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Dark #28

Dark Sentinel

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In an explosive novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan, a human woman ignites the desire of her Carpathian lifemate--and of an ancient vampire with a score to settle.

After the devastating loss of her entire family, Lorraine Peters heads to the woods searching for peace of mind and anything to quell the anger in her soul. Instead, she stumbles upon a scene of horrific violence, as one man lies helpless in the face of three attackers.

Andor Katona's existence has been a harsh one, living for centuries as a monk in the Carpathian Mountains. Unable to find his lifemate, he almost welcomes his release from a colorless and unfeeling world at the hands of the vampire hunters who have mistaken him for their prey. That is, until a whirling ball of fury bursts onto the scene, determined to save him.

In one glimpse, in one breath, Andor recognizes Lorraine as his lifemate, but it will take more than their telepathic connection to convince her of their immortal bond. Lorraine is a lethal combination of cunning and courage. So much so that she captures the attention of a master vampire, one who has already lost what was once irreplaceable to him. One who will strike with deadly precision at Andor and his ancient Carpathian comrades in a war to end all wars. . .

392 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 4, 2018

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About the author

Christine Feehan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author multiple times over with her portfolio including over 90 published novels, including five series; Dark Series, GhostWalker Series, Leopard Series, Drake Sisters Series, the Sisters of the Heart Series, Shadow Riders and Torpedo Ink. All of her series have hit the #1 spot on the New York Times bestselling list as well. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature (PEARL) in 1999. Since then she has been published by various publishing houses including Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards since Dark Prince.
Her series include:
The Dark Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/darkb...
The GhostWalker series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/ghost...
The Leopard Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/leopa...
The Shadow Series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/shado...
Torpedo Ink series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/torpe...




IN HER WORDS:
I've been a writer all of my life -- it is who I am. I write for myself and always have. The ability to create pictures and emotions with words is such a miracle to me. I read everything; I mean everything! All kinds of books, even encyclopedias. I am fascinated by the written word and I love storytellers. It is a great privilege to be counted one myself. (www.christinefeehan.com)

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 501 reviews
March 1, 2021
I will write a proper review when I am not feeling so crappy. I enjoyed Dark Sentinel, but it was a little slower going for me. After 28 books it's not a surprise that some aren't as wowing as others. I did really like both Lorraine and Andor. They won't stand out as one of my favorites but they were still likable. I really loved every minute with Gary. I can't wait for his book. I'm a little worried that my exceptions are so high for Gary's book, since I have loved and waited for his story from book 4 on that it will be a let down. I also really liked Ferro and can't wait for his book. Overall a good read but not a stand out one in a long series. Still love CF and her work though and I can't wait to get the next one.
Profile Image for Beth.
3,135 reviews287 followers
September 3, 2018
The queen of paranormal is back with a new installment in the Dark series. The Carpathians are now in America are facing a new “super vampire foe”.

Andor, an ancient Carpathian, is severely injured during a fight with vampires when human vampire hunters come upon him and are about to take him out when Lorraine, in the woods to find peace, sees a man in need and quickly rushes in and saves Andor. To Andor’s shock, he’s found his life mate and she is a quirky human that just took on a bunch of men to protect him.

Andor is so severely injured that Lorraine must protect him until his fellow ancients can come to his rescue. Its great to see the human woman take the protection lead while the uber alpha is out of commission.

I really enjoyed spending more time in the Dark world. So, why only 4 stars? Dark Sentinel was slightly repetitive, less than other installments, but still enough to distract the storytelling flow. I’ve been a long time fan, reading all Feehan’s books and can’t wait to see what happens next in the Dark world.

I received this ARC copy of Dark Sentinel from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my honest and voluntary review. Dark Sentinel is set for publication Sept 4, 2018.

My Rating: 4 stars
Written by: Christine Feehan
Series: Carpathian Novel, A
Sequence in Series: Book 32
Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: September 4, 2018
ISBN-10: 0451490088
ISBN-13: 978-0451490087
Genre: Paranormal Romance

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Profile Image for Lover of Romance.
3,341 reviews1,018 followers
August 18, 2018
This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Dark Sentinel is the 28th installment in this fabulous series of the Carpathian World that Christine Feehan delivers to us. This is a huge and daunting series but I have enjoyed every new book that adds more depth to this incredible world that this author has developed for her readers!! I wasn't quite sure what I was expecting especially when dealing with one of the infamous Monastary Carpathians, but this book really wasn't what I was expecting, and that was fun to see a story in this world develop in such a way that I didn't quite see coming. Feehan always does this for me when I least expect it to happen.

