Dark Song

As much as I love this series, this book was a bit slow for me. I like both Ferro and Elisabeta, but they aren't my favorites. I loved seeing some of the older couples. I also really loved all the Josef time. I really want his book soon. I also loved most of my Gary time. I didn't like that CF had him thinking of <input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="cff2e7ad-ff8e-4fa1-958f-06a768a1edc6" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="cff2e7ad-ff8e-4fa1-958f-06a768a1edc6"> Killing Elisabeta and Ferro to protect a secret. </label> That is so out of Gary's character and it made him look like a dick. I am also really starting to dislike the overly complex and excessive plots that have been happening in this series lately. I understand that with any long series there has to be new things to keep it fresh. BUT But........With all the new enemies, spells, and God help me demon worms from the netherworld(what is this Minecraft?), I am starting to worry she will go too far. I worry it will be like The Dark-Hunter by Sherrilyn Kenyon with such over the top, and ridiculous plots that it will become boring, confusing and a chore to read. I hope to God I'm wrong.

This review was originally posted on<a href="http://addictedtoromance.org/book-review-dark-song-by-christine-feehan/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> Addicted To Romance</a>I received this book for free from Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.<br><div> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1551095556i/27115635._SX540_.png" alt="" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </div><br><br><br><br><br><br>Dark Song is the newest installment in the Carpathian/Dark series by this incredible author. Christine Feehan has done a work of art within this series and most especially this book. I always am so impressed with how big this series has grown over the years (and I am definitely blessed to have followed it from almost the beginning) and seeing the depths of the world building and how this world she creates is utterly captivating and it NEVER loses it magic and this is what impresses me the most about this author. I can never seem to get enough of her work. Dark Song, however, is a must read for any paranormal romance lover, because I guarantee you will fall in love with it. There are some aspects (which I will discuss below) that you need to have an open mind in especially in regards to the heroine, but I promise this will win your heart just as it has mine. <br><br><br><br>Dark Song encompasses two characters that are both ancient Carpathians and both have suffered but have a love story that will be memorable for years to come. Our heroine Elisabeta (which is so pretty of a name) has been tortured, tormented, abused, demeaned by an ancient vampire, one of the Malinov brothers. She was kidnapped from her home and family and put through hell for most of her existence. She has only known pain and suffering. She has never had a life for herself. And then she is rescued and taken to a haven but she knows that is temporary and she now has a lifemate. A man she knows she will never be worthy of but will strive to survive just as she has all of these generations of time. Ferro, is an ancient Carpathian, one of the oldest of his kind and part of the monastery group. When he finds Elisabeta and realizes she is his lifemate, he knows their path will not be an easy one. She has suffered severe PTSD, doesn't know how to do the basic things but he is determined to show her of her true worth and gift. Through their journey together Ferro and Elisabeta will forge a bond so powerful....the notes of their song will sing to the world....<br><br><br><br>Dark Song may be the 30th installment (and yes you heard that right) but its one of my favorites of the series and quite frankly probably one of the MOST heart breaking and heart felt of them all. This story was NOT easy to read because of the journey that our heroine goes through especially. Now I want to make it clear this heroine is not weak, feeble, or a door mat. Too many times I see in this genre, heroines that are written in this way belittled and demeaned in this terminology. Elisabeta has been ABUSED for hundreds of years, and that takes a toll on someone. Elisabeta doesn't even know her own capabilities. She just knows laws, rules, obedience. That is it. She doesn't understand many concepts, or the women's movement or anything. She is more at ease following commands than forging her own path. But what was so incredible about her character was her growth. Seeing her come into her own, being more independent, seeing the value of her own worth and her own gifts. <br><br><br><br>I will admit I want to see more heroines like this in the series that are "Ancient" because I love seeing how strong they are that are equal to the males in their power and gifts. Because if you understand the Carpathian way ....longer you live the more talented and more power you have. And the women that are ancients always seem to surprise the men so deliciously and boy this heroine shocks the males int his book and I was so down with that. Our hero though I want to give him a commendation for how he treated Elisabeta. Because he was so patient with her, gentle, and kind. Even though his alpha instincts are riding him hard, he is so supportive and encouraging of her. Their story was so stunning in so many ways. And there is SO much going on in this book plot wise alone, so to see such depths and growth in their relationship and individually was powerful. <br><br><br><br>Overall I found Dark Song to be a vibrant, thrilling, heart felt romance that will stun your senses and captivate hearts along the way.....BEAUTIFULLY PENNED IN EVERY WAY! <br><br><br><br><div> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1594952967i/29827779.png" alt="" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </div><br><br><br><br><br><br><div> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1594952967i/29827780._SX540_.png" alt="" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </div><br><br><br><br> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1561506897i/27726693._SX540_.png" alt="" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> <br><br><br><br><br><br><div> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1550917203i/27106640._SX540_.png" alt="" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </div><br><br><br><a href="http://addictedtoromance.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1499527757i/23242699.jpg" alt=" photo Addicted To Romance Reviews 2_zpsplp8m0tb.png" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a>

