13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dark, Gritty, and Raw, Nov 1 2011
By Kt from A Book Obsession.. - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Courting Darkness (Mass Market Paperback)
Things were really starting to look up for Camile. She's more in love then ever with her triad of husbands, now that Morio is on the mend, and the other two are home safe with her, well as safe as they can be considering the war. Even her upcoming training with Morgaine doesn't bother her as much anymore. All that changes when she is captured by Smoky's father, who is bent on vengence. He plans to break her mind, body, and soul slowly in the most horrific ways possible. She knows she must hold on to hope with every last shred, but how long can she really hang on with what she is about to face?
Not once in this entire series has the danger been as real and horrific as it was in Courting Darkness. In the author's note at the end she talks about how the story was dark, but that it had to be that way due to Hyto's nature. I completely agree with her, especially since he is by far the sickest thing the sisters have faced. That's really saying something when you look back over everything that has happened. My heart was pounding for the entire book and I literally cringed everytime Hyto came around. However, it isn't all dark as we got to see just how strong Camile is. What she withstands is nothing short of remarkable, but what is even more impressive is her character growth in the end. She learns that she can't always be the rock and that sometimes its okay to lean on others for support. In the past she has always taken on the heaviest burdens, but now I see her sharing some of that with the others, making the group only stronger in the end. The more these sisters grow and mature, the greater a force the become to be reckoned with. I know I wouldn't want to be on their bad side.
Courting Darkness, like all of Camille's books, comes jammed packed with sensuality. (Who can blame her as she has three incredibly sexy men for husbands!) It's always entertaining to watch them all struggle to get along and make things work, as each man is very different. Of course the focus in this book was mostly on Smoky due to the circumstances. I really enjoyed the closer look into his life. As a dragon he is so very territorial and quick to anger, yet his devotion to Camile is incredible. To see such a powerful being practically bow down before her is quite amazing. Despite his extreme reaction to certain events, I found myself falling even more for him, so that he is probably my favorite of her husbands.
With each new installment in this series, my favorite sister always seems to shift to whose ever turn it is to narrate. I think this really shows how talented Yasmine Galenorn is as she is able to make the reader fall for each sister over and over again. They all have their own unique "voice," and the variety really ratchets the enjoyment factor tenfold. As always, the ending left me satisfied yet more than hungry for more. So, make sure you don't miss Courting Darkness as it is yet another great installment in this stellar series.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dark & gritty continuation of Otherworld series, Nov 17 2011
By M.S. Thomas - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Courting Darkness (Mass Market Paperback)
First I want to say that if you aren't reading this series you should be. It's one of the best written urban fantasy series out there. That being said, this is the tenth book in the series and not a good place to start.
This book was impressive and yet so difficult to review. It was action packed from start to finish and had my full attention from the first page. I won't go into detail about things because so much happens and I don't want to ruin it for others so I will be brief.
Getting a glimpse of the Dragon Reaches was awesome, I love Smoky even more after this book and Vishana is bad ass. I never liked Chase before but my feelings for him have changed and it's exciting to see him grow. I'm thrilled that the Vanzir situation is resolved and look forward to seeing what happens with him next. I'm soooooo happy for Iris. The Morio and Menolly storyline is still developing and I'm really curious how their bond is going to affect the dynamics of both Camille's marriage and family. I know that's all rushed and a bit confusing but I'm trying for no spoilers.
On to the sick and twisted... With Hyto being a psychopath I was expecting this book to be dark and twisted but wow. What a sadistic bastard. Much respect to you, Yasmine, for taking your characters in a direction other authors wouldn't dare to tread.
Courting Darkness was an exceptional read and I loved that the first chapter of the next book, Shaded Vision, was included. After reading such a dark book it was good to read something that made me laugh so hard I scared the crap out of my dog. Delilah and her kitty urges always make me laugh but this scene takes the cake. Can't wait to read the rest of it.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
If you are a fan of this series, this latest installment is definitely a page-turner!, Nov 1 2011
By Bookaholics Reviewer - Published on Amazon.com
Courting Darkness by Yasmine Galenorn
Paranormal Romance - Nov. 1st, 2011
4 stars
Camille D'Artigo is a half-elvish, half-human with an unusual family: her second sister Delilah is a shapeshifter, and the youngest Menolly a vampire. Camille also has three husbands: a Svartan (dark elf), a dragon, and a fox-spirit. Unfortunately, her dragon father-in-law, Hyto, is a sadistic and vicious person who holds a grudge against Camille. When Camille is kidnapped and tortured by Hyto, can her family save her in time?
This book is a complex read. I fear that my review will not do this story any justice since this book is the tenth book in the series, and I've never read the previous nine books! I actually have to read up the characters' fact files on the author's website! The did like the world the created and diversity of fascinating characters. I would especially like to read more about Delilah, the shapeshifter sister. However, I have to admit Camille is an extraordinary character. She gives off this big sister vibe and yet she's vulnerable and openly admits to needing her three husbands' support. The most admirable thing about this book is how the author dares to confront difficult issues. The torture that Camille goes through is a complete shocker!!
If you are a fan of this series, this latest installment is definitely a page-turner!
Reviewed by Pauline from the Bookaholics Romance Club