Our delicious tale begins with our hero, Andor Katona. who is one of the oldest Carpathians, he has long given up on ever finding his lifemate. He made a vow to never give into the darkness and to live with honor until the end. He has come to the states to help his brothers, but finds himself fighting over a hoard of vampires and injured he is found by three human vampire hunters who then stake him. He knows that he is too weak to survive and is contempletaing letting hiimself go in the sun. Andor is shocked when he sees a human woman, comes out of the woods holding a pot in her hands and going all kamikaze on his attackers. Lorraine Peters has lost her family and is haunted by their deaths and was seeking some peace and solitude in the woods when by the creek, she could hear what these men were doing to another, and it horrified her and she couldn't let someone die in such a horrible way.

Lorraine was raised in a family that were devoted to the martial arts and even though her parents could be strict, they were loving. But when coming home for Thanksgiving, she comes to a blood bath, where all her family are killed by her brother high on steroids who then kills himself. She is tormented by her past and the loss of all those that mattered to her. Lorraine is a fighter though, she is smart and crafty and accepting of reality. When Lorraine finds Andor, things shift for her. She focuses on his needs and his health, she trusts him when he tells her the truth about himself and how to help him. I really admired that Lorraine didn't go into denial or resist the reality of who Andor was, she just accepted it. We continue with the story when his friends are on their way to aid him (Ferro, Sandu and Gary), when a vampire attacks and Lorraine holds her own with him and man she kicked butt peeps!! This was one of my favorite action scenes in the whole book, because we see what Lorraine is made of and that she is more than capable a defeating a vampire...a mere human woman and it was awesome to see her strength and creativity. We then get to meet the three Carpathians, Andor's closest friends, that would be a rock for Lorraine as well.

Lorraine is hesistant to let anyone into her life especially after all that she has lost, but Andor and his friends, treat her life real family and she finds belonging again. Andor is one of my favorite heroes that I have seen in this series in a while. What I really loved about this is one we get to see the infamous Gary. Gary is a side character that we have seen since book five, and has played a role in different ways. He is a human turned Carpathian and a great healer and warrior. Andor is gravely injured, near death and Lorraine as his lifemate is the only one that is able to bring him back to the land of the living. Lorraine has her doubts about this "lifemate" thing, but she feels a connection to Andor.

Andor and Lorraine find themselves bound in a way that was unsuspecting including the three friends which anchored Andor to live. But the story isn't over, Andor and Lorraine may have found something more than priceless in each other, but there is an enemy out there wanting to destroy them. The youngest Malinov brother is more dangerous than ever before. They come across him and his troubadour of vampires he is using, and while they defeat them they are unable to capture him and Lorraine is injured. While they take her back to their sanctuary in the states, Lorraine is able to meet other Carptathians and human children. She is able to find a place among them and along side the man she is coming to love fiercely. What I really admired about these two was their unity in just about everything.
I want you to take your time, Lorraine. We are bound together, soul to soul, and as long as you realize we are lifemates, meant to be together, I want you to do whatever you need to in order to come into our world with your mind fully made up.

Andor is not your typical Carpthaian and I was suprised in how understanding, accepting and patient he was with Lorraine. Most Carpathian's aren't as diplomatic as he is. There is an almost gentle quality whenever he is with Lorraine. He is a fierce warrior, but I love the way he courts his gal. There is nothing in dubious consent at all, and I loved how much he encourages her to be herself and not hold anything back from him or herself. He loves her strength and wits in a battle. The story escalates with the evil malinov vampire, and boy it got intense at times. We have some future stories revealed including on who Gary's lifemate is which has been hinted at in previous books, but we see a different side to him. We see one of my new characters find his lifemate and hope his story will be soon.

The romance that develops between Lorraine and Andor is unforgettable. This is a fated mates trope (like many of Feehan's books) so that is something you need to enjoy. However I felt that Feehan really handled this trope so well in this book. Andor and Lorraine make a great team. Andor is a powerful Carpthathian hunter, but he also has compassion and understanding. Lorraine is human, fierce but gentle too. She has such a strong spirit but needs the soft moments in her life too. Too much violence she abhors but when she finds Andor, she finds a outlet for that which haunts her. Her life isn't all roses and daisies upon finding Andor, but she is able to find her center and peace in a way she never felt before. We see the friendships and the family bonds in this story that is simply so beautifully written.
I think it should be ours. Your brothers, in the short time I've known them, have given me back a family when I thought I would spend my life forever alone. You've offered me a world where I can matter, where my life has meaning.