Finally!!!!!<br />Ferro and Elisabeta?<br />Broken.....no.....that means it cannot be fixed...lets go with *dented* Beauty and the Carpathian caveman ?<br />Just what the doctor order<br />Gimme?????<br />September where are thou?<br />

An absolutely amazing read. Christine Feehan has outdone herself. I loved Ferro and Elisabeta. Mix in the old favourites and it was pure joy. Ferro was an amazing lifemate to Elisabeta. Held captive for centuries and scared senseless, Elisabeta had a spine of steel. Ferro was there for her every step of the way. Incredibly romantic book. <br />Just when I thought, I had things figured out, Christine threw a curve ball. I didn't see that coming and I am beyond excited for the next books in the series. Carpathians are love ?<br />Made me realize why I love this so very much and why Christine Feehan is one of my favourite authors. <br />Five amazing ? 's

Christine Feehan is a master at writing Paranormal Romances. She knows how to weave a story and how to get the reader engaged in what she is writing. Dark Song was an intriguing story about how love and trust can overcome the darkest pasts anyone could imagine.<br /><br />Elisabeta and Ferro’s story was just that. He’s a vampire hunter that lived centuries. She was a captive of a vampire for centuries. Through time, hunters lose their emotions until they find their lifemate and Ferro was no different. Until he found Elisabeta. Everything came alive for him. He saw colors, he felt passion, he knew he would protect and savor his one and only forever. He didn’t know if she would want a man like him to spend the rest of her life with. He’s killed, he’s been through battles that no woman should ever see and she will once their minds meld. He’s a dominant man set in his ways and knows that she will need a gentle but firm touch to teach her all that she needs to learn in this new to her world.<br /><br />As for Elisabeta, she was caged and tormented for as long as she could remember. She had her memories wiped and only knew fear and dominance. It would take coaxing and a gentle hand to bring her into the woman that she was meant to be. She knew, every time she heard the song, that her lifemate was calling to her. Would he want someone as scarred and scared as she was? Would she be able to stand by him and provide him with all that a lifemate should? She protected his soul for so long so that he wouldn’t turn vampire. But, the atrocities that she witnessed would now be known to him when their minds joined. She knew he would not want a woman like her standing by his side.<br /><br />Each wakening is filled with trepidation by Elisabeta and joy by Ferro. As problems arise within the compound, they know that it’s the vampire causing it and trying to come for her. She is determined to use her gift to give back to her people, the people that saved her. She needs to overcome her fear of not being caged; she needs to learn to be Carpathian again; she needs to stand by Ferro and the friends that she made; she needs to trust Ferro to protect her, care for her, give her what she needs to survive.<br /><br />Dark Song was an interesting story. Unfortunately, this is the first Carpathian Novel that I have read and, coming into the story, not understanding the background of all the characters, had me at a loss. At times I was confused, other times I felt like I understood. But, it was not an enjoyable read for me because I felt lost. It was a beautiful love story and could be read as a standalone but, I am one that really likes to know backstories and understand all the characters. It was beautiful watching Eliabeta come into her own and Ferro knowing just what she needed to get there. And they both had a little bit of a sense of humor which lightened things up a bit when everything was so dark in the story. The supporting characters each had their own gifts they brought to story line. They all had a hand in either Ferro’s life or the rescuing of Elisabeta so that added an extra something to when they were all together. I am sure followers of the Carpathian series will truly enjoy this story.<br /><br />Review copy provided for a voluntary review.

