Edge Of Dawn (Midnight Breed #11) by Lara Adrian
Paranormal Romance
February 26, 2012
Delacorte Press

Joint review by Helyce and Tori

Favorite Quotes:

Helyce: “Their bond had defied death, and he had never felt so humbled by anything before in all his days. He loved this woman–his woman, his eternal mate. He needed her more than air, more than anything else this life could give him. His heart swelled with love for her, reborn and renewed, beating as hard and strong as a drum.”

Tori: “If you don’t love me, “ she said, “if you truly want me gone…then let go.”

Edge Of Dawn picks up twenty some years after Darker Than Midnight. This is the new generation, folks. *cue the Star Trek music* While we do see the original cast, this story centers around Mira. We learn she and the others; Nathan, Kellan, ect…are all grown up and now the warriors that try to keep the peace between the humans and the Order. Mira is slowly unraveling though as she has never gotten over the death of her only love, fellow Breed warrior, Kellen Archer. Mira finally takes one to many risks and her punishment is demotion and being placed on bodyguard duty to a young, genius, germophobe scientist. Her job is to accompany him to the GNC summit being held to try and hammer out peace between the humans and the Order. When she arrives at his home during a kidnapping attempt, she is taken hostage along with the scientist, and comes face to face with the one man she never thought to see alive again.

Kellan Archer was supposed to be dead; killed in an explosion. We soon learn that Kellan was NOT killed in that explosion but actually orchestrated his own death, abandoned the Order, and now leader of a vigilante group of humans. Kellen never thought he would see Mira again, though he has purposely stayed around Boston to keep an eye on her. Seeing Mira has brought back all the intense feelings he never lost for her, but he knows that Mira will never forgive him for his betrayal of the Order or her.

When a member of Kellan’s group goes rogue and kidnaps the scientist right from under their noses, He & Mira are forced to work together to figure out who wants to destroy the summit, the Order, and keep Kellan from being branded a traitor and killed.

Tori: I’ve been a HUGE fan of Lara Adrian’s Midnight Breed series since the release of her first book-Crimson Kiss. I love her tales of dominant seductive vampires, struggling to control their baser needs, and the strong woman who lead them to salvation. Chocked full of action, suspense, and romance, Adrian’s Midnight Breed series is a winner across the board for me. I’ve been waiting impatiently for Mira’s story and I’m so glad Adrian has decided to continue the series using the younger generation and children of the original Breed warriors. I can’t believe that Lucan and Gabrielle’s little boy, Darion, is all grown up. In fact, all the original Breed warriors have grown children who have joined the fight in one aspect or another. I enjoyed getting to meet each of them and learn what they have been up to all these years.

Mira…Mira…Mira. Who doesn’t’ remember the sad little girl who was used as a pawn for her extraordinary gifts? Who didn’t emit a happy little sigh when it’s her who brings the tortured Hunter into the Order’s fold? She has certainly earned her bad arse street cred since those days. All grown up, she is now a Captain and leads her own group of warriors. Which is pretty extraordinary considering she is human. I love that we are given the chance to see the strong adult that was forged from a turbulent childhood.

While I enjoyed revisiting old friends and meeting new ones, I couldn’t shake the feeling we are merely recycling the last arc; only with a new enemy. I really would like to see some game changers in here. Perhaps in book 12. This book I would consider a set up story. It is introducing us to the new players and setting up the next arc. Once again the Order is fighting for their lives against a supernatural force-this time the Atlanteans. The Atlanteans were alluded to in Darker Than Midnight and this storyline sets up this latest battle. I do enjoy that we may finally get to the meat of Jenna’s role in this war and answers to that which we have been circling around since she was first introduced. Regardless, the action is intense and fast moving with plenty to keep you occupied and the romance is steamy and hot. Kellan and Mira’s chemistry singes the pages. My only qualms with the romance is I didn’t really understand Kellan’s reasons for what he did. I don’t want to spoil but he leaves Mira and the Order because of a “what may happen” and Mira forgives him way too quick in my opinion. Dude needed to do some SERIOUS, SERIOUS groveling for that stunt.

What did you think Helyce?

Helyce: I am also a HUGE fan of this series, Tori. When I found it, the first three books had already been released and I power-read them over a couple of days only to realize I had months before the next release was due. I loved everything about it from the gorgeous alpha Breed warriors to the special Breedmate women born just for them. Around about the release of Taken by Midnight, Brock and Jenna’s book, I began to wonder where Ms. Adrian was going. I should have had more trust! Huge light-bulb moment for me in this book!

I feel like we’ve now come full circle in Edge of Dawn. I loved seeing the children of the original Breed warriors all grown up and continuing the fight of good vs. evil. Now out in the open, they are still dealing with prejudice and doubt by the humans. I don’t see that changing anytime soon, especially with what is revealed in this book.

I loved that Mira, who is not Breed, has been made a captain with her own team. It was great to see her in this strong role, considering she is just a girl. It was a strong point to show how much has changed over the course of 20 years. The fact that she was given such respect by even the young male Breed warriors was awesome in my book.

As for Kellan, I agree with your point regarding his choice to leave Mira and the Breeds and go out on his own. What did he hope to gain or change by doing that? Regardless of the fact that Mira’s visions usually came to pass, why wouldn’t you stay with people who cared about you? On the flip side, I don’t think it was made clear enough that though he went off on his own, he was still a “good guy”, still fighting on the right side.

I am thrilled with the direction this series is moving in. The hinted at Atlanteans exist, have existed and are living among us. But why have they waited so long to show themselves? I look forward to learning more about them and I feel that Darion, Lucan’s son, will play a key role here as he continues to try and crack that numerical code in Jenna’s journals. There are hints toward future relationships for our next generation and they promise to be challenging for sure.

Tori: I agree. I am looking forward to seeing more about the Atlanteans and what their agenda is towards the Order and the world. I can only hope that we see some differences in the arc and not a replay of the last 10 books. I think we both agree that Rune, the cage match Breed fighter is muy sexy and we really need HIS story asap. RAWR.

All in all, Edge Of Dawn continues the Midnight Breed series with it’s patent edgy characters, action packed storylines, and smoking hot romances. Fans of the series will not be disappointed.

Helyce: I am so with you there, Tori! These Atlanteans are just too powerful and I can’t wait to see what they bring to this series! There’s has to be some sort of shift in the story arc with their introduction as I think their original queen is somehow connected to the creation of the Breed Mates. I can’t wait to see this connection explained. And yes, Rune…I swoon! There is something hinky about this character. He’s got some major secrets I think and oh boy are sparks gonna fly when Spencer gets wind of him. Yes, we need his story next, Ms. Adrian, pretty please?

I agree with your summation Tori. I am more than ready to see what happens next!

Tori’s Rating: B

Helyce’s Rating: B+

Recent Reviews:
Readers Confessions – 3/5
Bookpushers – B+
Paranormal Haven – 4/5
Fiction Vixen – B+
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