Cover Image: Darkness Rising

Darkness Rising

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

My first exposure to this series and I am sorry to say.... I now have to go back and READ ALL OF THEM!. Reaper was a great character: newly awakened after many years asleep, his experience with the modern world evokes wonder and joy as well as confusion with all of the changes in society. Full of arrogance, he is a sexy creature with deadly tendencies and a capacity to love that is unrivaled.

Was this review helpful?

The final book in Katie Reus’s Darkness series was an absolute stunner. There was some absolutely hilarious moments, and was an absolute page turner, with action, surprises and excitement dropping in every chapter.
.

Was this review helpful?

I cannot believe Darkness rising is the last book in the series. As the author said there will be a spin-off that will continue with the story, but I don't feel satisfied with the ending. In my opinion, the books in the other series should have been included in this one. There so many questions left unanswered and that doesn't fit the qualifications that a complete series should have. So many secondary characters must have their own books.

The second thing that got on my nerves was the "Reaper is not my mate" line I kept reading for at least 60% of the book. Come on dude, you see Reaper to do things that only a mated dragon could do and you still question it? What do you need to see to finally say "yes he is my mate"? I read the previous 3-4 books before picking up this one and this is the only book where one of the main characters was so against the mating thing. That stubbornness made the romance less believable to me.

One of the things I liked was the ways Reaper was trying to catch up with how technology and language had evolved since the time he went to sleep. I would have loved to see more of that. The battle scene was good and it was done well. I am intrigued by King and I would like to read his story some day.

Overall, the book wasn't bad, but I feel like it could have been better. It didn't feel like an ending of a series, but more like a simple ending of a book. I get why the author decided to finish the series here with this book, after the battle, but I am not very happy about it.

Was this review helpful?

Darkness Rising is book 9 in the Darkness series and it's the end. I have enjoyed this series for many years and I look forward to the spin off. I really liked the direction the author took and I enjoyed the new characters that were introduced. Darkness Rising was an enjoyable end with Greer the dragon healer from Conall's pack and Reaper and ancient dragon that has awoken from hibernation. First I have to say that I loved Reaper, he was sexy, arrogant and deadly but with an innocence to the world around him due to being newly awakened. I will admit to being a little disappointed in Greer I didn't like how judgmental she was towards Reaper and even when she realized she was his mate she still denied it. This kind of situation is very common in this genre but I guess I was hoping being a healer she was more willing to admit her feelings. Overall this is definitely a series that I would recommend for those who enjoy PNR.

Was this review helpful?

Three and a half stars - three stars for the first half but four stars for the second half.

Ancients are awakening everywhere but arguably the most formidable is Reaper, in hibernation for millennia he was one of the most feared dragon shifters, known as the Dragon of War. Greer is a Dragon healer, after a long ago romance with an aggressive warrior who tried to control her she knows her future is with a gentler shifter, maybe a healer like herself and certainly not like the uber-alpha Reaper.

The first part of the novella dragged a bit for me, it was all "me alpha you mate", "mine, mine, mine", "let me pleasure you" blah, blah, blah. Greer resists the dominant male and he doesn't understand modern technology and slang.

Then suddenly in the second half the plot really took over as a group of rogue Dragons try to decimate New Orleans and create a new world order. There were epic battles, plots, twists, and a stunning finale to what has been a wonderful series - fear not there will be a spin-off.

If you love PNR with pushy alpha males strolling around shirtless as much as possible and growling if other males so much as smile at their mate, alphas who are eventually tamed by their feisty females, then I'm sure you will adore everything about this novel. I still enjoyed it despite my initial concerns and look forward to seeing what this spin-off series brings to this strange new world.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

The times they are a-changing. None more so than in Darkness Rising by Katie Reus. The final book in the paranormal Darkness Series brings a strong dragon romance to life while also changing the future outlook for all paranormal creatures and humans within this series.

I must say it was brilliant to pair a warrior and healer together with Reaper and Greer. Both are the flip sides of the other. They were a contrast but I think formed a balanced that was needed in their lives, complimenting each other as well as showing a positive way for the future to also have a balance.

The story has it all with action, drama, political intrigue and steamy romance between a strong heroine and an “often clueless about females” male . What a way for the series to go. Before I could lament the closing of this series, I read the author’s closing statement which left the door wide open for a spin-off series to follow. All is right with the world now!

Was this review helpful?

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review. I have loved this series from the beginning and to see it end is bitter sweet. I absolutely loved Greer and Reaper. He is your usual arrogant, obnoxious, bossy Male and she is his perfect match in every way. She is a badass! I'm sad to see this series end, but excited to see what Katie Reus has in store for us.

