Review: Darkness Dawns (Immortal Guardians #1) by Dianne Duvall

Flora Reviews… Darkness Dawns (Immortal Guardians #1) by Dianne Duvall.

So what’s this book about?

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Due to some of the content in this story, I think that Darkness Dawns is a paranormal romance tale that would also sit happily on the urban fantasy shelf. It’s set in our modern human world featuring a new twist on the vampire genre:

Immortals and vampires are both infected with the same virus, which lends them dramatically increased strength, speed, healing capabilities and enhanced senses. Vampires are humans who have been infected, whereas immortals are gifted ones who have been infected. Gifted ones are men and women who were born with extremely advanced DNA that lends them special gifts, such as healing, telepathy, precognition and the like. Vampires rapidly descend into madness when the virus damages their brains but Immortals don’t; their advanced DNA protects them from that aspect of the virus.

So, what did I like about it?

I really loved Ms Duvall’s writing style. She writes intelligent, engaging stories with a host of well written characters within a wonderfully creative mix of fantasy and reality that I find very easy to read. The pace is usually fast and full of action but without being disorienting. I like that she combines a couple of plot lines to run alongside the main romantic adventure.

Darkness Dawns does not disappoint.

I enjoy books where the characters are not black or white, good or evil but a complex mix of positive and negative traits and emotions that they either have to embrace or overcome. The fact that these supernatural characters have been written with very real human virtues and foibles even though most of them are mythical, paranormal beings, adds that level of believability to this fantasy tale.

I enjoy a story more if the lead female character is intelligent, resilient and has a good sense of humour. I wasn’t disappointed here. Sarah was all of these and more. In fact, I liked the way that Sarah, Roland and all of the characters in this story were written, none of them were flat 2-dimensional creations, they all felt very real for me. Oh, and like most Brits I do love a bit of banter – this story has plenty of it! I found myself COL (Chuckling Out Loud) throughout, usually at Roland’s expense but hey he’s got broad shoulders, I’m sure he can take it.

I loved the fact that the mystery aspect of this story kept me guessing, the action kept me on the edge of my seat, the blossoming romance made me shed a tear as well as chuckle and the passion set my tummy a-tingling.

So, ummm, was there anything I disliked about it?

Nope – I wouldn’t change a thing!

Darkness Dawns can be read as a standalone story. Yes, there are plotlines that continue in future books, however, the romance aspect of the tale is concluded by the end of this book in Ms Duvall’s signature HEA style.

So, basically what I’m saying is…

Couldn’t stop reading this amazing book!

Darkness Dawns had everything that I look for in a 5 star book. Intelligent writing style that’s easy to read. Main characters with depth of personality that I like and can believe. A depth in the supporting cast and setting. An engaging stage for the romance, which developed at a believable pace. Plus, a balanced mix of aspects: Relationship growth, action scenes, humour and sex scenes. I couldn’t stop reading this amazing book!

I would recommend Darkness Dawns to adults who love reading action-packed paranormal romances. Especially if you like strong alpha heroes and independent capable heroines. With tense often traumatic and brutal confrontations balanced with hot lust and romantic scenes in the plot.

It’s certainly left me wanting to read more of the Immortal Guardians series.

So, has my review of DARKNESS DAWNS (IMMORTAL GUARDIANS #1) encouraged you to find out more? Click on any of the links below to check out the book yourself. Keep reading to find out more about the series and the author herself.

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Thank you for taking the time to read my review. I hope you decide to add Darkness Dawns to your wish list.

I’ve already added Dianne Duvall to my list of amazing authors. I’m sure you’ll see more of her on my blog in the months and years to come. Have you read any of her books? Drop me a comment below.

Bye for now,

Flora x