Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Publication
New York : New American Library, c2005.
Description
Fantasy. Fiction. Romance. HTML:See where it all began in the first phenomenal novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood series... The only purebred vampire left on the planet and the leader of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who killed his parents centuries ago. But when his most trusted fighter is killed�??orphaning a half-breed daughter unaware of her heritage or her fate�??Wrath must put down his dagger and usher the beautiful female into another world. Racked by a restlessness in her body that wasn�??t there before, Beth Randall is helpless against the dangerously sexy man who comes to her at night with shadows in his eyes. His tales of the Brotherhood and blood frighten her. Yet his touch ignites a dawning new hunger�??one that threatens to consume them both... INCLUDES A NEW LETTER FROM J.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Lman
Ah, the world of the paranormal romance, this genre is becoming so popular; though vampire paranormal romance is almost at risk of becoming passé, there is such an abundance nowadays! And yet, there is nothing outmoded in the land of Dark Lover, the first book in J. R. Ward’s Black Dagger
The book serves, as first books are wont to do, as both an establishment for the major characters, and initiation into their select domain. And this uniqueness of the realm the author creates is, to my mind, what appeals to me most about this saga. Here vampires are a distinct species; need to feed from each other; have their own language, observances and rituals, enter the dangerous transition to vampire through their maturity and bloodlines; and are hunted mercilessly by soulless lessors.
The elite guardians of this vampire world are The Black Dagger Brotherhood – named, perhaps tritely, as Wrath, Phury, Zsadist, Vishous, Rhage and Torhment – who serve as both ruling class and saviour to the civilian vampires; ensuring their dwindling numbers survive. Into this mix enters Beth Randall, whose father, unbeknownst to her, is a vampire, and who is fast approaching her change. Inevitably Wrath, full-blooded vampire king, and angst-driven mean machine, becomes romantically entangled with Beth, despite both preferring independence and no attachments.
Essentially this is a love story between Beth and Wrath; but the hints and intimations the author supplies for the other characters maintain enough interest and attraction to broaden the appeal beyond the standard romantic tale. And offer a beginning to, hopefully, more fascinating insights into a dangerous, but ultimately glamorous and alluring world, even with the predictability of the story line.
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Brotherhood series; for, despite my surety on the outcome of the story, I read this book without pause, beguiled to the very end.The book serves, as first books are wont to do, as both an establishment for the major characters, and initiation into their select domain. And this uniqueness of the realm the author creates is, to my mind, what appeals to me most about this saga. Here vampires are a distinct species; need to feed from each other; have their own language, observances and rituals, enter the dangerous transition to vampire through their maturity and bloodlines; and are hunted mercilessly by soulless lessors.
The elite guardians of this vampire world are The Black Dagger Brotherhood – named, perhaps tritely, as Wrath, Phury, Zsadist, Vishous, Rhage and Torhment – who serve as both ruling class and saviour to the civilian vampires; ensuring their dwindling numbers survive. Into this mix enters Beth Randall, whose father, unbeknownst to her, is a vampire, and who is fast approaching her change. Inevitably Wrath, full-blooded vampire king, and angst-driven mean machine, becomes romantically entangled with Beth, despite both preferring independence and no attachments.
Essentially this is a love story between Beth and Wrath; but the hints and intimations the author supplies for the other characters maintain enough interest and attraction to broaden the appeal beyond the standard romantic tale. And offer a beginning to, hopefully, more fascinating insights into a dangerous, but ultimately glamorous and alluring world, even with the predictability of the story line.
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LibraryThing member theniceone
The male vamps are a little too godlike (Wrath's the most fearsome vampire around! No wait, it's Zsadist! No wait, it's Rhage!), the women are a little too beautiful, and the names -- dear heavens, the names. Reading about guys with names like "Tohrment" and "Vishous" makes me think of my
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first-grade daughter, which is not what I want top of mind while I'm reading a paranormal romance, thankyouverymuch. But Ward has an interesting take on the vampire legend, she has an eye for making her fictional world seem realistic, and the characters are intriguing. I've already read the sequel as I type this, and I'm going to rate that one four stars. And then maybe wander over to the bookstore in a few days to look for book three..... Show Less
LibraryThing member mcelhra
Dark Lover is the first book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. The Black Dagger Brotherhood is a group of vampire warriors whose job is defending the vampire race against the lessers. The lessers are evil, undead creatures - kind of like zombies without the brain eating.