Was this review helpful?

I was a little worried about this final novel. No where in the blurb does it mention any of the wonderful characters I’ve fallen in love with during the reading of this series. No need to worry. This story is perfectly interwoven with the past characters of the series. And sometimes in a surprising way!

What can I say about Reaper? I’d totally let him eat crackers in my bed. Sure, he was gruff. But give the guy a break. He’s been in deep hibernation for hundreds of years. The modern age confuses me. It must downright confound him. Good thing he has some old friends to help him out along the way. I’m not sure why Greer didn’t jump him the moment she could. She had her reasons, for sure, I just didn’t think they were worth ignoring the sexy man for.

One of the things I love about this series is that the romance is only one element of the story. Sure, it’s a big element but not the only one. There’s always some kind of suspense or mystery happening as well. Darkness Rising is no different. There is something very evil going on and it’s up to Greer and any other ancients he can manage to gather together to stop it.

The ending is surprising. Yep, didn’t expect that to happen. I didn’t want this book to finish. After all, it’s the final novel of the Darkness series. I feel like my friends are moving away. Please, don’t go. Luckily, Reus has promised us more novels with our favorite characters in a spin-off series.

Was this review helpful?

Must read!

Disclosure: I was giving this advanced readers copy without expectations or strings. I've voluntarily post this review with my honest and unbiased opinions.
Superbly written, unforgettable characters, and masterful world building.

I couldn't put this book down. From beginning to end the story unfolds introducing new characters, both good and bad. Intertwining with all the different supernatural factions and reuniting us with beloved and somewhat quirky characters from previous books in this series. Don't worry if this is your first book read in this series, as it stands alone just fine. Although, like me, you might want to go back a catch the first ten books or so. I'm telling you the players in this engrossing tale are dynamic as the well crafted storyline.

Reaper is an ancient dragon warrior fresh out of hibernation. Awakened by the call of blood and fire. What he doesn't expect to see upon arrising is the beautiful dragonsclan healer. Who's beauty and scent change everything for him. His dragon says, "MIne!" and Reaper is in full agreement.

Greer sees a arrogant warrior who pulses with power and other things she wishes she could ignore. Such as his glorious naked self that puts delious pictures in her head she knows she shouldn't act on. He's temptation and trouble all wrapped up in a scrumptious package of -- just say no.

These two made me laugh, cry, sizzle, and smile. They jumped off the pages straight into my heart.

I highly recommend not only this book but the whole series to anyone who enjoys a good paranormal romance with action, intrigue, betrayal, love, lust, and loyalty.

Was this review helpful?

Darkness Rising by Katie Reus is book 9 in the Darkness Rising Series. This is the story of Greer and Reaper. I have been jumping in and out of the series, so for me this was a standalone book.
Reaper is a dragon warrior a General in fact who has been asleep for a long time but has awaken to fill his destiny until he sites are turned by Greer, his mate. Greer has been a healer for over a hundred years. So when Reaper takes a interest in her who is the opposite of her healing and not to mention his caveman attitude she rebuffs him..or tries too. Greer is having a hard time of rebuffing him because of her attraction to him then they are sent on a mission that puts them even closer together.
From my understanding this is the last book in the series. Loved this book and this author.

Was this review helpful?

This was a quick, easy read.  It started off with a bang, and the action just continued to mount throughout.  Coming into this series at the last book didn't deter from the story at all.  While we heard from characters that likely already had their own book, I didn't feel like I was missing out when they were brought into the storyline.

While I liked both Greer, and Reaper I didn't feel any real connection to either of them.   Their story was good.  Both were strong characters who were will to compromise when it came to each other without compromising themselves.  I liked that they complemented each other even when they were so different from one another.

I was really enjoying this story, but then it just kind of ended.  I didn't feel like things were resolved before we hit the end.   I'm curious to see if the new series will pick up were this one ended or if we'll be going into something new.   I like this authors style of writing and will be checking out her past work.

Was this review helpful?

As usual Katie Reus did not disappoint, the story was great and I am glad this one was about Greer. After reading that although this is the last novel of the series ,there will be a spinoff series(sigh of relief) --because of how this ended there is possibility of bunch of new storylines and characters( which I love). At last I just want to say I am glad we will be getting more from this amazing world( keep the goodness coming :P )

Was this review helpful?

4.5 Stars The final book in the Darkness series, Darkness Rising, was an amazing read. Twist and turns I never saw coming this is an engaging must read book and series. I loved the way the author took this series and will definitely be recommending this book and series to other readers

Was this review helpful?

