Review | Dark Lover by J. R. Ward

Dark Lover by J. R. Ward

Published by: Penguin Group

Publication Date: February 19, 2005

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, Fantasy

Page Count: 393

Rating: 4/5

Source: Gift

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In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there’s a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Yet none of them relishes killing more than Wrath, the leader of The Black Dagger Brotherhood.

The only purebred vampire left on earth, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who murdered his parents centuries ago. But, when one of his most trusted fighters is killed-leaving his half-breed daughter unaware of his existence or her fate-Wrath must usher her into the world of the undead-a world of sensuality beyond her wildest dreams.

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“You don’t know this yet. But you are Mine.”

My best friend Beth has raved about the Black Dagger Brotherhood for longer than I can remember. She has never steered me wrong, and I love her for that. Sometimes, though, vampire novels are iffy for me. But I should have listened to her. This book is a sexy, steamy, and intense read. And I am an instant fan.

Oh, I regret not getting into this well-loved series sooner. And Ward certainly knows how to hook you and keep you addicted to these chiseled, dangerous, and territorial male vampires. The Brotherhood consists of Wrath, who is the Blind King; Tohrment, Vishous, Rhage, who is cursed to change into a beast; Zsadist, who was a blood slave; and Phury, who is the twin brother of Z. They are tasked with protecting their kin from the lessers, a de-souled human race determined to exterminate vampires.

Even though Ward heavily relies on the plot, she delivers on a stellar cast. I cannot express my adoration for the Brotherhood. Each character brings his own flavour, temper, and storyline I’m dying to delve into. But what I love the most is how each brother depends on each other, supports his brothers, and protects his kin.

Wrath, the last purebred vampire, fights to protect his brothers. But the deaths of his parents haunts and fuels him to avenge their murder. But when lessers kill a brother, he must help bring Beth into his deadly world and teach her how to live as a half-vampire.

You know my love of territorial, dominant, alpha males. They’re tough and stubborn, but a woman will bring him to his knees. Even though Wrath and Beth are from different centuries, they enhance each other. Their attraction is instantaneous. Each one draws out their strengths, and their weaknesses bond them.

I was hoping for a bit more world building. However, given that the series eighteen books strong, I’m not disappointed though. However, Ward puts a captivating spin on vampires, who aren’t sired or turned; they were made by the Scribe Virgin. She also doesn’t skimp on the politics of this world though. And I’m intrigued to see how it’ll play out in the next installments.

For years, I’ve sworn off reading any more vampire novels. I’ve wasted too much time on them. However, Ward makes me fall in love with them all over again.