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Review
4 stars!
The latest book in the Dark Protectors series, this book finishes the second story arc of the series – that of ‘the Seven’ – and, like her parent’s book before hers, Hope’s story brings yet another big shift to the world as a whole, answering longstanding questions and resolving a love triangle to bring a gorgeous romance.
Hope is the daughter of Janie and Zane (their book is Marked). As the daughter of the demon king and the only female vampire ever born, she is a mystery, and though she lacks the powers that others in her family have, she has her own unique abilities and a fate that is tied to the future of the realm itself. She’s now all grown up, and uses her strategic skills to lead a group of warriors, but she’s still trying to figure out where her own destiny lies. Hope knows that she’s destined to change the world. She is an essential part of an ancient prophecy to rid the world of an unimaginable evil – though nobody quite knows what her role in the ritual is, and while she is prepared to give her life, her loved ones are fiercely fighting against that.
She’s also torn between the two men in her life. Drake is the leader of the Kurjans, he is Hope’s childhood friend who visits her in dreams, and he knows that they are destined to be together, that their mating will bring peace for both of their races. And then there’s her best friend, Paxton, who has been there for her and protected her for her whole life. He would gladly sacrifice himself for her, but he has his own battles to face which bring big changes to him, and to the realm. All three of them are right in the middle of the unfolding action, and it’s a wild ride as the story unfolds.
His smile was wicked. “I’m done waiting for you to figure things out.” Then his lips were on hers again.
I won’t give details, because anything I say will be a spoiler, but Zanetti manages to tie up multiple ongoing storylines in this book, bringing twists and turns and satisfying conclusions, but managing to mix things up enough to bring huge changes for the continuation of the series, and I cannot wait to see where it all goes from here!
Along the way we get to see a number of series faves – Dage and Talen of course, the members of the Seven, and Zane absolutely shines as Hope’s protective father, and a father-figure to Pax..
The romance is there, though is not quite as epic as I was hoping (I prefer my books heavy on the romance), but with so much going on in the story, everything is balanced well.
“Whatever happens next, it isn’t going to be easy. For either of us or our people.”
“I’ve never wanted easy,” he murmured. “I’ve only wanted you.”
It’s exciting, dramatic, suspenseful, emotional and full of action. There were moments towards the end of this book that had my heart pounding, and me holding my breath in shock, desperate to see what was going to happen next. I was completely captivated as the story unfolded, and I loved the wild ride.
Such a great read – 4 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
See our Dark Protectors/Realm Enforcers series page for info on the series
Check out our Rebecca Zanetti Author Spotlight for more of Rebecca’s work