• The Chosen

  • A Novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood
  • By: J. R. Ward
  • Narrated by: Jim Frangione
  • Length: 17 hrs and 33 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (4,016 ratings)

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The Chosen  By  cover art

The Chosen

By: J. R. Ward
Narrated by: Jim Frangione
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Publisher's summary

A scorching forbidden love threatens to tear a rift through the Black Dagger Brotherhood in J. R. Ward's newest novel in the New York Times best-selling series.

Xcor, leader of the Band of Bastards, convicted of treason against the Blind King, is facing a brutal interrogation and torturous death at the hands of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Yet after a life marked by cruelty and evil deeds, he accepts his soldier's fate, his sole regret the loss of a sacred female who was never his: the Chosen Layla.

Layla alone knows the truth that will save Xcor's life. But revealing his sacrifice and his hidden heritage will expose them both and destroy everything Layla holds dear - even her role of mother to her precious young. Torn between love and loyalty, she must summon the courage to stand up against the only family she has for the only man she will ever love. Yet even if Xcor is somehow granted a reprieve, he and Layla would have to confront a graver challenge: bridging the chasm that divides their worlds without paving the way for a future of even greater war, desolation, and death.

As a dangerous old enemy returns to Caldwell and the identity of a new deity is revealed, nothing is certain or safe in the world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, not even true love or destinies that have long seemed set in stone.

©2017 J. R. Ward (P)2017 Random House Audio

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What listeners say about The Chosen

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A FINGER-LICKING BANQUET FOR ALL BDB FANS

J. R. Ward has given us, her fans, another riveting glimpse into the lives, roller-coaster relationships, loves and various volatile challenges of the members of her awesome Black Dagger Brotherhood. And, in this, tempers are out of control, the King is forced to act against one of his own and alliances are eventually forged between them and their enemies the Band Of Bastards. This multi-layered story is so well written and described and has the snappy clipped dialogue as well as the old world dialogue that's unique to this series. There are so many characters, sub plots, POV's and some unpredictable romances from these crazy Alpha vampires, and from Layla and Xcor, that it was a finger-licking literary feast. And Jim Frangione.. well he IS the voice of the BDB.

My love affair with this series started way back in 2009 so for 8 years JRW has continued to weave fresh new stories into the ever-evolving world of the BDB and they never fail to entertain me as her strong cast of characters capture my heart every single time.. and long may she continue with this, my favorite series.

Worth a credit? As always it's a YES.

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30 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

TALK ABOUT BABY MOMA DRAMA!!!


I LOVED the story, and narration; however, I'll be honest, The Chosen will be a controversial, and inflammatory story for some, as a few of the characters actions, and words won't sit well with everyone, especially when it comes from some of our favorite characters. For me, even with seeing the character's harsher unapologetic sides, I still loved it, and enjoyed every minute!

The narration was AWESOME! I could hear the subtle accents, and feel all the different emotions, and there's LOTS of emotions in this one. Kudos Jim!

The BDB is my ALL-TIME favorite series! I love everything about it! All the different POV's, subplots, character development, and the outstanding world building! (Even my husband will read/listen to this PNR series!) I am so looking forward to the next story in the series. Credit. Well. Spent.

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21 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

This one is a gantlet ride through emotions!

OMG! We waited all year and it was well worth the wait! The Chosen novel takes you and your emotions up and down in so many different ways it's unbelievable! You will cheer for the development of new love and all it brings about and cry for the loss of old love and friendship. You fall out of trust and care with old friends and fall in love with new comrades. Then when you begin to feel the loss of that trust and love it's reformed at the last minute and you're slung back into your, somewhat shaken, comfort zone.