I have a love/hate relationship with Christine Feehan's heroes. Thankfully, this alpha hero falls into my love category. Picking up from the previous story, Feehan writes a soulmate romance between an self admitted caveman like hero and a fragile heroine who had been emotionally and physically abused most of her her life. A sturdy plotted storytelling blends perfectly with the exploratory romance. Well timed comedic dialogue and very slow burning sexual awareness from the heroine keeps the reader engrossed as the story unfolds. Plenty of action and suspense, along with subtle tie ins to previous characters, helps to keep the reader up to date on the series. <br /><br />I genuinely enjoyed Ferro and the ways he chose to help Elisabeta regain her independence.Everything he does is with the explicit knowledge that her actions/reactions are by her choice and no one elses. Even his "orders" are given with the caveat that she can refuse with no fear of punishment. This world is huge and scary for her and Ferro walks beside her every step of the way. Im looking forward to the next in the series.

When one of these books features a song or poetry, you know it’s going to be a romantic one. And Dark Song doesn’t disappoint. I’ve been reading these books for 21 years and these characters have become almost real. This is the magic Christine Feehan weaves for her readers. This book harkens back to the early books where the focus was on the romance between the two main characters.<br />I was never convinced Elisabeta was dead when we first learned about her way back in her brother, Traian’s book. And when she was rescued in Dark Legacy, we knew she would need a special lifemate.<br />Ferro becomes that for her. Traditionally, Carpathian males are a bane for feminist readers. They are archaic, stubborn, and traditional in their expectations of a lifemate. Ferro is no different, or so he thinks. The key thing about lifemates in this vast and unique world Feehan has created is that a lifemate becomes whatever their mate needs. Ferro does this for Elisabeta and she for him, without him knowing what he needed. The sex isn’t as ubiquitous or lengthy as in previous books and this helps in aiding the romantic nature of the book and the care Ferro has for Elisabeta’s safety and security, as well as her confidence and trust.<br />He is endlessly patient with her after her centuries of captivity at the hands of an evil master vampire with an inferiority complex. He takes his time teaching her, understanding what she needs and when, speaking for her when she can’t speak for herself, and simply loving her.<br />Sure, there’s a mystery afoot, battles and attacks coming their way – there always is in the world of the Carpathians, vampires, and psychic humans, but the focus stays on the couple, how they navigate the threat, soft Elisabeta finding her place among these warrior men and women, a place of value and usefulness. Her immediate compassion when someone was hurting and a compelling need to aid them is so central to the female Carpathians and important for Elisabeta who had almost forgotten how to be Carpathian because of her captivity.<br />I enjoyed how the shifting nature of Carpathians is explained in greater detail. I’ve always thought they simply take the shape of the animal, but they essentially become it. They see with its eyes, sing their songs, hunt their prey. There’s a risk in hiding do deeply within the animal that a Carpathian could lose themselves, and this has been hinted at before but not really explained until now.<br />I love it when we get to revisit with old characters, and I expected Elisabeta’s brother and his lifemate Joie to travel from the Carpathian Mountains to the American compound. I was pleasantly surprised to see the Dark Troubadour’s again, and that Darius and Tempests’ daughter finally has a name. The other ancients from the monastery were also a welcome surprise despite only hearing them by name. I would have loved to see more interaction between them and the ancients at the compound, and Gabrielle and Gary meeting again after the events of Dark Promise. I wanted to see more of the women.<br />Onto Gary. Oh, my heart both breaks and melts for this character. Once human, mortally injured protecting children and converted because Gregori Daratrazanoff didn’t want to lose him (and if you know what type of character Gregori is, this puts Gary extremely high in his esteem). Once converted he was introduced to the deceased warriors in a ritual and fully accepted. He became a Daratrazanoff in every sense of the word. All the skills in hunting and healing flooded into him and he instantly lost his emotions and colors, essentially becoming an ancient, despite his new conversion. I love Daratrazanoff Gary, especially the true, ruthless, willing to do what is necessary no matter how distasteful the nature of a second-in-command Daratrazanoff. But I miss nerdy, brilliant human Gary sometimes. I don’t know if I can wait for 18 or so books for him to find his lifemate. Maybe we will have another jump in the timeline soon given some potential lifemates are young.<br />I was worried one of the peripheral but humorous characters would take a dark turn and found myself literally begging him not to.<br />Mikhail Dubrinsky was my first Carpathian, the Prince of the race, and a favorite character and I found myself gritting my teeth when his leadership wasn’t necessarily called into question, but not implicitly trusted by the ancients. I understand their reticence though and hope the meet him soon and see he is not like his father.<br />Now, Josef. Sweet, exacerbating, technical genius Josef. I am so happy the Carpathians in the US compound recognize his skill and potential. They don’t belittle him or brush him off (like his Uncle Byron tends to do) or torment him as his adopted brother does. They appreciate him and want to teach him; they listen to him and don’t scoff at him. It’s a joyous thing, having seen this character grow up in the books, to read him begin to come into his own with confidence and swagger. I always look forward to seeing more of him<br />There were some new elements of Carpathian life mentioned in this book and it will be interesting to see how they play out in future plots.<br />I do hope we return to the Carpathian Mountains again soon; I miss the hunters and warrior women there.<br />And I am still wondering after what we find out in Dark Sentinel, is Aidan Savage OK?

