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heabooknerd's review
5.0
I absolutely loved DARK PROTECTOR and I found the world and story so unique in today's plethora of paranormal romances. I first read it when it came out and my love for it and its characters hasn't waned a bit. Devlin was a fantastic hero who is finally learning what it means to truly care for someone. A Paladin's life is dedicated to protecting the barrier and this means they rarely make connections outside the Paladins or the government agency that directs them. I loved Devlin's inherent honor and his complete loyalty to his brothers in arms and his work at the barrier. When he begins to fall for his handler, Dr. Laurel Young, she's pulled into that protective circle and the reader knows that Devlin will do anything to keep Laurel safe. Devlin is the perfect balance of alpha/gentle and sweet/grumpy. He's far from flawless and he struggles with accepting the harsh side of Laurel's job that means she may one day put down one of his brothers or himself if they turn Other.
Working for the Regents is a dream come true for Laurel, who left her small town family who can't quite understand their intelligent and career driven daughter. Laurel cares deeply for all the Paladins in her charge and she's determined to find a way to understand their decline from powerful Paladin to murderous Other. Finding a way to help the Paladins would give Laurel something truly meaningful to contribute. But that care becomes more when she's working with Devlin and once these two start crossing lines there's no going back. Devlin and Laurel's chemistry was on fire and it was all the better for the forbidden nature of it. Handler's are of course not supposed to get involved with Paladins and Paladins have generally stayed away from long-term relationships -- after all, how do you explain an ability to come back from the dead and an exceptionally slow aging process. There's so much delicious tension, physical and emotional, between Laurel and Devlin that you can really feel how much they want each other but also how much they know it could all blow up in their faces any second.
Because this was the first in a series we're introduced to a few other Paladins but I never felt like it was an overwhelming number of characters (a current problem with a lot of series starters). There was also a new character that showed up at the very end that is very intriguing! While the bad guy in this book is revealed there is still an overarching storyline that is not solved in this book so once you finish this one you'll be ready to dive right into the next one!
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Favorite Quotes:
Somewhere along the line, she'd tumbled head over heels in love with Devlin Bane. The sex had been phenomenal, but it was far more than that. In his arms, she felt cherished and safe. He was a hard man, one with problems that might prove insurmountable, but there had been a gentleness in his touch that had brought her peace of mind.
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Connected Series:
1. Paladins of Darkness
2. Paladin Strike Team
Working for the Regents is a dream come true for Laurel, who left her small town family who can't quite understand their intelligent and career driven daughter. Laurel cares deeply for all the Paladins in her charge and she's determined to find a way to understand their decline from powerful Paladin to murderous Other. Finding a way to help the Paladins would give Laurel something truly meaningful to contribute. But that care becomes more when she's working with Devlin and once these two start crossing lines there's no going back. Devlin and Laurel's chemistry was on fire and it was all the better for the forbidden nature of it. Handler's are of course not supposed to get involved with Paladins and Paladins have generally stayed away from long-term relationships -- after all, how do you explain an ability to come back from the dead and an exceptionally slow aging process. There's so much delicious tension, physical and emotional, between Laurel and Devlin that you can really feel how much they want each other but also how much they know it could all blow up in their faces any second.
Because this was the first in a series we're introduced to a few other Paladins but I never felt like it was an overwhelming number of characters (a current problem with a lot of series starters). There was also a new character that showed up at the very end that is very intriguing! While the bad guy in this book is revealed there is still an overarching storyline that is not solved in this book so once you finish this one you'll be ready to dive right into the next one!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:
Somewhere along the line, she'd tumbled head over heels in love with Devlin Bane. The sex had been phenomenal, but it was far more than that. In his arms, she felt cherished and safe. He was a hard man, one with problems that might prove insurmountable, but there had been a gentleness in his touch that had brought her peace of mind.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Connected Series:
1. Paladins of Darkness
2. Paladin Strike Team
masquerader888's review
3.0
This book left me with mixed feelings. Some parts of it I really liked and others really rubbed me the wrong way.
I found the world that Ms. Morgan created in this book to be interesting. The concept of another dimension separated from ours by a barrier that shifts with seismic activity along fault-lines was pretty nifty. The idea of “Others” on the far side of this dimensional rift having a darker soul due to both lack of physical as well as moral light…ok I can dig it. Paladin warriors who could regenerate more quickly and even come back from the dead; but whose self-same abilities were slowly bringing them over to the “dark side” and would one day make them crazed killing machines. Ok, check.
The characterization was a mixed bag, filled with some memorable secondary characters as well as abusing some tropes in our main leads. Dr. Laurel Young, our main female lead, is a smart doc in charge of the Paladin’s welfare should they get banged-up or dead...m’kay this one I liked in theory, but on read-through you had a split personality going on here…smart and savvy doc by day and sexual deviant by night who gives over all judgment to strong man. Grunt. Yeah, not so much on that one. The secondary characters in this book were really very good; and if I do decide to pick up another book in this series, it will be because I want to find out what happens to them.