Each book in the
This first book is the story of Wrath, the leader of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. When his fellow warrior Darius asks him to look out for his half-human daughter should anything happen to him, Wrath is hesitant. He's a tough warrior who doesn't form attachments to anyone, especially humans and/or females. When Wrath actually meets Darius's daughter Beth, the attraction is so strong that Wrath must fight to maintain control.
This book has all the elements of great, smutty vampire romance. The only part I didn't really like were the scenes with the head of the lessers. He was too sadistic for my taste and I would rather have been reading steamy sex scenes than fight scenes.
I read the print version and listened to the audio book version of this book. The audio version was not quite as good as reading the book. For some reason the narrator gave Marissa (and only Marissa) a really weird Slavic accent. The book says that all the vampires have slight accents so if he did an accent for her he should have done it for all them. I'm glad he didn't though because it was really bad.
Each book in the
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series focuses on one of the brothers and their love interest. There is a continuous overall story that runs throughout the books but you could probably pick up a book in the middle of the series and not have too hard of a time figuring out what was going on.This first book is the story of Wrath, the leader of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. When his fellow warrior Darius asks him to look out for his half-human daughter should anything happen to him, Wrath is hesitant. He's a tough warrior who doesn't form attachments to anyone, especially humans and/or females. When Wrath actually meets Darius's daughter Beth, the attraction is so strong that Wrath must fight to maintain control.
This book has all the elements of great, smutty vampire romance. The only part I didn't really like were the scenes with the head of the lessers. He was too sadistic for my taste and I would rather have been reading steamy sex scenes than fight scenes.
I read the print version and listened to the audio book version of this book. The audio version was not quite as good as reading the book. For some reason the narrator gave Marissa (and only Marissa) a really weird Slavic accent. The book says that all the vampires have slight accents so if he did an accent for her he should have done it for all them. I'm glad he didn't though because it was really bad.
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LibraryThing member pacey1927
I have put off reading this series for a really long time. I figured it was another romance series like Lynsay Sand's or Kerrelyn Sparks. I think those books are good in their own right, but I prefer a little less romance and a little more grit in my paranormal stories. Since I was convinced the
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book would be 100% generic vampire love, I was blown away by how much meat was on this story. The romance plot is strong; it involves a human who is about to undergo her vampire transformation. Wrath, the leader of a clan of vampire warriors falls in love with her and swears to help her through the change. Add into the story several other vampire warriors with their own quirks and personalities, a great human side character, and an evil souless group eager to bring about the end of the vampires, and Ward has an intriguing and different mix. What stood out most in the book, is not Warth and Beth's relationship, but the multilevel relationship the 'brothers' share with each other. I also enjoyed the action scenes, and how much time was spent fleshing out all parts of the story. I'd guess about 1/3 of the story was good, solid romance. The other 2/3 set up the characters and the ongoing good vs. evil story arc. The book was well written and probably stood out most in my eyes for its magic characterization. I took off one star just because Wrath lost all his 'warrior' when he was with Beth and I thought he because too over the top mushy a time or two. This departed too much from the character we met in the rest of the story. Still a very good book. I have ordered the next several already if that says anything. If you are a paranormal fan, pick up this series. Show Less
LibraryThing member surreality
Plot: The underlying erotic romance is accompanied by character-centric subplots and a boring villain plot that never manages to take off, let alone become a real threat. The romance is a little too fast-paced, but overall the balance works out.
Characters: Whatever possessed Ward to pick those
Style: The at times very casual language takes some getting used to, but works with the characters. Physical descriptions aren't Ward's strong point - all male characters on the hero and heroine's side are huge and built like professional wrestlers. Annoying when this isn't your preference in male appearances, and vaguely off-putting.
Plus: It manages to put a new spin on vampire erotica with characters who are bad and have no qualms about that.
Minus: Villain? What villain?
Summary: One of the better vampire romances out there.
Characters: Whatever possessed Ward to pick those
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names? Characterization could get a little more attention, though the central characters work out and the minor ones are sketched with enough detail to keep them from total flatness. The villains fail to be scary or even moderately threatening.Style: The at times very casual language takes some getting used to, but works with the characters. Physical descriptions aren't Ward's strong point - all male characters on the hero and heroine's side are huge and built like professional wrestlers. Annoying when this isn't your preference in male appearances, and vaguely off-putting.