<strong>Romantic!</strong><br /><br />My Review of DARK SONG:<br /><br />I enjoyed reading DARK SONG. A beautiful, and well written romance. I loved the poetry at the beginning of the book. Simply beautiful. Ferro was a supportive male, that followed Elisabeta's lead while she found her core of inner strength to face the world after being held captive for centuries by Sergey Malinov. Ferro has Elisabeta's back, and became whatever she needed. She endured centuries of torture, and abuse, but with the support of her lifemate was literally able to face her fear, and her torturer. With the support of her friends, who are all strong women in their own way, Elisabeta's slowly finding her place in the compound.<br /><br />There was enough battle scenes to appease my need for action, and for the bad guys to get what they deserved. Unexpected plot twists involving the villains, who are brilliant, and deliciously evil. We learn more about the Carpathian history, and what should've been set in place regarding Draven, and passing judgement on him, that would've taken some of the pressure, and responsibility of making the decision off of Vlad, and Sarantha.<br /><br />We saw many old friends return, to fight the good fight against their enemies. We get updates on babies, and see new characters introduced.<br /><br />I'm looking forward to the next book. Maybe Sandu? If not, I'm sure Sandu, and Josef will bring some comic relief to Tariq's compound.

If you've been reading this series then you already know Elisabeta. She's the heroine of this book and her story is a very sad one. She was captured by a vampire who kept her hostage for a very long time and once she was rescued and safe, her lifemate found her. Now she's healing, mentally and physically so she can get to know her lifemate.<br /><br />Ferro is a Carpathian warrior and knew as soon as he heard Elisabeta's voice that she was his lifemate. She's been in captivity for so long that she's afraid of everything so he has to curb is own alpha personality and be extra gentle with her.<br /><br />When Sergey sets out to get Elisabeta back from the compound that she's safely tucked away in with Ferro, he and the others will not stop until she's safe. But when the ancients, kids, and humans all start to develop anger issues at the compound, the healer knows that something isn't right. Somehow Sergey or his minions have succeeded in getting inside and infecting some of the people there. It's an all-out war between them and Sergey when he turns the danger up a notch in his obsessive need to get Elisabeta back. But then we learn Sergey isn't only after her and a new and surprising twist is thrown in the story.<br /><br />All the while, Ferro is there by her side, being strong for her, showing her that he can be trusted and that she's not the coward she thinks she is. With Ferro's help, Elisabeta slowly comes out of her shell and shows everyone that she's a strong woman with gifts of her own.<br /><br />I've been reading this series from the beginning and have loved most of the books but I have to say that Ferro and Elisabeta are one of my favorite couples. They are so good together and make each other better and stronger. I liked that we got to see some characters from past books and a small look at how they are doing. I liked that new characters were introduced and hope to see them in upcoming books. I always look forward to the next book in this series and this one did not let me down.

Elisabeta has been missing for centuries and now that she's been rescued she still has a fight ahead. The vampire who took her wants her back at any cost. There's tension in the compound where she's healing that has caused Carpathians to choose sides. And the oldest of the ancient immortal warriors from the monastery claims to be her lifemate.<br /><br />This book is one of the most romantic paranormal romance novels I've ever read. Feehan continues with her Dark Series and the idea of lifemates with Ferro and Elisabeta and she does it with flair and romance. <br /><br />I love the action and adventure, the fantasy aspect of it, the paranormal but mostly I love the couple. Great characters and a great story!<br /><br />