Dreams of a Dark Warrior by Kresley Cole (Immortals After Dark #11)
Paranormal Romance
February 15, 2011
Paperback, 512 Pages
Pocket
Reviewed by Mandi and Tori
Mandi’s Favorite Quote: Straightaway, she’d called to the guards, “Oh boys?” She’d sauntered to the glass in only her black lace bra and panties. “I need some assistance.” When they slowed, agog, she’d purred, “Can one of you help me find my orgasm?”
Tori’s Favorite Quote: “I can’t believe your going to sacrifice your archery mojo…who am I gonna hang out with when your a talentless nobody?”
Berserker Aidan the Fierce and Valkyrie Regin the Radiant have had a tragic love story over the past millennia. First meeting when Regin was 12, Aidan knew from that moment that she was his mate. But before they could consummate, Regin needed to grow up and Aidan needed to win enough wars to be granted Ohalla, or immortality. For the next seven years, Aidan was too worried about Regin’s wellbeing to concentrate on warring, so when they meet again, and Regin is of age, he is still not ready to mate. If he takes Regin to his bed, before wedding her, he will never be granted immortality. So they live together, and each day Aidan battles, getting closer to his goal – but one night he goes into a berserkrage, and they mate. When it is completed a vampire traces in and kills Aidan. As he lay dying in his bed, he asks his fellow berseker and best friend Brandr to always watch over and protect Regin. And this is his curse. For the next millennia, Regin meets Aidan in four different reincarnations. Aidan has no memories of his past lives until he kisses Regin (although Regin can recognize him) and each time, once they have sex, he dies an untimely death and Brandr is always a few minutes too late.
Now in present day, Aidan has been reincarnated as Declan Chase. Declan works for The Order, an organization set upon ridding the Earth of all supernaturals. He captures Regin (among others) and takes them to a prison clouded from the rest of the world. Here his team experiment on and torture these beings to gain information. Regin knows Declan is Aidan reincarnated, but Declan has such extreme hatred for supernatural beings (being tortured as a teenager and losing his family to them) that even though he feels this magnetic pull towards Regin, the thought of lusting after her makes him violently ill. Regin is not one to give up though, and knows her only escape out of this prison, is to convince Declan he is not who he thinks he is.
Mandi: Each book of the Immortals After Dark series just gets better and better. Kresley Cole has created this world of such unique characters. It is this combination of humor and violence that just makes for such intriguing stories. Regin and Declan’s (Aidan) book has been a long time coming. Such a tragic love story in this one. What I like is – Kresley Cole starts the book with a very long prologue of Regin at the age of twelve when she first meets and falls for Aidan. So you get a good grasp of their love and how honorable Aidan really is. Which is a good thing, because when you meet Declan, he is a hard dude to like. His only objective in life is to eliminate supernaturals. Let’s just say he is really not nice to them in this book. Like I said, Kresley Cole gives us tons of humor (the things out of Regin’s mouth – SO funny) but she also doesn’t slack on the violence. These creatures have been around for so long, violence is part of who they are.
Declan deep down knows there is something different about him. He has bursts of supernatural speed and strength when enraged. He has actively taken drugs his whole life trying to subdue that side of him. He becomes violently ill if he sleeps with a woman (because it is not Regin, but he doesn’t know that). Aidan and Regin have always been monotonous to each other – waiting and waiting for each reincarnation. Such a heartbreaking love story!
Tori-LOVE THIS ONE. I have followed the entire series but Cole has certainly ramped it up with this one and her previous one, Demon from The Dark. I see much more emphasis and development on the characters themselves and their individual story lines. Regin and Declan’s story is so tragic and filled with such blinding betrayal and violence. We get their backstory which goes a long way is setting the pace for the rest of the story. I actually emailed Mandi a few times telling her I wasn’t sure if I could do it. The sheer emotion imparted in this book is breath stealing you can feel the pain Regin and Declan go through.
It’s not all dark though. Cole’s trademark humor shines through in Regin’s dialogue with Declan and her fellow inmates.
Mandi: The actual sex scenes in this book are not as prevalent, because they can’t occur due to his curse. We do get lots of flashbacks which have romance and a very steamy bath scene. But this book is written so well, and there is much sexual tension, I don’t think this takes away from the book. Also, a good part of this book takes place in the prison, at the same time Carrow and Ruby (from the previous book, Demon from the Dark). So for those who have read Demon from the Dark, it is the same time period, just in Regin and Declan’s point of view. I think it is neat Kresley Cole does this (this isn’t the first time).
Tori- I agree. *bath scene-YUM* The sexual tension is so explicit that you don’t miss the actual scenes. And yes, Cole mirroring Demon In The Dark from a different view point really expands and elevates the storyline.
Mandi: We also get lots of pages in Lothaire’s point of view. I think this may be the first time for that. He is the great vampire, The Enemy of Old – and I LOVE HIM. He is SO conceded and intriguing that I want his book NOW (I hear it is coming out in 2012). We also meet a new character, Thaddeus who makes me smile.