Plus: It manages to put a new spin on vampire erotica with characters who are bad and have no qualms about that.
Minus: Villain? What villain?
Summary: One of the better vampire romances out there.
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LibraryThing member jmchshannon
Sometimes, you just need to read something so outside your normal comfort zone and/or something that forces you to just sit back and enjoy the story. There is no lesson to learn, no study of human nature to observe, no reflection on relationships to ponder. Everyone needs to read a novel like this
Dark Lover is not your every-day vampire story, and these are not your every-day vampires. With kings, civilian vampires, lessers and the Brotherhood, Ward has created an entirely new species, one that contains an entire society, complete with histories and politics and procreation. Monogamous and/or married vampires are an added twist that prevents the story from becoming too predictable or fluffy. I had actually tried to listen to this novel via audiobook several months ago, but the narrator just did not work. He made everything too serious and dramatic, much like the voice-over guy for movie trailers. After 30 minutes, it became almost farcical. I'm glad I stopped when I did because I'm not certain I could have made it through the bedroom scenes without laughing hysterically. It would have definitely destroyed the mood.
Dark Lover is the perfect summer romp, engaging and not too mentally strenuous. There is no hidden agenda other than to enjoy the characters brought to life by Ward's capable pen. While it is not a series I will run right out and obtain immediately, it filled a void for something fun I did not know I had, and I will be sure to pick up the second novel in the series whenever I need something similar.
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occasionally. For me, J. R. Ward's Dark Lover was just such a story. Sexy and violent, it was a refreshing change for the more serious fare I've been reading for many months.Dark Lover is not your every-day vampire story, and these are not your every-day vampires. With kings, civilian vampires, lessers and the Brotherhood, Ward has created an entirely new species, one that contains an entire society, complete with histories and politics and procreation. Monogamous and/or married vampires are an added twist that prevents the story from becoming too predictable or fluffy. I had actually tried to listen to this novel via audiobook several months ago, but the narrator just did not work. He made everything too serious and dramatic, much like the voice-over guy for movie trailers. After 30 minutes, it became almost farcical. I'm glad I stopped when I did because I'm not certain I could have made it through the bedroom scenes without laughing hysterically. It would have definitely destroyed the mood.
Dark Lover is the perfect summer romp, engaging and not too mentally strenuous. There is no hidden agenda other than to enjoy the characters brought to life by Ward's capable pen. While it is not a series I will run right out and obtain immediately, it filled a void for something fun I did not know I had, and I will be sure to pick up the second novel in the series whenever I need something similar.
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LibraryThing member slpenney07
Summary: A newsreporter is about to be transformed into a vampire; her father asks his best friend to watch over and protect her from their enemies.
The Take-Away: Sounds rather generic, but the transformation isn't because she's been bitten. In this series, vampires are a different species. You
But they do have a ruling class, but their king just wants to be one of the six warriors and not a leader. The Scribe Virgin has other plans for him. She doesn't coerce him, but she is awfully persuasive.
I really liked this book. Everything from the author's voice, tone and style, to the twisting of the vampire lore. I can't wait to read the others; there's six total in the series.
Recommendation: Get it, and wait for the others.
The Take-Away: Sounds rather generic, but the transformation isn't because she's been bitten. In this series, vampires are a different species. You
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can't be bitten, they won't drink your blood and they simply want to be left to their own devices.But they do have a ruling class, but their king just wants to be one of the six warriors and not a leader. The Scribe Virgin has other plans for him. She doesn't coerce him, but she is awfully persuasive.
I really liked this book. Everything from the author's voice, tone and style, to the twisting of the vampire lore. I can't wait to read the others; there's six total in the series.
Recommendation: Get it, and wait for the others.
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LibraryThing member AJRyan6of7
25 pages in, I wanted to take a blowtorch to it. Dumb character names, dumb dialog...just dumb.