Overall I found Dark Sentinel to be a tale of suspense, intrigue, dangerous creatures that go bump in the night and a endearing love story that tugs at all those sweet poignant emotions....A TALE TO SWEEP YOU OFF YOUR FEET!!
I see you Lorraine. Never think for one moment that you are not my choice. That you are not in my heart. I cannot see anything or anyone but you.







 



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Profile Image for KatieV.
709 reviews456 followers
September 10, 2018
I dunno... 2.5*

It's nice to slip back into a world you are very comfortable with, but this couple didn't exactly do it for me. I wasn't against them, by any means, they just weren't that exciting to read about. They are both reasonable and there is no drama between them. That is great for them, but not too exciting for me unless there is a lot of other excitement going on. There are other things happening, but none of it felt fresh enough to grab my interest. Lots of inner thoughts and talking mind-to-mind. YMMV

We went a nice chunk of the book without a chapter long sex scene, that was a win.

What I'm really interested in is the couple revealed at the end. Those two have the potential for an interesting story.
Profile Image for Joan.
451 reviews52 followers
September 4, 2018
Ten Shining Stars!

Dark Sentinel is the 28th book in the Carpathian mythology and what a spectacular addition this novel is. Andor Katona and Lorraine are such an amazing couple who compliment and lend strength to each other.

The heroine, Lorraine Peters, was incredible. After the tragic loss of her entire family and the rejection form all around her following her brother's terrible crime. Lorraine has sort of gone of the grid and spends most of her time alone, backpacking in the wilderness. When the story opens, Andor one of the monastery ancients who is now residing in the US compound under the leadership of Tariq Asengaard, has been gravely wounded following a battle with vampires and human hunters.

As Andor laying mortally wounded, an angel arises from the woods, not hesitating to take on the three human hunters ready to finish Andor off. Swinging her cast iron pot, Lorraine fights the hunters off and eventually devises a flamethrower to keep the vampire at bay. Using her martial arts skill, Lorraine whips nematode butt while protecting the helpless Andor. No shrinking, terrified damsel needing a protector, Lorraine stood unmovable as Andor's shield to protect him until his brethren could catch up to the fallen brother. Of course when she speaks to Andor, he hears her voice and in that moment her realized that this was the woman who held the other half of his soul, a woman worth waiting ten agonizing centuries for.

The amazing thing was how the seven ancients from the monastery, lifelong friends of Andor, bonded to Lorraine as a woman of gravitas who they looked to as a beacon of hope. A favorite quote was of Andor proudly speaking of his lifemate, "Ferro has great respect for my lifemate. She was cool under fire and aided us greatly." Lorraine is such a fabulous heroine and Andor is a true hero who is willing to more than meet his human mate half way when he declares to her that, "I want you to make your decision based on what you want, not what you think best for me. I am man. I will do whatever it takes to make you happy. If you prefer to live as human, I will make that decision as well." Sigh.

And, there is one huge plot surprise, I nearly fell off my chair when I read this new development. I really hope that this plotline is the next thread in the ancient's story, I would not want the newest development introduced then dropped for another five books. But I will leave that juicy morsel for other readers to savor.

Dark Sentinel is quite simply, exquisite. The writing style is very reminiscent of the magical first books in the series. The humor between the ancients was so heartwarming as it showed the centuries of kinship these men had formed while they chose to wait locked away in the monastery to find their one and only. These men have such a close bond and the way they bonded to Lorraine was a sight to behold. The ancients bonded with Lorraine as with no other human lifemate. There is so much action, romance, comradery, and humor in this book. They all deserve to find a life mate like Lorraine.
Profile Image for Dianne.
6,794 reviews600 followers
August 29, 2018
Yes! Some authors CAN keep a long running series alive and entertaining! Christine Feehan’s DARK SENTINEL opens amid the aftermath of a bloody battle between an ancient Carpathian and a band of vampires. Andor was near death, weak and vulnerable is now at the mercy of vampire hunters until from nowhere, like an avenging angel came his fated lifemate. Would his last moments on earth finally be filled with color?

Lorraine forgets all of her anger management exercises when she sees the bloody and battered Andor at the mercy of what appeared to be murderers and thugs. Gotta love a woman who can wield a cooking pot like a berserker!

Now, if only Andor can survive, can he convince the feisty and slightly broken Lorraine they are meant to be together for eternity or will their fated meeting come to an abrupt end at the hands of a master vampire on a quest of vengeance?

