy sense of guilt towards his situation, and becomes intent on caring for him, despite the danger to herself.

Something incredibly strong in her was committed to ensuring his survival. In a bizarre way, she had lived with this man for years. He had been with her at all hours, sharing her mind, calling to her, begging her to come release him. She had left him here in this place of suffering and madness because she had not thought he was real. She would not fail him again.

While Jacques was one of my favorite characters in book one, (sweet, charming and seemingly still emotionally connected to his entourage), book two brought him to the brink of hell and back again, changing his easy going persona forever. He cannot remember anything from his past, or who he is, and where he belongs. From a savage animal to a deeply damaged man, Shea slowly heals his soul, and eases his mind back to reality, all the while undergoing repair to her own emotionally damaged heart.

As she moved past the bed, his hand snaked out, finger shackling her wrist, drawing her close.

“What?” Shea perched on the edge of the bed, a faint smile on her face, her eyes soft, even tender, although she was unaware of it.

His palm slid up her arm; strong fingers massaged her aching shoulder. Thank you, little red hair. You make me feel alive again.

Believing she is dying from an incurable blood disorder, Shea feels she has nothing to lose, and puts her remaining efforts into saving Jacques. Considering she was emotionally abandoned by her mother as a child, as an adult, Shea struggles with the idea of love, and commitment, and is disoriented when she begins to feel deeply for Jacques.

So alone. So much pain. Emptiness. Hunger. Always the terrible hunger consuming him. She found tears on her face. Her arms cradled his head, rocked him gently. “You’re not alone anymore,” she whispered. “I’m right here with you, Jacques. I’m not leaving you alone like this.”

It is still in your mind to leave me. You cannot hide your intentions from me, Shea. I have explained countless times to you. You are my lifemate. There cannot be deceit between us.

I admit, occasionally, the *Stockholm Syndrome* idea popped up in the back of my mind. Considering how they were both emotionally damaged and desperate to save each other, this was definitely not a healthy situation, however, Jacques, at times, is so sweet and helpless, that it’s hard not to wholeheartedly love him. Their chemistry is obvious, and the relationship eventually turns from one of desperation to a more relaxed (albeit intense) love.

My favorite part of the book is when the other Carpathians finally find Jacques & Shea, and struggle with their need to protect Shea from Jacques’ wild demeanor and seemingly abusive hold over her, all the while trying to bring Jacques back to his people. Their first encounter is alarming, as havoc ensues while the Carpathian men try to take Shea, and Jacques violently protects her (Shea, nearly losing her life a few times in that skirmish).

“Jacques.” Gregori’s voice dropped even lower so that it seemed to whisper-low, compelling, beautiful. “Your woman is in need of care. I offer my services as a healer to both of you. I give you my word that at no time will I attempt to harm your woman.”

Let him, Jacques.

No! It is a trick.

Shea stirred, tried to sit up on her own, but was too weak. Look at us, wild man. They could easily kill us. I’m so tired I can’t hang on anymore.

Here’s a little something from Chapter 10 (while emotion runs high in this novel, this chapter is intensely touching). Shea’s been fighting her instinct to relinquish herself to love, and Jacques feels her attempt to pull away:

“I’ve tried to make the adjustment,” she protested. “I need more time.”

“I know that, Shea.” I should have found another way to help you heal. I am trying to find out what kind of lifemate you have. I want to be what you need, someone you can respect and love, to feed you without revulsion.” His mouth found her pulse, felt it jump under the velvet rasp of his tongue.

His lips moved to her chin, the corner of her lips. His voice was husky, aching. “Want me enough, Shea. Want me with more than just your body. Let me knot your heart.” His mouth fastened on hers, not gently but wildly, hungrily. The hunger was in his eyes when he raised his head to look down at her. “Open your mind to me. Want me there as you want me in your body. Want me coming to you wild with a need only you can satisfy. Take me into your soul and let me live there.”

This book is consistent and follows nicely into the series. It allows you to get to know the characters even more. Raven & Mikhail and even Grogori appear throughout (an interesting little twist, there, that comes back later in the series), so we get a continuation of their stories as well. The hunt for Jacques captors, keeps the story alive with excitement and Shea’s own personal history is intriguing and comes full circle. Out of the first four books, this one stands at number one in the series for me!

Posted in Christine Feehan, My Book Reviews | Tags: carpathian mountains, christine feehan, jacques, lifemate, paranormal romance, shea, vampires | 6 Comments »

Book Review – Dark Prince by Christine Feehan

July 25th, 2009 | Author: Maryse

Mikhail’s eyes darkened, burned. “You do not understand. You are my life. My heart. There is no Mikhail without Raven.”