Tori: Lothaire…SQUEEEE. He’s so in your face and we really get some great insight into his psyche and his motives. Don’t get me wrong, he’s not nice. But you’ll love him neither less.
Thad is the new character that is full of adorability. (Is that a word?) As the NKOTB (hee hee)I expect we’ll see some interesting developments between him and maybe a certain little witch??
Mandi: This book is long (over 500 pages) and I really didn’t want it to end. I think Kresley Cole has really hit her stride here. Such rich, funny, sexy characters. I think she has created once of the most fulfilling worlds and I don’t think I will ever tire of her books.
Rating: B+
Tori: I could not put this down. Fast paced with no down time, the story flies. I can’t recommend this enough to everyone. I will say this. One villain go off way to easy for me. I may be blood thirsty after all because I wanted a few pages of them suffering.
Rating: B+
As a bonus, the publisher is offering two copies of Dreams of a Dark Warrior to giveaway today. To enter, just leave a comment. Open to US/Canada (no P.O Boxes please). Contest open through Sunday February 20th.
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Lothaire is one freaky mo fo, and yet I find him so appealing. Who's his heroine?! I so want him to be with the White Queen who seems to taunt him in her crazy way. But now I'm not so sure.
I wish Regin had made suffer Declan a bit more for everything he did.
Kresley is my crack… behind Ward.
I love this series and have heard so many wonderful things about this book!
Thanks for the great contest and stellar review!
Wenj
Blacklagoon.wenj(at)gmail.com
Great review! I just started reading this series. Two books in and I'm already hooked!
Please enter me in the giveaway
lovetoreadforfun@gmail.com
I can't wait for my copy to arrive (damn TNT for not delivering on time *shakes fist*) Cole has hit her stride with me almost from book one and has not let me down ever since ;) 500+ pages of Regin and Aidan/Declan, bring it on!! Enjoyed reading your review ladies!
I would love to read it, as it will now be on my TBR list.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
Loved your joint review ladies. I am in love with Lothaire and can't wait to read his story. Please don't enter me into the giveaway.
I love the IAD series and would love to win the latest installment. Thanks for the chance.
ssalvc126@rogers.com
I still have not gotten my hands on a copy of this. Argh! Walmart better have it today … (don't enter me in the giveaway)
Great review…I'm currently working my way through this series and loving it!
varuca25@gmail.com
Ooooh-you guys are killing me,I was just posting on the PNR interviews how I fell behind w/my fav. authors because things hv been crazy-I knew the book was coming out,but I wasn't sure who's it would be,it was kinda a cliff hanger when they broke out of the compound. 500 pages of Reign's detailed story-grrrr-I'd go buy it right now if I could afford it(jst moved&I spoil my rescue/foster cats so I am broke!) K.C. was the 2nd pnr series mom introduced me to and I forget xactly but I was lucky to have about 8 to read in a row-her characters are such a mix of tough,vulnerable,funny,sexy,and some sarcastic bitches! The valkyries are the best-there's no words for nix,and poor ocd Holly with a slob like Cade. Sabine&Rydstom's is one of my frequent re-reads,but the Lykae accent-damn it's sexy! I am so new to all the blogs&twitter its almost overwhelming,I love all of it but w/o a computer&jst using phone gets so tedious,I really want to get into the community more….I can only imagine what comes out of Reign's mouth. I'm 20smthng on library waiting list&people read so slow,please keep posting any giveaways because books&cats are my life! Thank you all.
Ooooh-you guys are killing me,I was just posting on the PNR interviews how I fell behind w/my fav. authors because things hv been crazy-I knew the book was coming out,but I wasn't sure who's it would be,it was kinda a cliff hanger when they broke out of the compound. 500 pages of Reign's detailed story-grrrr-I'd go buy it right now if I could afford it(jst moved&I spoil my rescue/foster cats so I am broke!) K.C. was the 2nd pnr series mom introduced me to and I forget xactly but I was lucky to have about 8 to read in a row-her characters are such a mix of tough,vulnerable,funny,sexy,and some sarcastic bitches! The valkyries are the best-there's no words for nix,and poor ocd Holly with a slob like Cade. Sabine&Rydstom's is one of my frequent re-reads,but the Lykae accent-damn it's sexy! I am so new to all the blogs&twitter its almost overwhelming,I love all of it but w/o a computer&jst using phone gets so tedious,I really want to get into the community more….I can only imagine what comes out of Reign's mouth. I'm 20smthng on library waiting list&people read so slow,please keep posting any giveaways because books&cats are my life! Thank you all.
Great review! Thanks for the giveaway!
ourbookblog at gmail dot com
This was one of a fav IAD books! And I LOVED Lothaire. I Never thought I'd say that since he's one evil dude. :) Nice review ladies!
I'm 2/3 done and loving every single page. Kresley Cole is the bomb! Loved the review girls. I wish there were more Valkyries and Lycae, cause they are my favorites.
(don't enter me in the giveaway)
Dani
I finished Dreams of a Dark Warrior yesterday and I'm already going through withdrawal. 2012?! Are you serious miss Cole?