Fabulous tension weaves through battle after battle as Andor’s Carpathian brothers come to his aid. The romantic tension between Lorraine and Andor is charged with denial on her part, but her determination to never be the victim she once was sets a tone that proves she is falling, but is she ready for his world?

Slightly uneven in its pacing, there are still moments that will have you on the edge of your seats, moments when the value of friendships and loyalties will leave you in awe, another wonderful paranormal romance to sink your teeth into.

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Berkley Publishing Group!

Series: Dark - Book 28
Publisher: Berkley (September 4, 2018)
Publication Date: September 4, 2018
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Print Length: 400 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com

Profile Image for Lyn *Nomadic Worlds.
457 reviews53 followers
December 24, 2023

It feels like ages since I last read a Carpathian book. I need more stories on the Carpathians! Dark Sentinel features Andor Katona and his lifemate, Lorraine Peters’ story.

It’s heartbreaking how the Carpathians lose their emotions and the ability to see in color after 200 years. But to watch Andor contemplate death after giving up all hope of ever finding his lifemate was beyond tragic.

Lorraine turned out to be a hell of a shock for an ancient Carpathian waiting for death to take him. It was fun and warmed the cockles of the heart to watch the two of them find each other and learn what it meant to be each other’s lifemate.

The story was full of intrigue and interesting twists, including trying to figure out the nefarious plot of a master vampire whom all the carpathians had underestimated. I’m enjoying how Christine Feehan is taking the Carpathians into a whole new direction.

I loved the ending best with the hint of the next Carpathian’s story and I can’t wait for the following book in the series.

Posted on Blog
Profile Image for 1-Click Addict Support Group.
3,749 reviews484 followers
September 16, 2018
When modern meets ancient…

It is no secret that this series is one of my favourites. It is “lose yourself” in good writing, character building, and romance. It’s a world within a world that weaves paranormal into a reality that feels oh so real...

Lorraine has suffered through a horrible loss, one born of violence. One she finds hard to come to terms with. She’s lost so much that she has become lost herself. Looking for some form of Zen, instead she stumbles onto her worst nightmare. Surprisingly, it also becomes her salvation…

Andor is one of the Ancients. A Carpathian of legend, who has come to America to fight with his brothers against the increasingly cunning vampires and to prepare for the ultimate war to come. He knows it is coming. He can feel it….

I love when ‘traditional’ man/woman roles are reversed. While Andor is definitely an alpha male, Lorraine’s background has made her physically tough and smart in the ways of self-defense and, as it turns out, offense. She is smart and inventive, able to be bold when needed but also eager to learn from Andor and his experienced clan. The support and encouragement Andor gives her, means even men who were born in the dark ages (literally) can learn…. The relationship between the two is destined, and the way they fit together so well confirms it. The relationship between Lorraine and the other Ancients adds a new element to a story/series that continues to grow and expand…

If you have not read this series before you will find this read challenging to fit all the many pieces together. Luckily for you, that means you have a lot of amazing reading ahead of you! ~Diane, 4 stars
Profile Image for Sheila.
Author 13 books166 followers
August 16, 2018
I love the ancients! Andor has fought vampires for centuries, a warrior with honor. After he is attacked and left dying, in his final moments, a woman comes to help him and his world is filled with color. His lifemate, Lorraine will do anything to save him, include battle death itself.
This couple is very romantic and they're paired perfectly. I love when it's obvious that they belong together and then you get excited watching how that relationship goes.
This reminded me a bit of Dark Desire, though Andor has far more control of himself and isn't violent.
Profile Image for Ashley.
52 reviews18 followers
June 21, 2018
I absolutely loved Dark Sentinel! Even though there were a lot of characters, I felt that the main two were really able to shine. There was also a lot of building up to the "action". Andor and Lorraine were able to build their relationship even while facing an onslaught of threats.

I've been a little "eh" about the last couple of books, but this one felt like one of the earlier books.

Received a copy for an honest review.
Profile Image for Candace.
926 reviews
December 13, 2018
Andor Katona, after he defeated seven vampires, is staked by three vampire hunters. Luckily, the stake missed his heart. Coupled with his mortal wounds from fighting the vampires, Andor is debating whether to end his life. Lorraine Peters is camping to find peace and resolve her anger. She is by a stream when she telepathically hears the three vampire hunters discussing killing Andor. She also hears telepathically Andor's debate on whether to live. After what happen to her family, she can't stand by and let a murder happen. Lorraine, with her sauce pot, springs into the fray with her martial arts moves to save Andor. He knows immediately that Lorraine is his lifemate. When she sees the stake protruding from his chest, she is momentarily distracted. One of the vampire hunters come up behind her. Andor commands them not to touch her. The vampire hunters freeze like statues. Lorraine notices and starts to become afraid. Using his voice, Andor calms Lorraine down and gets her help with his injuries. Lorraine feels she has to protect the Carpathian warrior. Andor feels he has to live for his lifemate. In the meantime, Sergey, the youngest Malinov brother and a master vampire, has other plans for the pair and the Carpathian people.