LibraryThing member littleflwers
This is the first in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. If you are a paranormal (vampire) fan then this is a must read! Wrath is the main character and he is fierce. He is asked to take care of a friends half human half vampire daughter. Well that soon becomes a problem as the two of them get
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quite attracted to each other. I know these books are real popular right now so that is the reason I decided to try one out. Well I am hooked. I like the way J. R. Ward writes, the storyline and how this will continue with the other books. I personally liked the book and can't wait to read the second one in the series. I may have another favorite author here . . . we will see after I read the next book. Recommended for a good paranormal read. Show Less
LibraryThing member kalliope
Another book I tried while looking for books for a non-reader friend. Not my favorite genre, but a very well-done sexy vampire romance.
LibraryThing member crashingwaves38
I picked this book up at the used bookstore a couple of days ago on a whim. I enjoy fiction about vampires, and I have to something to read between LKH books!
The basic premise is that the king of the vampires, Wrath, is thrust into a protective role with an old friend's half-human half-vampire
I have several problems with this novel. A very minor complaint is the unoriginality with the names of the warrior vampires. Wrath? Rhage? Vishous? Zsadist? Trite, to say the least. However, I quickly got accustomed to it.
To me, the novel felt rushed. It all happened so quickly. The very beginning, where Darius asked Wrath to help his daughter with her transition, went quickly, but it was meant to go quickly, as its purpose was to introduce the main players and provide a hook for the reader. The rest of the novel, however, seemed to fly by at that fast pace, to the detriment of the story. Wrath and Beth fell into bed together faster than you can blink. The lesser did a lot of recruiting and changes to the lesser structure in a matter of 4 days or so, and he had time to find out where the vampires were hiding, something he hadn't previously known (which in itself is odd, since he was stalking Darius an entire year before he killed him). Butch and Marissa fell in lust/love very quickly as well. The fast pace of the novel, while allowing for a good bit to happen, was detrimental to the reader feeling a deeper sort of attachment to the characters, something that is vital in a series where you want to make the reader become attached to the characters and come back again and again.
Ward also touched on things occasionally without really giving any background or going into any depth. Towards the very beginning of their relationship, Wrath thinks to himself that he can't have sex with Beth because he would harm her. There's a random thought in there about given how other females he had touched had turned out, he couldn't go near her. Yet that line of thought is never followed out. How had the other females turned out? Were they at least alive, if a little sore the next morning? Or did he practically dismember them in his lust? Wrath's relationship with Marissa is never fully fleshed out, particularly in terms of society and how society views her. Oh, Ward gives a perfunctory explanation at some point, but we never see it in action.
At some point there is mention that the females of vampire society are cloistered and protected fiercely and are almost excluded from society. Yet Marissa speaks of going out and having to deal with the stares and pity and envy. The two don't really jive together, and it would have been better explained had we actually seen Marissa out in vampire society.
That, in and of itself, is another problem. We're told that there's this vampire society full of civilians and that the vampires we're watching are the elite special ops force who protect them all from the lessers. Yet we never really see those civilians. We don't see how their lives play out on a daily basis. We don't see how they interact with the princips and other royalty/high-born. We don't see how they interact with humanity in general. Do other vampires have similar powers to those that the Brotherhood have? Or are they much weaker, with fewer powers? There's really no depth to the vampiric society, their culture, their current situation. The entire novel is focused basically on the conflict provided by the lesser and a couple of relationships. While that's not necessarily a bad thing for a standalone, this isn't a standalone, and having more information on the culture is necessary to draw people back.
Despite the lack of depth and other things that I didn't like, I did like this book. Is it high literature? No. But it drew me in and kept me entertained, while providing violence and sex. What more can a girl ask for from her vampire fiction? I only gave it 3.5 stars because from a critical standpoint, I can't justify giving more; however, I'll most likely be going after the subsequent books in the series.
The basic premise is that the king of the vampires, Wrath, is thrust into a protective role with an old friend's half-human half-vampire
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daughter. Their relationship quickly changes into one charged with lust, and just as quickly love. A short trip to the altar, and the vampires have their queen. Fight scenes occur at various points, and there's an almost secondary plotline involving a lesser (think soulless vampire hunter) who is determined to wipe out the vampire sub-species.I have several problems with this novel. A very minor complaint is the unoriginality with the names of the warrior vampires. Wrath? Rhage? Vishous? Zsadist? Trite, to say the least. However, I quickly got accustomed to it.