My biggest problem, I think, was the internal structure of how this world interaction was set up. You had the Paladins, the Research branch with the doc and then you had the Ordnance, which seemed to be made up of the human “guards” who sometimes helped fight the “Others” from the far side of the barrier and also comprised those who guarded those of the research branch from the Paladins. This whole thing made me irritated. Could be because I am not one for military drama, could also be that I don’t understand why this hierarchy exists as it does, or it could be that the head of Ordnance was an ass-hat and one of the lackeys a bad-guy. Either way; the structure of the command in this book was a no-go for me almost to the point that I stopped reading. I am glad I finished, as the twists Ms. Morgan created with Barak, one of the “Others,” being honorable (and in truth far more honorable than the human who was bat-shit crazy and doing bad things), and the possible salvation of the Paladins honor and sanity made me glad to have read this story. My only other loud negative was the epilogue. It pissed me off. The author couldn’t just have a happy ending; no she had to manufacture a cliff-hanger and tension to try to drum up interest in reading the next book. I’m sorry, but if by the end of the book I don’t like it well enough to give the next one a try, an epilogue is probably not going to convince me, and if I did like it well enough, than such an epilogue I find irritating.
All in all I give this book three stars
I may pick up the next book in this series.
http://masquerader.harshmage.com/category/reviews/
I found the world that Ms. Morgan created in this book to be interesting. The concept of another dimension separated from ours by a barrier that shifts with seismic activity along fault-lines was pretty nifty. The idea of “Others” on the far side of this dimensional rift having a darker soul due to both lack of physical as well as moral light…ok I can dig it. Paladin warriors who could regenerate more quickly and even come back from the dead; but whose self-same abilities were slowly bringing them over to the “dark side” and would one day make them crazed killing machines. Ok, check.
The characterization was a mixed bag, filled with some memorable secondary characters as well as abusing some tropes in our main leads. Dr. Laurel Young, our main female lead, is a smart doc in charge of the Paladin’s welfare should they get banged-up or dead...m’kay this one I liked in theory, but on read-through you had a split personality going on here…smart and savvy doc by day and sexual deviant by night who gives over all judgment to strong man. Grunt. Yeah, not so much on that one. The secondary characters in this book were really very good; and if I do decide to pick up another book in this series, it will be because I want to find out what happens to them.
My biggest problem, I think, was the internal structure of how this world interaction was set up. You had the Paladins, the Research branch with the doc and then you had the Ordnance, which seemed to be made up of the human “guards” who sometimes helped fight the “Others” from the far side of the barrier and also comprised those who guarded those of the research branch from the Paladins. This whole thing made me irritated. Could be because I am not one for military drama, could also be that I don’t understand why this hierarchy exists as it does, or it could be that the head of Ordnance was an ass-hat and one of the lackeys a bad-guy. Either way; the structure of the command in this book was a no-go for me almost to the point that I stopped reading. I am glad I finished, as the twists Ms. Morgan created with Barak, one of the “Others,” being honorable (and in truth far more honorable than the human who was bat-shit crazy and doing bad things), and the possible salvation of the Paladins honor and sanity made me glad to have read this story. My only other loud negative was the epilogue. It pissed me off. The author couldn’t just have a happy ending; no she had to manufacture a cliff-hanger and tension to try to drum up interest in reading the next book. I’m sorry, but if by the end of the book I don’t like it well enough to give the next one a try, an epilogue is probably not going to convince me, and if I did like it well enough, than such an epilogue I find irritating.
All in all I give this book three stars
I may pick up the next book in this series.
http://masquerader.harshmage.com/category/reviews/
colorfulleo92's review
3.0
3.5 stars. Not the best paranormal romance out there, but I had fun reading it and that's all that matters. Found the plotline and characters to be pretty decent and quite entertaining to read about but don't have the real depts of a really good series but I will continue on with it.
theneverqueenreads's review
3.0
This book has a very original idea to it! The Paladins protect Earth from the Others who live on the other side of some sort of barrier. I had two problems with this book. First off, I have way too many unanswered questions as to what is going on in the world around the two characters. I understand the Paladins are protectors and the Others are evil, but I want to know more about them. Maybe some background and where they came from would be nice. But, this all could come in the next novels. Secondly, I felt the main characters, Devlin and Laurel, were very two-dimensional. I didn't feel too much emotion from them, and they just felt flat. However, I will read the next book because I do believe there is hope for this series!
accio_coffee's review
2.0
ehh it was okay...i am interested to see what happens next but I am in no rush to read the second
laurenjodi's review
4.0
Dark Protector by Alexis Morgan
Book #1 in the Paladins of Darkness
4 Stars
Synopsis:
Devlin Bane is a Paladin, one of an ancient race of warriors born to defend the Earth from deadly invaders known as the Others. The Paladins of renowned for their fighting skills and for their ability to rejuvenate after death, however, each resurrection results in additional losses of their humanity until they ultimately turn into the monsters they are destined to fight. Now, Devlin has finally found someone to live for, Laurel Young, the doctor assigned to be his handler. Unfortunately, someone wants Devlin permanently dead and will not hesitate to use Laurel as bait.