Our Chosen, Layla, is forced to grow up at an incredibly fast pace and she is pushed to fight for love in ways no other has so far. She has had to hold herself together knowing that, for her to have the love she wants, she has betrayed her king and the brotherhood. She has had to hold herself together knowing that this betrayal will more than likely tear her out of her own children's lives. She carries all this on the inside while watching others have the love that fulfills them, and she has to do this with a smile she doesn't feel. Who wouldn't grow up under that kind of adversity? But she does, and she does it well in my opinion. The warrior mother and woman has finally come to the forefront! Good for her! She finally steps up and fights for what SHE wants and needs to make herself whole. She gets knocked down with lots of bumps and bruises,(No, not literally), but she is victorious! I can see her becoming equal to the standards of the other females of the brotherhood. (Now, if we can just see Autumn come up to snuff).

Xcor, our hero, and yes he is just that, also has evolved! Unlike some other readers, I have always liked the male that I knew was just below the surface. In previous books we only got one side of his story, you get the hidden side in this one. Xcor to me has always been that diamond in the ruff, and J.R.Ward really helped him shine by the end of this book. Thank you, baby Jesus! His Band of Bastards turned out to be just as loyal and steadfast as The Brotherhood, and you should come away from the story glad of it. Needless to say, they get the HEA that they deserve, and I was also glad of that!

Quinn...Oh, how he made me fall out of love with him. After cheering for him so hard to find love with Blay in Lover at Last, I was so upset with him about Layla having her love. Yeah, (That's right, I said it), even because she loved one he saw as an enemy. I still expected him to be more understanding as to HOW you could want someone and not be able to have them. HE should have thought about how he felt when Blay was with Saxton. That alone should have made him have more empathy about Layla's situation. But the old Quinn and his hot head as always jumped to the forefront. He put his foot in his mouth and a tear in my heart for his character. He also did the same thing to Layla and Blay. They both forgive him by the end of the novel, but he's not quite there with me. I have to see where he goes in the future with his relationship repairing between himself and Blay, Layla, and Xcor. Not to mention how he redeems himself with Wrath.

Torhment...Again, another brother that has torn something in my heart for him. He just plain disappointed me by losing his clear thinking. I mean, this is the brother whom everyone else calls the rock of the group. The commander who never lets you down. Well, he did just that with me. I just set reading with my mouth hanging open and my heartbreaking. Wow...
Did he redeem himself...I really just can't say at this point, (My emotions are running too high), I'll let you know after my second re-read with the physical book. That's when I read with the objective of seeing the characters WHOLE story,

All in all, this is one you do not want to miss! Jim Frangione does a wonderful job as always! So worth the credit!

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19 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

The Chosen Stars

Layla and Xcor’s story is heart breaking and sweet. They really go through so much to be with each other.
Xcor is not a saint and he has to atone for his sins.

Layla and the secrets are burying her alive. This book they all come out.

Qhuinn really takes it harder than them all. And well he kind of loses his ever loving mind.
Blay and Qhuinn have some tough times ahead.

The ladies of the house hold come together to make things right.

The Lessers make an appearance.
You know it’s so hard to review a book like this without giving things away.

This book has a lot going on, a lot of forgiveness, a lot of sorrow, a lot of anger; and maybe a lot of miscommunication.

I think the ending was rushed a little. I think the Trez story line is too soon. But I still love this book and all these characters.

I am glad Layla and Xcor finally get there HEA.

Jim does a fantastic job with the narration; though wish he would stick with one pronunciation of some of the names.

*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Still a good series...but

I've stuck with this series from the beginning and I have to say that I preferred the original stories the best. Lately, she's added new characters that aren't really very appealing to me. Layla, for instance is one of them, along with Assail, and the The Shadows. I like the original Brotherhood characters, and now she is destroying them. Quinn is a complete psycho in this story, proving to be an unfit parent. Thor acted totally out of his character, and we thought V's emotional needs were settled a few books back. I did enjoy the book, even if I couldn't agree with how the characters were handled. I keep hoping for the war to continue against the Omega and the Lessors, with all the Brothers being strong warriors that we can admire, instead of acting like a bunch of adolescents trying to get through puberty.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

I didn't recognize these characters

What did you like best about The Chosen? What did you like least?

