Darkness Dawns

Immortal Guardians Series #1

By: Dianne Duvall

Narrated by: Kirsten Potter

Length: 10 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

Once, Sarah Bingham's biggest challenge was making her students pay attention in class. Now, after rescuing a wounded stranger, she's landed in the middle of a battle between corrupt vampires and powerful immortals who also need blood to survive. Roland Warbrook is the most compelling man Sarah has ever laid hands on. But his desire for her is mingled with a hunger he can barely control...

In his nine centuries of immortal existence, no woman has tempted Roland as much as Sarah. But asking her to love him is impossible---when it means forfeiting the world she's always known, and the life he would do anything to protect.

©2011 Dianne Duvall (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"This is a strong start in what looks to be a thrilling and chilling new paranormal series. Fantastic!" ( Romantic Times)

Fast pace & Steamy romance .. credit & cash worthy

This book is not unique in its theme on good vs bad vamps....if you have read books from authors like Christine Feehan and Lynsay Sands you will find a lot similarities but the story is so entertaining that you will forget all about the other authors series. The book is so well written and I think the narrator did a really good job. I like how the author sets you up for her next book and maybe even for the entire series. She gives just enough of taste that you will look up when the next one is coming out. (Dec 2011;) The other thing that I like is the whole story was not always about the main characters. This book is a romance with steamy sex scenes. So if your not into that look else where. Also folks who do not want to get involved in a series that will probably be going for a well just like the previous authors mention then also look else where because this book leaves you with a lot of unansweres question. There is also a lot of fight scence which I personally like. Action. Hot men. Sexy romance. Good vs Evil. Good narrator. Makes for fun listening....hope you likey:)

So steamy and captivating!

I never thought that this kind of steamy romance story would be so captivating story wise! I loved it.

Roland with his trust issues.

This book is part of the Romance Package on Audible and I decided to figure out who this Dianne Duvall person is. A lot of the Facebook groups that I am part of have members who follow Dianne and this series is always being recommended. Since I like to try new authors I decided why not. Why not try a new series to figure out what are the hullabaloo is about? This book starts off with a bang. A fight scene is taking place within the first 5 minutes of the audiobook and I am all for it.

Roland is a vampire but not really. Like most not really vampires, in this case Immortals, he is out here trying to save the world and kicking but. Unfortunately for him he is lured into a trap and now battling to survive. But like any good action storybook we have a heroine who saves his life not knowing what he really is. Everything seems to get a bit complicated when Sarah is thrown in the middle of this conflict.

Sarah and Roland are dancing around the feelings with one another and I'm okay with that. They do not fall in bed with one another within the first two chapters which always a plus but it wasn't a slow burn like some authors do. Their love affair seems to take the appropriate amount of time to build. There were a couple of side characters that were introduced and I am already invested.

I'm invested in Seth who is the leader of the Immortals. David, who is second in command. Daryl who is David's second. Marcus who is simply fantastic and who boom 2 Night Reigns is about and I'm totally excited for that. I don't know if I am invested in Sebastian who we will get to know more about ater but I do feel bad for him. He is the main antagonist of this book but definitely not of the series.

This book was a great beginning to the series. This book sets up a very interesting war between the Immortals and the vampires since, unlike other series that have vampires, these vampires are going crazy. This book has some similarities with other series that I have followed but it is original and its own way.

It takes awhile to draw you in.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

There were gaps and thoughts were not always carried through, however it grew on me. In the beginning there was too much of two characters, the two having frequent sex with no plot to draw you in. Other books have more plot to go with the romance and sex. If you stick with it, other characters and a plot develops. I guess there is or will be another book because a girl is brought into many scenes, she is eluded to being special, in the end a paper is passed around with every one gasping over intelligence about her. That is a cheap trick to get people to buy the next book.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

I have listen to many books with vampires and supernatural. This one is weak.

What three words best describe Kirsten Potter’s performance?

The last half of the book is entertaining. Other books are more put together like Jeaniene Frost, Jim Butcher and Deborah Harkness.

Was Darkness Dawns worth the listening time?

The narrator's performance was done well.

Any additional comments?

I bought it on sale for 4.95 it was worth it. It could use more detail in the battle scenes and humorous self talk. Banter between characters is never over done.

Vampires loves Must read

totally held my attention, moved at a great pace. a definite must read for those who love Vampire stories. Kristen Potter's narrations are superb!!!

Some Voices......

After you've read as many multiple characters voices from 1 or 2 people, you do continue if okay but unfortunaly sometimes its just not
the right fit. However, even though
the male voices were somewhat femin-ish they were done well. Now the main Man here sounds great w/his lighter accent & especially his manners. Main woman, spicy, Nerdy loves to read, they each have these Wonderful opportunities to get some "innocent peeks"of each others early on and of course popping in comes
his miriad of ancient friends. The Oldest of these being Seth & his "2nd?" or just another ancient friends.
I must admit Seth has a way of speaking and even tone is quite soothing💓. Book #1 is really entertaining as well as pleasant to listen to Story is complex & not just sex!! But being sexy when "needed"
and respectfully stopped when the many attacks from the New bad guy
& and His crew begin their attempt that seems aimed at Roland (man#1)
even these Ancient Warriors have a tough time trying try to find out why.
Roland & the others can't seem to find out why he popped up now & why he is determined to attack him and his new "lady love" His focus seems is
not easy to figure out either. I need to review books more often. Especially for books like this. HIGHLY Recommended!! ENJOY!!!

Immortal guardian

truly loved reading this book. the story drew me in and held my attention until the end

Loved,Loved, Loved it!

What made the experience of listening to Darkness Dawns the most enjoyable?

The whole storyline caught me when I read the book and couldn't wait to hear it in audio. It was narrated very well. Kirsten Potter's male voices did not take away from the story at all like some female narrators do.. I look forward to hearing the other books in the series if she continues to narrate.

What other book might you compare Darkness Dawns to and why?

Darkness Dawns is similar to the books written by Karen Marie Moning, Donna Grant and Jacquelyn Frank. Those are a few of my favorite authors whose work I read and listen to.

What about Kirsten Potter’s performance did you like?

She made the characters sound just as I thought they would.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I loved the storyline and I laughed and smiled throughout the book.

Any additional comments?

Can't wait to listen to the other books in the series when they become available.

Surprisingly good.

The narrator was a bit over the top at times but overall, a decent listen.

Narrator is awesome

She makes it easy to get wrapped up in the story and u literally know every character because they all have there own voice because of her!