Review:
Morgan’s characters are intriguing and she writes a compelling action-packed plot that ratchets up a notch toward the end. Nevertheless, the descriptions of the Paladin’s world, as well as that of the Others, are insufficient. The mythos and characterization are one dimensional and inadequately explained. The identity of the villain, for example, is almost immediately obvious due to the lack of detail, and Devlin’s backstory and training to become a Paladin is suspiciously absent.
The romance in the story is sweet. Devlin is a typical alpha male but has some endearing insecurities and Laurel is intelligent and independent. The fact that they are forced to keep their feelings secret because relationships between Paladins and their handlers are frowned upon adds another layer to the underlying tension between them. However, it was difficult to become completely immersed in them as a couple as their connection seems forced and even somewhat clinical. The character that really caught my attention is Blake Trahern, the hero of the next book, who appeals to my “bad boy with a heart of gold” fetish.
Recommendation: Despite its shortcomings, the book is exciting and enjoyable, and there are enough elements, such as the conspiracy and the search for a cure for the Paladin’s condition, to retain my interest in finding out where the story is going. Consequently, I will be continuing with the series.
Book #1 in the Paladins of Darkness
4 Stars
Synopsis:
Devlin Bane is a Paladin, one of an ancient race of warriors born to defend the Earth from deadly invaders known as the Others. The Paladins of renowned for their fighting skills and for their ability to rejuvenate after death, however, each resurrection results in additional losses of their humanity until they ultimately turn into the monsters they are destined to fight. Now, Devlin has finally found someone to live for, Laurel Young, the doctor assigned to be his handler. Unfortunately, someone wants Devlin permanently dead and will not hesitate to use Laurel as bait.
Review:
Morgan’s characters are intriguing and she writes a compelling action-packed plot that ratchets up a notch toward the end. Nevertheless, the descriptions of the Paladin’s world, as well as that of the Others, are insufficient. The mythos and characterization are one dimensional and inadequately explained. The identity of the villain, for example, is almost immediately obvious due to the lack of detail, and Devlin’s backstory and training to become a Paladin is suspiciously absent.
The romance in the story is sweet. Devlin is a typical alpha male but has some endearing insecurities and Laurel is intelligent and independent. The fact that they are forced to keep their feelings secret because relationships between Paladins and their handlers are frowned upon adds another layer to the underlying tension between them. However, it was difficult to become completely immersed in them as a couple as their connection seems forced and even somewhat clinical. The character that really caught my attention is Blake Trahern, the hero of the next book, who appeals to my “bad boy with a heart of gold” fetish.
Recommendation: Despite its shortcomings, the book is exciting and enjoyable, and there are enough elements, such as the conspiracy and the search for a cure for the Paladin’s condition, to retain my interest in finding out where the story is going. Consequently, I will be continuing with the series.
rclz's review
4.0
Not A+ material but good enough that I'll read the next one. I like the charters and the plot, although a little more world building wouldn't hurt.
shanella's review against another edition
Tried to pick it up several times to finish but wasn't in the mood. The Mystery wasn't captivating.
geleeregina's review
3.0
The premise of this novel is intriguing...that everytime an earthquake or natural disater occurs, it creates holes in barriers inside the Earth's core, allowing "Others" creatures that live inside the Earth's core to be freed to make their way to the Earth's surface. When to many others are freed, their "Other-ness" (chaotic feelings: evil, badness, etc) rubs off on humanity and chaos insues. Paladins, Protectors of humanity, become the last line of defense at the barriers to prevent the Others from crossing over.
Pretty intriguing when you throw in a Paladin that falls for his Lady Handler (doc) and then the added bonus of potential Others coming through the barriers below.
Overall I liked the story, but I think it didn't go enough into the lore of the world created by the author. The lovestory part was very grabbing. It was evident that the chemistry between the MC's was hot, but I'm a reader more into overall story rather than just the juicy parts by themselves.
I'm putting the second novel on my TBR pile because I want to see where the world goes with the story. Hopefully it will be someplace great!
Pretty intriguing when you throw in a Paladin that falls for his Lady Handler (doc) and then the added bonus of potential Others coming through the barriers below.
Overall I liked the story, but I think it didn't go enough into the lore of the world created by the author. The lovestory part was very grabbing. It was evident that the chemistry between the MC's was hot, but I'm a reader more into overall story rather than just the juicy parts by themselves.
I'm putting the second novel on my TBR pile because I want to see where the world goes with the story. Hopefully it will be someplace great!