To me, the novel felt rushed. It all happened so quickly. The very beginning, where Darius asked Wrath to help his daughter with her transition, went quickly, but it was meant to go quickly, as its purpose was to introduce the main players and provide a hook for the reader. The rest of the novel, however, seemed to fly by at that fast pace, to the detriment of the story. Wrath and Beth fell into bed together faster than you can blink. The lesser did a lot of recruiting and changes to the lesser structure in a matter of 4 days or so, and he had time to find out where the vampires were hiding, something he hadn't previously known (which in itself is odd, since he was stalking Darius an entire year before he killed him). Butch and Marissa fell in lust/love very quickly as well. The fast pace of the novel, while allowing for a good bit to happen, was detrimental to the reader feeling a deeper sort of attachment to the characters, something that is vital in a series where you want to make the reader become attached to the characters and come back again and again.
Ward also touched on things occasionally without really giving any background or going into any depth. Towards the very beginning of their relationship, Wrath thinks to himself that he can't have sex with Beth because he would harm her. There's a random thought in there about given how other females he had touched had turned out, he couldn't go near her. Yet that line of thought is never followed out. How had the other females turned out? Were they at least alive, if a little sore the next morning? Or did he practically dismember them in his lust? Wrath's relationship with Marissa is never fully fleshed out, particularly in terms of society and how society views her. Oh, Ward gives a perfunctory explanation at some point, but we never see it in action.
At some point there is mention that the females of vampire society are cloistered and protected fiercely and are almost excluded from society. Yet Marissa speaks of going out and having to deal with the stares and pity and envy. The two don't really jive together, and it would have been better explained had we actually seen Marissa out in vampire society.
That, in and of itself, is another problem. We're told that there's this vampire society full of civilians and that the vampires we're watching are the elite special ops force who protect them all from the lessers. Yet we never really see those civilians. We don't see how their lives play out on a daily basis. We don't see how they interact with the princips and other royalty/high-born. We don't see how they interact with humanity in general. Do other vampires have similar powers to those that the Brotherhood have? Or are they much weaker, with fewer powers? There's really no depth to the vampiric society, their culture, their current situation. The entire novel is focused basically on the conflict provided by the lesser and a couple of relationships. While that's not necessarily a bad thing for a standalone, this isn't a standalone, and having more information on the culture is necessary to draw people back.
Despite the lack of depth and other things that I didn't like, I did like this book. Is it high literature? No. But it drew me in and kept me entertained, while providing violence and sex. What more can a girl ask for from her vampire fiction? I only gave it 3.5 stars because from a critical standpoint, I can't justify giving more; however, I'll most likely be going after the subsequent books in the series.
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LibraryThing member patience_grayfeather
One of the better vampire romances I’ve read. Characters were a little one dimensional and the vampire names were silly, but an enjoyable read. I may look for more of these.
LibraryThing member rocalisa
Dark Lover - J. R. Ward (9/10)
Vampire Romance. Reread. I decided to reread this series in preperation of the next book coming out in October. It is totally over the top and should be ridiculous, but it works. Great fun.
Vampire Romance. Reread. I decided to reread this series in preperation of the next book coming out in October. It is totally over the top and should be ridiculous, but it works. Great fun.
LibraryThing member Darrol
Good interaction among the Vampires, and retains some of the mystery in relationships with humans.
LibraryThing member Phantasma
I only have one complaint about this book. The names. No one seems to react when they hear "Wrath" as a name. That I can even accept because perhaps other characters think it's a nickname (it's not). My problem is mostly with the spelling. Zsadist, Phury, Vishous, Rhage, and Tohrment. Um, why the
Yet, the book was exciting and amusing and enjoyable. There was a lot of truly funny moments. The world is rich and deep.
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spelling change? Really, why?Yet, the book was exciting and amusing and enjoyable. There was a lot of truly funny moments. The world is rich and deep.
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LibraryThing member durannie
Wrath and Beth's story: the first in the series sets an addictive tone for those to follow.
LibraryThing member thehistorychic
I picked up this book on a whim. I had just finished the Drake series from another author and really wanted another series to catch my interest. I was very pleasantly surprised! What I am really liking is the continuation of the story throughout the series (currently on book 4). I am not quite
This particular one is about Wrath who is going to be King but right now he is the head of the Brotherhood and his future lady love and daughter of his friend Darius who dies in the first few chapters. It is really a good opening to the series. The men are very manly in a very over-protective head of the house type of way and the women are very much head-strong and good matches for their mates.