I laughed out loud at this quote:
She glanced at his fangs, then down. "Oh, my gods, when do you not sport wood? There are bathrooms in the back, so go burp the worm or whatever."
@Sylvia — LOL! Okay, am rushing out to get her books today. :)
Lolololol…LOVE Cole's sense of humor. For those just starting the series – I didn't love book one…so stick with it;)
Would you believe I own this entire series and havent read them yet LOL…I know, I know..gotta get on that…soon…
Enjoyed the review, count me in! tWarner419@aol.com
I have been dying to start this series! I would love to win this and have another great book to read!
Amy J
djsfoxylady @ gmail.com
I am so looking forward to getting my hands on this. I love all of Kresley's works so far and I'm sure this one will be excellent too!
vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com
I read the quotes you list at the top of the post and was immediately hooked….and laughing! That isn't an easy thing to do before I've drunk my second cup of coffee.
little lamb lst at yahoo dot com
I have about a hundred pages left, and I seriously debated calling into work to tell them I'd be late. LOL Great review girls!!
oooh, oooh, pick me please! Thanks for the great giveaway.
clairekimball at hotmail dot com
Great review, Ladies! Don't enter me, I just finished this yesterday and I LOVED IT! Kresley Cole just keeps bringing it with the dialog and storylines and the magic. LOVED!!!!!!!
I love when you guys review together. Double the fun! Nice job guys!
I have yet to read this series. I guess maybe it should be next on my TBR list!
I love this series. This book sounds great. Love the cover.
Crystal816[at]hotmail[dot}com
I have only read book one in the series and then got majorly side tracked and haven't picked it up again. I might have to remedy that soon!
loveletters.books@gmail.com
Can't. Wait. To. Read. This. The end :-)
justforswag(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
Great review as always guys!
You really make me want to read this book all that more.
Now I'm going to go sulk because I can't get this book in the UK until the 3rd of freaking March! *grumble grumble, life is so unfair*
Ooooohhh…sounds so good. It's on my TBR list. Thanks for hosting the giveaway. (Email in profile.)
This is one of my favorite series that I'm reading right now and I love all of the books. I think they are all great reads. I'm so looking forward to reading this book.
sstrode@scrtc.com
Kresley Cole is my drug, I swear I get the shakes waiting for her stuff
enter me in the concours?
I do want this book, I mean the last made me love PNR again. before that they were just ok
Great review! I can't wait to read this book.
kissinoak at frontier dom
I loved this installment to the series! I think Thad will have a book someday…
I love this series and cannot wait to start reading this book.
smccar1 at hotmail dot com
I just cannot WAIT to read Kresley Cole's latest! Thanks for the great joint review, it was fun to read!
I've not read any Kresley Cole's books, but I heard good things about her work. I would love to read this as well as ones you would recommend I start with. sotheara_keatATyahooDOTcom
Great reviews from an awesomely written series! I'm going to be unable to function once this series ends so I'm going to enjoy the ride as long as I can. Would ssssssooooo love to win and thank everyone for hosting this giveaway!
joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com
OMG! I reeeeeally want this book! Kresley Cole is one of my fav reads. Count me in. bpatrick64113@sbcglobal.net
nice review.please count me in for the giveaway
elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net
Best prologue evah! I think this is one of my favs I get all tingly just thinking about Declan and Regin.
I'm in! I need to catch up on this series…
Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark books are fantastic, and I can't wait to read this newest one.
Barbed1951 at aol.com
Most Excellent Review Ladies! *groan* I am so behind on this series. four – five books now. And it is so juicy. I know better. Count me in!
cindersmaria@yahoo.com
Count me in for the giveaway please!
abbydillon16 AT yahoo DOT com
i love this series!! would love to win this book!!
mariannguyen16(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I love this author!!! :D Plz enter me!!!
Thanks!
hsiu_an@hotmail.com
I love this series! Glad to see you both loved it :) (I am curious to see how she makes the "no sex" thing work, lol)
bookaddictpatti at cox dot net
I just started this series and love it!! So happy it's still going strong :-)
smaccall @ comcast.net
As always, awesome review!! I loved this book… And Cole's "one-liners" kill me.. I'm still crackin up about that darn Dickie-do…. Can't wait to read Lothaire's book…
Kristin
Nocturnalbites(at)hotmail(dot)com
I love this series. I actually got both sisters and my mom hooked on the series too!
We have to wait another year for Lothaire's book!?!? I was hoping for summer or fall. (Or, you know, tomorrow.)
jbrink83 at hotmail dot com
Thank you for the contest and the post. I cannot wait to start this series.
robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com
I would like to leave a longer comment but it seems most of the people have not yet read the book so I don't want to post spoilers.
Basically:
Pros
Regin is great! Minor characters are fun. Lothaire is hilarious.
Cons
Chase not my fave hero. Ending not to my taste.
I do have a spoiler review of Dreams of a Dark Warrior on my blog if you are curious about the cons I mentioned.
Thanks for the giveaway! Please count me in!
chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com
I love this series so much!