Christine Feehan has created another setting in the Carpathian world. This time we are in the United States. I haven't kept up with the latest Carpathian novels, so having a new location with a new leader, Tariq Asenguard, and a new second-in-command and healer, Gary Daratrazanoff, shades new dynamics on old ground. We meet the brotherhood from the Carpathian monastery in the mountains. Ferro, Sandu, Isai, Petru, Dragomir and Benedek with Andor have come to the United States to destroy the vampire threat. Andor and Lorraine eventually find their happily-ever-after. Also Ferro finds his lifemate in Elisabeta. (Future novel, I bet) The romance is well thought out and the book sets up nicely for the next novel in the series. The world building is superb. The description is outstanding. The dialogue, both external and internal, is superior. Now I need to backtrack to the books I have missed.

This book satisfies A Book for All Seasons challenge number five -- Equinoxy Thinkin'.
Profile Image for Yessenia.
414 reviews14 followers
September 6, 2018
2 stars

I think I'll pass this series, I still like the others from the author. I keep finding books with the heroin wanting to be independent as a "modern woman" but then she acts like a child... sigh. Also, I think the story would do better with less endless inner dialogues, it reaches a point when I can't take it anymore. And last, I'm all for honest talks about their feelings between the characters but not so cheesy, please! I almost cringed a few times.
Profile Image for Erica Chilson.
Author 42 books437 followers
August 29, 2018
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads

4 Stars.

As the 28th installment of the Dark series, can Dark Sentinel be read as a standalone?

Yes.

Almost a decade ago, I bought the Anniversary Edition hardcover of Dark Prince and haven't read more in the series since. Thankfully I remembered bits and pieces of the world-building, enough so that I wasn't confused. But to be honest, I don't believe anyone would struggle if they read this as a standalone.

For returning readers, I was pleased there wasn't any info-dumps of past books' events regurgitated in the beginning of the novel (this would have spoiled those books I've yet to read but plan to read). This practice is popular in paranormal romance and urban fantasy genre, where if you already read past books, this barrage of information slows the pacing down, and if you're a new reader, it ends up being too much-too soon, causing more confusion. So I applaud Christine Feehan for finding the right amount of information to ease in new readers while keeping past readers' interests.

With all that being said, Dark Sentinel whet my appetite to return to Dark Prince and start the series from the beginning.

A good portion of the novel takes place in the opener's setting. Andor is gravely wounded (pun intended) and telepathic Lorraine comes to his rescue from her campsite nearby, with a soup pot. While lying there dying, Andor is filled with emotion as the world becomes a burst of color (this is world-building that I won't go into great detail)

With a fated-mates premise, I was pleased that it didn't seem overly insta-love. Lorraine is a martial artist, who is dealing with a horrific tragedy that left her alone in this world, filling her with grief and guilt and shame. While on a self-exploratory journey to find her inner calm, Lorraine finds just the opposite.

Nothing was as humorous as an ancient thinking over how his mate will be different than the others, having to handle Lorraine differently since she is a 'modern' woman. We modern women refuse to listen and obey just because he said so. Lorraine did just defend Andor's prone body, clearly he's going to have his hands full.

Throughout the novel, I met other intriguing characters, who most certainly had me eager to start at the very beginning. I found the world-building to be unique, how the Carpathians lose their emotions and ability to see in color as they age, due to half their soul residing in their mate, who may or may not even be walking the earth during that generation. Intriguing.

There's a reason this series is 28 books strong. Feehan writes with maturity, with a mix of fantasy, romance, and violence, to offer one heck of an engrossing read.

I look forward to starting the series from the beginning when I find a large slice of time to fully immerse myself. Definitely recommend to fans of the author and series, as well as to new readers who enjoy paranormal romance.
Profile Image for Edwina " I LoveBooks" "Deb".
1,408 reviews17 followers
September 5, 2018
I had mixed feeling about Dark Sentinel. I had to read it twice to figure out why it was not holding my attention. I listened on audible book and then I went back and read my HB book. I couldn't make up my mind if its a 3 star story or a 4 star. So I gave it the benefit of the doubt and gave it 4 stars.