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understanding the villains of this story but other than that I am enjoying the stories.This particular one is about Wrath who is going to be King but right now he is the head of the Brotherhood and his future lady love and daughter of his friend Darius who dies in the first few chapters. It is really a good opening to the series. The men are very manly in a very over-protective head of the house type of way and the women are very much head-strong and good matches for their mates.
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LibraryThing member jodyjoujou
Begining of my favorite series about Vampires. J.R Ward makes her characters very interesting that anyone can identify with one of the brothers in the book. Each character develops from chapter to chapter and as I hear from people they will get more interesting in this series. Very sexy and
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romantic. Show Less
LibraryThing member butterflybaby
Dark Lover is the first book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. It tells the story of Wrath - the last purebred vampire. Wrath lives only to fight in an endless war with the soulless vampire slayers, Lessers, who brutally murdered his parents centuries ago. As leader of the Brotherhood, his
This is a great book. A story of a man who is changed for the better by love. However he is still the imtimating man he was before, but now he has a reason to live.
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only solace is in fighting, not looking to the past or future, shunning his duties as King. This is a great book. A story of a man who is changed for the better by love. However he is still the imtimating man he was before, but now he has a reason to live.
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LibraryThing member peaceloveandpat
It's about time!!! I got suckered in to read this series and I'm glad I gave in to peer pressure. LOLI like it, even though it's flawed in so many ways (ok just one, still not impressed with J.R Ward) I do however like how her writing is all about the dark, horrific, violent and smutty. I'm
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guessing that each book is centered on each brothers? (Did not read any reviews to avoid checking what to expect) This book is centered on Wrath, the king of all Vampires, the last one that carries the pure blood of their race and the halfling named Beth Randall, daughter of his late brother (frat sense) Darius. I have learned that their enemy is called the Lessening Society, whose members are psycho humans who sold themselves to the Omega (devil or you know the evil sonuvavich) so that they would have the agility, and inhuman strength sothey would have at least a fighting chance of surviving / fighting or whatever the heck it is that they think was necessary to eliminate the BDBs and their civilians. Wrath is the leader of Black Dagger Brotherhood - Natural born lethal weapons who would not hesistant to kill anybody obstructing their way of annihilating their enemy. (supposedly... until Beth happened to Wrath - the scene wherein Wrath decided not to kill Butch)So I think Wrath is freakin amazing, yes eventhough he could probably crush me and scared me at no end. It was an intrigue when I found out that he is going blind, or was her already blind? sorry I did not wallow on that part but that adds to his mysterious nature. But anyway, he and Beth is meant for each other, Beth neutralizes the bad ass in him and is really very sweet, I like that part where she gave Rhage the water and helped him calm down. it's a wonderful thing a woman does to a man. LOL. Stereotyping, but I love it when a guy is so evil, acting like an ass and is all high and mighty but when the right womn comes along they are the most incredible person in the universe. These vampires are not like the Cullens, Oliver from Morganville Vampires will cower in the corner if he ever cross them, Damon and Stefan are wuss compared to this guys (I already think Stefan's a wuss anyways), or Quinn would probably accept Riley's nature fully when one of the BDB request it from him. In short these vamps are not so much the ones you swoon about so don't expect the typical "awwww that's so sweet" moments. Show Less
LibraryThing member chandler2606
This is one of the best series...ever...
LibraryThing member pearl24
So to be honest. It took me a little while to start the book. I had read the first chapter and then put it down. I had my doubts but after a couple months, decided to give it another shot. It tooke a few chapters to really grab my attention. But you get to understand and learn about all the
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"Brothers" and Beth's history/story, it quikly grabed my full attention. I fell hard core in love with the book and couldnt put it down. Its a wonderful story, just the right about of action and love/sex in the book. LOVED IT! Show Less
LibraryThing member dhampir05
Brother Wrath's story begins with a favor to his recently deceased brother, Darius, to protect his only daughter, Beth. Beth being half-human, half-vampire, makes her one of a kind... and her body makes her desirable to even Wrath's cold heart. Being the Brotherhood leader, Wrath knows he must
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protect her and what for her change. Show Less
LibraryThing member jdquinlan
From the Back Cover:
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 their enemies more
My Review:
This is the first book in J.R. Ward's wildly popular Black Dagger Brotherhood series and I can see why these books have gained such a following. Big badass vampires fighting to save their race who just need to find the right women to save them from their demons? I'm in!