I was so excited to listen to this book...then I wasn't. Every character went against their previously written personalities. I never really cared for Layla, now I just hate her. Has Quinn been possessed? What the heck with the V and Jane story arc? I could go on and on, but I won't. Oh yes, Lassiter?

What could J. R. Ward have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Unless she is completely shaking up the whole BDB world perhaps revisiting her earlier character profiles and how they previously reacted to situations would have helped. Not sure if I'm going to continue with the series at this point.

What about Jim Frangione’s performance did you like?

I love Jim! As always a wonder performance.

What would have made this romance irresistible?

Not really sure. We don't know what makes Layla tick. Her likes, dislikes, etc. She's a Chosen and a mother, that's it. She's one dimensional. Xcor is a better character and we have more insight into him, but not enough. This just felt rushed. Maybe a slower buildup to a HEA would have made their story more interesting.

Any additional comments?

Phury should have had more of a role in this book as he is the Primale. I hate the V and Jane arc and the Lesser showdown - where was Rhage's beast?

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

The Chosen's Love

I have been waiting for this story for a long while. When i first starting this story all i could think was this is turning into a "Hot Mess." I could not stop listening. It was a roller coaster ride. The emotions were sad, angry. I found myself feeling anger towards Quinn and his awful attitude. He said things that hurt Blay and Layla. I never seen someone that turn against someone like he did with Layla. It was horrible. I wanted to jump in the book and beat sense into him. Poor Layla, she could not help who she fell in love with. Xcor was no different than what happened to some of the "brothers" in their lives. I have seen some reviews that stated this was the worst book ever and they were done with this series. I know everyone has a right to their opinion. However, i loved it. It has to be one of my favorites. I am looking forward to the next. I am looking forward to stories about Assail, a happy ending for Trez. The only negative thing i have about this book is with my favorite, Vishous. I want Jane and him to get their issues straighten out. I still want him to be the same old V but to be happy.

The narrator, Jim Frangiione does a wonderful job bringing these characters to life. Keep up the good work.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Another PERFECT book in this AWESOME series!

Seriously she never disappoints... ok well maybe I'm disappointed with the once a year books ;)

The Chosen was great! I love all of the ways this book made me feel! I was angry, I was happy, I was excited, I was scared and I was proud, yes that is every emotion this book pulled out of me and I probably felt each of these a few times! The steam level of this book was pretty low but the story line makes up for that completely. In this book we see a different side of Qhuinn, Xcor, Layla and even Thor! We finally find out Lassiter's future too (that's not a spoiler since JR Ward told us he would have a purpose in this book). I did miss Butch, JM and Rhage in this book. And I'm pretty sure who the next book is about too! I love that these book always have so many story lines going on, keeps you going book after book! And again.... I wait another YEAR :( But thankfully we have the Black Dagger Legacy series to give us a fix in-between BDB books!

As always Jim is awesome! I think he gets better with each book!!

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Hmmm

It meaningfully drives the series forward, after a while of spinning wheels but it misses a lot. Xcor has previously been very formal in his speech but he uses a lot of V slang. Layla comes out looking like the best while Qhinn looks a jerk and Blay a doormat. I found that pretty disappointing but par for the Ward course.

On the whole, it's okay. The ending is excellent and I'm excited to see where we can go from here but this specific installment was a tad tedious.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

I will be a minority

Sigh. I have never wanted to like Xcor, so I am unsurprised that JR was unable to get me there. There are cases when an author was actually able to force me to reassess a character I hate, Styxx n the Dark Hunter series is one, but for some reason I still hate both Xcor and Layla. In fact. Think I dislike her more than him. I just couldn't buy into the whole happy, lovey way JR went about it. To keep things balanced, JR Ward messed with some of my sacred characters which put me off even more. Having said all of that, this is still the BDB and I will still buy every book she writes about them for as long as she chooses to write about them. This just didn't turn out to be a favorite of mine.

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