This book was a good start to what appears to be a popular series. This series is deeply romantic, almost to an obsessive level. I’ll admit, it is hard to read each novel all in one sitting (they are so intensely passionate, that I needed to trudge back to reality every once in a while for a breather). These “breaks” were short lived, however, as I found myself quickly craving more of the current book, and escaping back into the Carpathian way of life. While reading this series, you will find yourself quite disturbed at first, at the Carpathian male’s demeanor towards “HIS” female, but as his emotions start taking shape, so does his softer side.

I’ve only read the first three books so far, and while the second is my favorite, it was also the hardest to read. This first book, actually had a gentler male character, despite setting the scene for equally arrogant male characters to come.

It is about a human female (Raven) with strong telepathic abilities taking a much needed break from helping the FBI track down serial killers. She has lived a solitary life due to the emotional turmoil she feels from the thoughts of those around her, and even avoids any actual human contact (as their touch often brings on intense pain).

Her vacation in the Carpathian Mountains takes on a sudden twist, when she “telepathically” hears the anguished cries of loneliness being broadcast by a male resident in the area. Compassionately, she reaches out to him, and gives him enough hope so as to convince him that life may still be worth living.

Mikhail finds himself intrigued with this gentle soul, and knows she is the light to his darkness. After a few days of telepathically communicating together, he decides he must have her – she is his.

While mentally connected to her:

Tell me your name. It was a command, and Raven felt compelled to obey it.

She forced her mind to go blank, to be a slate wiped clean. It hurt, sent darts of pain through her head, made her stomach clench. He was not going to take what she would have given freely.

Why do you fight me when you know I am the stronger?? You hurt yourself, wear yourself out, and in the end I will win anyway. I feel the toll that this way of communicating takes on you. And I am capable of commanding your obedience on a much different level.

Why do you force what I would have given, had you simply asked?

She could feel his puzzlement. I am sorry little one. I am used to getting my way with the least amount of effort.

He eventually locates her, and to her dismay (despite finding herself deeply drawn to him), takes her. Literally. He comes to her hotel, scoops her up, and takes her away to his home, without even asking ( see …I told you there would be some issues….)

She soon discovers the true nature of this Carpathian. He is not just another telepath, as she had originally suspected, but an important male, leader of his people, an exquisitely handsome Prince. Despite his power and outwardly aggressive demeanor, he is generous and loving, but not at all human.

His commanding nature is eventually understood, as a result of his obligation to protecting his species. His people are being hunted by vampires and vampire hunters, alike. His race, diminished by murderers, and the lack of Carpathian females being born, forces him to control all aspects of their way of life. The men of his species are lacking female lifemates (the light to their potential darkness). Each century that the males live without love, forces them closer to an emotionless existence, and, they struggle against their inevitable “turn” into becoming a vampire (soulless bloodsuckers with no remorse for the killing of humans – women and children alike).

“The price of these gifts is high, little one. We are cursed for the need of one mate, a sharing of souls. Once this occurs-and the ritual can be brutal to an innocent woman-we cannot live apart from our mates. Our children are few; we lose many in the first year and most of these are born male. We are blessed and cursed with longevity. For those of us who are happy, a long life is a blessing; for someone alone and tormented, it is a curse. It is one long eternity of darkness, a barren, stark existence.”

While, my logical side found itself frequently appalled by the excessive arrogance and archaic ideologies of the “male hero” portrayed, his protective, passionate side, and vulnerability kept bringing me back in, full force.

“Is it that you want to run from me? Am I really so terrible? I would never allow any living creature, man or beast, to harm you, not if it was in my power to prevent it. I thought our hearts and mind were in the same place. Am I wrong? Is it that you no longer want me?”

There are SO many parts of this book that I “earmarked” to possibly quote, here. It is rich with intimacy, and frequently touching, and emotionally raw. I found if I simply let go of my natural instinct to rebel against such controlling mannerisms, that I could actually let myself be carried away with the ebb and flow of the unraveling love story.

The fun, in these books, is the journey we are taken on, while the leading male learns to adjust to a new role, and the heroine is “wooed off her feet”. The battles they face together, whether it be a battle of wits, or a battle against truly dangerous enemies (which are frequent occurrences in this series), will keep your adrenaline pumping.

One of my favorite parts of the book occurs in Chapter 7. Mikhail’s entourage, (strong warriors of his species), are highly amused at how Raven obviously has him twined around her little finger. We learn of the respect and love they all have for one another. It is also, to me, one of the more emotional, sad chapters, that hooked me deeply, into their story.

He caught her hand. “Put my ring back on your finger.” His thumb caressed the inside of her wrist. “I want you to wear it. It is important to me.”

While in real life, I would hope that one would never allow themselves to succumb to such a controlling personality, it is important to remember that this is a work of fiction, and this beautiful fictional man, with all his faults, has MANY more redeeming qualities that permits us to indulge, even if just a little bit, in the fantasy of the tale.

Posted in Christine Feehan, My Book Reviews | Tags: christine feehan, mikhail, paranormal romance, raven, Vampire | 5 Comments »