In this pulse-pounding and thrillingly sensual novel, New York Timesbestselling author Lara Adrian returns to the mesmerizing world of the Midnight Breed, following new characters into a dark future where an uneasy peace can unravel into war—and a great betrayal can mask an all-consuming love.
Twenty years after the terror of First Dawn—when mankind learned that vampires lived secretly among them—the threat of violence reigns as the two species struggle to coexist. The only group preserving the fragile harmony is the Order, an elite cadre of Breed warriors dedicated to protecting humans and vampires alike. And in this precarious world of torn loyalties and shattered trust, Mira, a fiery squad captain, finds that every fight bears an intensely personal cost.
Raised among the Order, Mira has always believed in the warrior’s code of swift—and even lethal—justice. But the one thing she desires more than the Order’s hard-won acceptance is Kellan Archer, a sexy but troubled Breed fighter. In love with him since childhood, Mira once broke through his tough exterior during an unexpected night of rapture, but the next day he mysteriously disappeared, never to return.
Kellan didn’t think he would ever see Mira again—or have to confront the truth of why he left. After abandoning the Order years ago, he now leads a band of human rebels intent on carrying out their own vigilante rule of law. Yet a high-profile kidnapping assignment brings him face-to-face with the past he sought to avoid, and the striking woman he has tried desperately to forget. And as tensions mount and the risk of bloodshed grows, Kellan and Mira must take sides—between the competing missions that dominate their lives, and the electrifying passion that claims their hearts.Yep, you guessed it. I haven't read the other 10 books in this series, but have them all on my wishlist. However, I got a chance to read this one and took the dive. It can be read as a stand alone, but I warn you, you will want to go back to book one to see what you have missed in this world. You will not be lost if you didn't, so be assured. These are the start of the stories for the kids all grown up introduced in the previous novels, so it is a good place to start if you want to start later (thanks to Felicia for that tidbit!)
The characters in this book are somewhat typical for a PNR. Alpha male who you'd like to kick in the arse for being stubborn and making bad decisions for everyone around him. A female who can kick arse and doesn't take crap from anyone, even the one she loves. It might be a bit familiar, but I do like the way these characters are drawn out. I really rooted for both and couldn't wait for them to come together.
I give this book 4 stars. The action and the world in general held my interest. I do want to know more about their origins and what had happened before this book. It wasn't necessary, but I knew things were revealed as well have been unfolded slowly throughout this series as to those origins. This book, itself also revealed an important tidbit. One that I know will play center stage, if not the next book, but in books to come. I can't wait to get fully into this series.
I received this book from the publisher and the Early Reviewers Program on Library Thing. No compensation for my review was given.
I've always wondered about this series - but sounds like its worth checking out!
ReplyDeleteI'm more curious about what I missed now too!
DeleteLOL--you sound like me. Too many series, too little time! Impressive that there are ten other books, though. And cool that you can jump in at #11 with no problem. I'm always impressed when authors do that -- hard but worth it!
ReplyDeleteI agree. Makes it easier on us who get a book to review this way too. :)
DeleteAs a general rule, I try to read books in order. I once read a sixth book in a series because I signed up for the blog tour before I knew, and even though it could be read as a standalone, I had to go back and read the other five. I'm obsessive like that. I'm not the biggest fan of PNR, but I like to step out of the box occasionally and this sounds interesting enough.
ReplyDeleteI actually like to read books in order, but I've found that SOME of the PNR books don't always have to be done this way. Plus, Felicia said I could. :)
DeleteHahaha why am I not surprised you're reviewing book 11 without having read the first 10? I'm really far behind in this series, but if you gave this one 4 stars without having read any of them, maybe I can skip ahead and be good to go:) I really enjoy this world!!
ReplyDeleteI'd be curious as to how it would affect you by skipping. :)
DeleteI haven't tried this series but don't know if it's for me, but it's nice that it's still good after so many books.
ReplyDeleteI think you would like it. It has enough action in it for those of us who enjoy UF. :)
DeleteOh I can help you with the UF list. :D I do want to read the other 10 now tho. :)
ReplyDeleteMelissa you crack me up. This was the story to jump into in this series. There are other authors that I would love to read, but when their series reaches over ten books I tend to back away slowly. Glad you took the plunge. Lara's books are entertaining.
ReplyDeleteI've had it happen more than once in a long running PNR series. I do worry a bit, but not as much as if it was a UF series. :)
DeleteTsk, 11, Melissa ;)
ReplyDeleteThis is another series I would love to start as soon as I can figure out away to forgo sleep. bwahaha! Wonderful review Melissa :)
ReplyDeleteI'm ever in awe of your ability to jump into series whenever you have the book. If I can manage to drop my OCD tendencies and do the same, I might pick this one up, since it seems to have worked for you here. Glad you enjoyed this and it's a great sign that you want to jump into the series further. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI have had Lara Adrian on my to-read list for AGES! I think I might have even met her once (but I might be wrong). Anyway, glad you were able to jump in the middle and be just fine, I like when series are like that.
ReplyDeleteSure blame me :) The day I take off from the techno world and all the sudden I am your enabler LOL
ReplyDeleteActually though for this series if you were ever just going to jump in--this would be the book to do it. While having the mythology will add an extra layer to the story, the 20 year time jump and the new rules kind of kick start a new time in the series.
:)
I have read the series but stop after book 7 since I got into others book. So excited for this. Nice review.
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