Lorraine Peters is one of the best written lifemates I have read in awhile. She is a martial arts instructor. Her family worked as martial arts instructors. Then one day her once loving brother goes off the rails and kills her entire family. I like that Christine Feehan use her Martial Arts training and experience, which is a part of herself to create Lorraine. I believe CF is a Black Belt. Lorraine is intelligent witty and very brave. She reminded me a bit of Natalya from Dark Demon and her flaming hair spray canisters she used to kill vampire. Lorraine used Wasp Spray and Alcohol mix to kill vampires. Lorraine was quick and she didn't hover or back down. I just loved her. She was a perfectly written heroine. Can't say as much for Andor. He's a bit boring. He is the same old same old Carpathian male. He was a bit more modern thinking then a lot of Ancients. He just wasn't impressive enough for me. These ancients from the monastery keep getting outsmarted by Sergey. Who is quite impressive. I hated that Vadim is still alive or is he Sergey's slave? That's a mystery there and I don't know when we will find out whats really going on with the two Malinov brothers. I just know Sergey was more impressive then The Ancients in the story.

The storyline needed some excitement. Something like Emeline having the baby or Trixie, Fane Andre and Teagan arriving from the monastery. The storyline just did Not move forward. Not one bit. The ending surprising twist was a bit disappointing as well, because it ends on a Cliffhanger and I don't like Cliffhangers. I loved hearing about Aiden Savage, Alexandra and Joshua. I hope we get to read how they make out in the future with there life changes. I can't say what those are you have to read the story.


So I guess people who read this review will ask why 4 star instead of 3. Well because the first part of the story is very good and most of the ending is very good. The middle needs some fun excitement. But Overall I like this story a lot.
Profile Image for The Romance Book Disciple (Samantha).
2,008 reviews344 followers
September 4, 2018

Dark Sentinel continues the Carpathian series. Its like book 900 or something. Okay, thats an exaggeration, but seriously this is a LONG series. I haven't read them all. But, it wasn't a problem to read Dark Sentinel without knowing the details of the previous 9000 books.

Andor is a very old Carpathian who has all but given up on the hope he will find his lifemate. As he contemplates just letting himself die after being attacked by inept 'vampire hunters', his mate swoops in and saves him. While I noted it isn't necessary to read ALL the previous books, you really do need to at least understand the basics of the world Feehan has created.

Vampires are BAD. Carpathians, while they drink blood and cannot come out during the day, are not vampires. A Carpathian who has given up hope and 'turned to the dark side' becomes a vampire and is then hunted by other Carpathians.
Carpathian males must find their life mate. The longer they live without her, the worse their life gets and the more likely they are to turn into vampires.
Human females who have certain psychic gifts can be mates to the Carpathian men.

Lorraine is a spunky girl with a deadly talent. She comes from a family of martial artists and she is exceptionally good. She saves Andor but is SURE he is gonna die soon. However, she agrees to his weird requests (packing his gaping wound with dirt, digging him a hole). She is telepathic and eventually shares memories with Andor to understand his world and what is happening. Because Andor is in such bad shape, other Carpathians are summoned to come help. The vampire attacks are getting more intense and frequent. The story has lots of action and quite a bit of gore. The human puppets...shudder. If blood, guts, and gore aren't okay for you, this book might be a bit much. Andor, compared to some of the other Carpathians, almost seems more beta than alpha. It was refreshing. He isn't a wimp or a pushover by any means, but he has a different way of behaving that is more contemplative and calm. I appreciated the break from the beat-you-over-the-head-and-drag-you-back-to-my-cave type behavior.

These are NOT books to read if you don't like the insta-love/fated mates thing. Me, I love it. But these two are in love within hours of meeting so if that isn't your jam, keep moving. If, like me, its you favorite thing ever, you will love this series. I like that the drama of the book isn't about the relationship but about external factors. I also appreciated that even with the life mates bond, Lorraine questioned the relationship. She had legitimate worries like does he like me, or does he HAVE to like me. Like all Feehan's books, there is some crazy hot sex as well. Like actually CRAZY! Some of the places Andor and Lorraine have sex is mind boggling (flying horse!).

The story ends a bit anticlimaticly in my opinion. The main story arc between Lorraine and Andor is settled, but Sergey is still out there, they still aren't sure what he is up to, and the next couple is hinted to and there are ALL KINDS of problems there. Now I have to wait a year for the next book!