I love this so much, it’s so funny, Reaper and Greer just make me smile all the time, a great series and so sad to see it end, but it goes out on such a high. Lots of action, high paced drama, wonderful story and lots of answers. Thoroughly recommended to fans and if your not a current fan I recommend you go read the first in the series now.


Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Was this review helpful?

Really good read, Reaper and Greer were at times hilarious but always so passionate and strong, it made them a pleasure to read about. Btw I loved how Reaper has issues with modern turns of phrase, it provided many lol moments.

Was this review helpful?

Superb!

Non-stop action and intrigue! I loved Reaper and Greer together and the culmination of the series. It is bittersweet to see the end but there is so much to look forward to in the spin-off.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

Was this review helpful?

I've thoroughly enjoyed this series and applaud the author for going out with a bang. Greer is a healer who gives so much of herself but when it comes to relationships she really isn't that interested. Reaper quite literally bursts into Greers life and from the start he's a character that is absolutely hilarious. Reaper is ancient and the oh so P C rules the modern world clings to totally bamboozle him. Reaper has no filter and frequently says the most outrageous things and I absolutely loved it !
So that my fellow reader us all I'm prepared to say as I think you really should dive into this book yourself. There's romance (naturally), action and treachery but most of all this was a thoroughly entertaining read. Plus even though this book closes this series the author has stated she has ideas for a new one and I for one cannot wait !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

Was this review helpful?

4.5*


Before starting this book I did a complete series re-read. While that wasn’t necessary for this book (since it can be read as a stand-alone). It reminded me just how much I love this series.

And while this is the last book in the Darkness series it’s not the end of this world or many of these characters. I thought I’d throw that in there so you’re not gutted as you near the end.

The ancients are rising. Something is drawing them from their hibernation. And whatever it is can’t be good for mankind.

The main characters here are Greer the healer for Petronilla clan. And the newly risen ancient Reaper known as the Dragon of War.

The action takes place in New Orleans where the newly risen ancients are being killed. But who would want to kill them and why?

This is a fabulous end to the series. I don’t want to say too much in case I inadvertently give something away. But I’m happy with how it ended and I’m looking forward to what’s to come. I will just say we meet a fascinating new character who I’m sure will feature heavily in the new series.

This book reminded me a little in places of Darker After Midnight. Another series I need to re-read.

But I digress.

So I loved this series and really enjoyed this book. Why not 5*?

I like Greer, she’s gentle and caring but also strong and confident. But...

I just felt the inevitable mating between her and Reaper was dragged out beyond all reason. Also considering how caring Greer is I would have thought she’d have been a little more understanding over Reaper. I know it’s different with him because her heart is involved but. He’s been asleep for a millennia. He lived in a different time (obviously). He was the Dragon of War. So yes he was arrogant and abrupt but cut him some slack woman.

Also and this is me being greedy but I would have liked a longer book. So much happens here and I wanted to catch-up with the others.

Now I’m just waiting for the new series.

I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

I have loved this entire series and this book was no exception

This is Greer and Reaper's story. Reaper is an ancient dragon he is the dragon of war and he is definitely a neanderthal in his attitude to women. Greer is usually the placid peace keeper but she is standing up to Reaper and putting him in his place. He definitely suffers from foot in mouth disease in fact the situations between him and Greer when he commits verbal diarrhoea actually are some of the funniest scenes in the entire story. As usual the main story line is flowing through the back ground and we finally get some answers in the last book in this current series Don't worry the author tells us there is a off shoot series coming. All togethe a well written book and a perfect end to this series

Was this review helpful?

When it comes to Katie Reus Darkness Series, it is one series I can never get enough of. I have loved this series from the very first book. Again Katie, doesn't disappoint. In Darkness Rising we meet Reaper and Greer. Now we know Greer from previous story lines and we bring her gentle and loving self but now we are see her fierceness in this story as well, especially when it comes to Reaper. Reaper is an ancient dragon woken up from hibernation and a feeling war is coming. Sets on a journey to find other ancients with Greer and they head to New Orleans. Here we get to see all our favorite characters as well as new ones. They try to stop another clan from over taking New Orleans but unable to stop being exposed from the humans. Now the secret is out!! Through the story Reaper is protective of Greer and will do anything for her. Greet learns to let her guard down and when that happens sparks fly! I love Reaper and Greer. Even with Reaper behind in the times, Greer brings him into the present. Reaper is patient and thoughtful, not something you would think would come from the God of War. It may be good bye to the end of the series but I can not wait for the spin off!! Definitely King, can not wait!! As always these are one-click books for me.

Was this review helpful?