Wrath is the leader of the Brotherhood, the last pure vampire in existence. He's sworn vengeance on the Lessers, the race of former humans whose sole purpose is to rid the world of vampires, and he thinks of little else. He holds himself aloof, limiting his contact with others, until his Brother, Darius, is killed, and Wrath is forced to honor Darius's last request: to find his half-human daughter and help her through her transition into the vampire world.
Beth is a young reporter, lonely and restless, an orphan who grew up in the foster-care system, struggling to make something of her life. When Wrath shows up at her door the chemistry and attraction between them is instant and consuming. But the bond they form takes them down a dangerous path as the war between the Brotherhood and the Lessers heats up and they find themselves caught in the middle.
This book was a real page-turner for me. I thought the story concept was creative and well thought-out. At first it was a little confusing because the author throws you right into their world with very little background information, but that's a good thing! The backstory is unveiled here and there over the course of the book and the author provides a handy reference glossary. Negative points: the point of view shifts around a little too much for my taste and there's a scene involving pit bulls that bothered me. As the mother to three loving pit bulls, I can't stand to see anything that perpetuates stereotypes and fear of the breed. But, it is one pretty intense scene and I'll let it slide since I enjoyed the rest of the book so much.
Is the writing top-notch? No. Does it get cheesy? Sometimes. Is it good anyway? Hell Yeah! Tough guys, smart chicks, adventure, violence, passion, wry humor, tender moments and lots of really hot sex - what's not to like? I'm ready to read the next two in the series, but I think I'll save them to take to the beach with me next month when I can savor them uninterrupted.
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 their enemies more
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than Wrath, the leader of the Black Dagger Brotherhood...My Review:
This is the first book in J.R. Ward's wildly popular Black Dagger Brotherhood series and I can see why these books have gained such a following. Big badass vampires fighting to save their race who just need to find the right women to save them from their demons? I'm in!
Wrath is the leader of the Brotherhood, the last pure vampire in existence. He's sworn vengeance on the Lessers, the race of former humans whose sole purpose is to rid the world of vampires, and he thinks of little else. He holds himself aloof, limiting his contact with others, until his Brother, Darius, is killed, and Wrath is forced to honor Darius's last request: to find his half-human daughter and help her through her transition into the vampire world.
Beth is a young reporter, lonely and restless, an orphan who grew up in the foster-care system, struggling to make something of her life. When Wrath shows up at her door the chemistry and attraction between them is instant and consuming. But the bond they form takes them down a dangerous path as the war between the Brotherhood and the Lessers heats up and they find themselves caught in the middle.
This book was a real page-turner for me. I thought the story concept was creative and well thought-out. At first it was a little confusing because the author throws you right into their world with very little background information, but that's a good thing! The backstory is unveiled here and there over the course of the book and the author provides a handy reference glossary. Negative points: the point of view shifts around a little too much for my taste and there's a scene involving pit bulls that bothered me. As the mother to three loving pit bulls, I can't stand to see anything that perpetuates stereotypes and fear of the breed. But, it is one pretty intense scene and I'll let it slide since I enjoyed the rest of the book so much.
Is the writing top-notch? No. Does it get cheesy? Sometimes. Is it good anyway? Hell Yeah! Tough guys, smart chicks, adventure, violence, passion, wry humor, tender moments and lots of really hot sex - what's not to like? I'm ready to read the next two in the series, but I think I'll save them to take to the beach with me next month when I can savor them uninterrupted.
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LibraryThing member AngelLocke
Still one of my favorites!! Ward needs to get writing. I'm having a hard time finding books of the same caliber as the Black Dagger Brotherhood. But if you love them you should check out Lara Adrian and Kresley Cole.
Subjects
Awards
P.E.A.R.L. (Nominee — 2005)
Sapphire Award (Novel — 2006)
AAR Annual Reader Poll (2006)
AAR Top 100 Romances (27 — Most Recent Rank - 2007)
Language
Original publication date
2005-02-19
Physical description
393 p.; 18 cm
ISBN
0451216954 / 9780451216953