Who should read this book? Anyone who likes progressive paranormal romance. Feehan has taken the vampire trope and twisted it. Her world of the Carpathians is evolving as time marches on and she does it flawlessly. If you like your romance steamy and just a touch violent, Dark Sentinel will be a gem! If you are my mom, you will hate this. Seriously, mom-not your kind of book. Vampires AND too much sex. Me, however, I loved Dark Sentinel!

 

POV: 3rd
Tears: no
Trope: fated mates, vampires
Triggers: 
Series/Standalone: stand alone within an interconnected series
Cliffhanger: 
HEA: 




Dark Lover by JR Ward, Archangel's Viper by Nalini Singh, The Darkest Promise by Gena Showalter...then you will probably like Dark Sentinel!

 


Dark Sentinel
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See full review on The Book Disciple
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,622 reviews19 followers
September 1, 2018
4.5 Love Love Love Lorraine. Intelligent, feisty, human, passionate, sensitive - in short awesome. I appreciate the Carpathians are coming into the 21st century. Not talking electronics, etc. although that is appreciated. I love that some of the men aren't all alpha wolf. Alpha, yes, but with a little more leeway in the relationship. The cherry on top for me, is the sex wasn't just thrown in every chapter or every two chapters. In my opinion it was written in when needed as the relationship grew. Thank you! The fact that several of these characters share blood and how it affects everything was a great twist and am so ready for several characters to have their own book. "I will be right back, You two can posture at each other " **snicker** You go Lorraine.
356 reviews10 followers
July 25, 2018
So I'm not surprised that Christine Feehan is still writing this series since it is really easy to add some mysterious unknown cluster of Carpathians, but I am surprised that she still has the ability to give each story enough uniqueness that they are worth reading. Dark Sentinel is the 28th book in the series, and I'll be honest that the beginning was so similar to previous novel that I had to check multiple times to see if I'd read this one already. But it did eventually veer enough that I was able to get into these characters.

Andor is a character we've met before, from the more recent secret haven of ancient Carpathians in a monastery. He is the second or third from that group to have a novel and I get them confused with the also ancient, but more modern Carpathians that have established a safe haven in America. They've all now joined this other group and we are brought back there very quickly when this novel starts with Andor mortally injured from the very first page. Lorraine is quickly thrust into the Carpathian world in order to save Andor's life, which made this very different from some of the other novels. She's connected to three of the other ancients in order to save Andor's life and can access their memories and experiences as needed so ends up more accepting of their ways than many of the other women.

The dynamic of the villains is brought out into the open more and we are actually given more insight into where Ms. Feehan may be leading this current plot-line. I also so like that there was a end in site for this villain as well. The never-ending villains are hard to believe when our main characters seem to win so much and this novel gave more of a big picture perspective that made things more acceptable for me.
Profile Image for Adaiah.
184 reviews15 followers
December 3, 2018

My review of Dark Sentiinel by Christine Feehan

I enjoyed the unusual courtship, and romance between Andor, and Lorraine. Lorraine has been through so much in her young life. She’s lost her parents in death at her brother’s hand. What suffering she had to experience. Lorraine slowly made her choice in becoming Carpathian, and Andor adapted, and didn’t pressure Lorraine in any way. I loved the unique way Andor was saved, with the assistance of Lorraine, and a few other Carpathian males. Very interesting twist in the storyline, and I love it!

The bad guys are still keeping up the attacks on Tariq, and his compound. Sergey still wants Elizabetha back, and finds an interesting way to gain entrance into Tariq’s compound. But, Sergey and his menions are fighting against true ancients, and things don’t go their way.

My heart still belongs to Gary Dragonseeker, but Ferror makes me purr! I hope Ferror’s story is told in the near future. He’s a force to be reckoned with.

Dark Sentinel offers you romance, suspense, and great battle scenes. I’m already waiting impatiently for next year’s Dark book release.
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews159 followers
June 20, 2018
I liked that Andor had morals, “I would ordinarily, since it is your blood, the blood of the woman who is mine, take it differently , but since I cannot, this will have to do.” I loved when Andor was playful, "his eyebrow arched instantly. “Goof? What is good? And of course, it was a compliment. I may be Carpathian, but I am a man.” Andor's amusement is not shared at times, “are you looking at something in particular?” she demanded, her voice miffed. He grinned at her because he couldn’t help it." I loved this book, I fell in love with Andor and the strenghth and will Lorraine had.
Profile Image for AvidReader.
1,312 reviews281 followers
November 2, 2018
An easy 5 stars ⭐️ read!

I am enjoying this new era for Carpathians immensely. I loved who Elisabeta was paired with. I can’t for their story. I am waiting for Fane and Aleksei along with their lifemates to join rest of the Ancients.
My only regret now is, I have to wait 1 whole or more year for the next book.

Of course recommended.
Profile Image for  Rosebud.
1,052 reviews195 followers
September 8, 2018
This author had been scheduled to attend and host in a convention I attended. Pricey convention. Extremely sad that she had to back out because of personal/medical issues. Would have loved to meet her and discuss Carpathians.

Oh well.

Good book. Enjoyed it.
Profile Image for S.R. Harris.
Author 1 book65 followers
July 28, 2019
A 3.5 star read.

I honestly loved Lorraine and Andor, but I didn't quite enjoy the book as a whole.

I think this book went in reverse. It started out full of action with Andor being attacked by human vampire hunters, and Lorraine coming to his rescue. I loved Lorraine, she didn't take any shit and she was an expert in karate.

By the end of the book, all of the action had died down and I had to force myself to finish.

But, I still love this series.
Profile Image for Lynn Latimer.
860 reviews1 follower
August 9, 2018
In Book #28 of this long running Dark series, Lorraine Peters had gone camping on a personal retreat trying to find some peace of mind. She lost all of her family in a horrifying tragedy and so all she knew and loved was taken away. Andor Katona is just about at the end of his rope after having survived centuries as a warrior monk for his people, the Carpathians. Mortally wounded, he expects to die never having found his lifemate whom he believes is the other half of his soul. When Lorraine stumbles upon some humans about to finish him off, she goes on the attack. Andor is stunned to realize this brave and resourceful woman not only wants to save him, but is his fated lifemate.

For the first half of this book, Andor is in a very dire situation desperately needing the healing of the brethren who have come to help him while he and Lorraine form a bond and fight a very formidable enemy. She is a very modern woman who has definite opinions about his ancient sensibilities so they have quite a few challenges in order to form an immortal relationship. Lorraine is a warrior as well, something the Carpathians are learning they need to adjust to live in the modern world and are having trouble embracing. Her resourcefulness and psychic skills are a great asset against their enemy, Sergey, a Carpathian turned vampire who desires to destroy them and rule the world.

Lorraine must decide whether to accept Andor and become like him or turn away for this man who is so very different to any she has ever known. She cannot help but be drawn to him as their connection is intense on many levels. After losing one family, Lorraine realizes the possibly of having a new one with Andor and his kind as well as the humans who are integrated into their society. Fans of this long running series will likely be satisfied with this addition that adds some new aspects this complex and creative world.
Profile Image for Eva Millien.
3,140 reviews48 followers
December 30, 2022
The newest book in the world of the Carpathian is a spectacular read full of electrifying suspense, volatile action and carnal passion. Andor and Lorraine are two solid, enthralling characters that easily draw you into their story but it’s their exciting relationship that keeps readers glued to the pages from the very beginning. The relationship is a bit rocky because of the situation and their differences which causes some emotional turmoil, but like all lifemate romances, the magnetic attraction sizzles from their core and refuses to be denied.

The story starts off with some intense, thrilling excitement and continues to keeps on the edge with lots of fast paced, explosive action and anticipation building thrills. This novel flows smoothly from page to the next while the hunters go up against vampires that have a diabolical plan and seem to have formed an army. Surprising twists and turns keeps the characters on their toes and defeating this enemy may just take more hunters than they have.

I was unable to put Andor and Lorraine’s story down until I had read every last word of this spectacular Carpathian story, the world just keeps getting more fascinating and the author continues to wow readers with her creative imagination and wonderful world building. I especially love the flying carousel that she brought to vivid life and how lifelike the characters and thrilling danger is while I suspended in her world.
Profile Image for Michele.
2,165 reviews
September 7, 2018
See the full review at HarlequinJunkie.com

Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars

With exciting fight scenes and a fated, hot as sin romance filled with respect and compromise, Dark Sentinel was the perfect new addition to Christine Feehan’s uber popular Dark series.

I’m really not sure how Christine Feehan has managed to keep the Dark series so fresh and absolutely engrossing all the way here into book #28 but she certainly hasn’t lost her touch in spinning a fantastic story. Each book is a continuation of the story arc that started back in 1999 (!!!) so I would caution readers to at least start a few books prior to this one to see where the series has taken things recently–that is, if you don’t want to go back to the very beginning. Read More
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