Kat Kennedy's Reviews > Darkfever

Thanks for the rec. I will definitely check it out.

Okay. So I've read this series too. All the books that have been published, I mean. And yeah, I love them. So much. Barrons and V'laine get me all hot and bothered.

But because Karen M. Moning's other series, the Highlander series, is all about heaving bosoms and ripped bodices, I couldn't own up to reading THIS series, the fever series. I know, totally stupid of me, right? Because the fever series is actually quite good and has a great plot.

Have you ever tried to read the Highlander series? It's okay. I guess. If you like that sort of thing. Which, I don't. And it's a shame because I've heard that the Fever series and the Highlander series are actually related--like, the fever series is sort of a spin-off of the Highlander series, or something.

My favorite book in this series is Dreamfever. I've read it twice already. So friggin' good. BTW, if you've read Dreamfever I'd love to know your theories about the end of that book. I've got a few theories of my own but have yet to discuss them with anyone because I've been keeping my love of this series on the DL. (people from my church and a few of my sisters-in-law are on my goodreads friends list. I just don't want these people knowing about my crazy addiction to this awesome series. And none of them will see this comment because it's not going to show up on my feed, or whatever it's called).

LOL, good job hiding this comment - even *I* didn't see it! Apparently, yes, the Fever series IS a spinoff of Highlander (from what those who have read both tell me) but I haven't read Highlander and after your comments, I think I'll give it a miss.

Except, apparently there's important clues in Highlander! Like more information throughout the series on the Unseelie king and what happened.

Now, as to theories... goodness! I have a ton! First of all, I don't think it's Barrons even though I first suspected as much. Some people think it's her father... why? I don't know! That just seems silly to me.

I'm hoping it was just a dream or illusion...Just like I'm seriously hoping Ryodan didn't really die...

There is a chance it could be Christian - I don't know - there's a debate over whether the beast was IYD or not. I'm kind of hoping it might have been Christian truthfully!

LOL about the church comment. Yes, my Pastor isn't aware of my reading habits, not that I would care if he did, but I'd probably get the bitching out of the century for it!

Dreamfever is also my favorite book! I love it! Let me know what your theories are!

I'm thinking it was either V'laine or Barrons. V'laine because we don't know what the crap happened to him after he disappeared from the abbey (after Mac used his name and he showed up in that hallway that was heavily warded). Maybe the ward sent him to that place AND made him into that beast.

I think it might be Barrons because of her reaction when she sees who it is. As much as I'd love her to react the same way to seeing a dead V'laine laying in front of her (because I sort of like him more then Barrons. Why??? Because he wants so much to learn about human emotions because he likes Mac so much. Also, he's the underdog, which, I don't know if you know this, but I have a soft spot for the underdog), I know she probably wouldn't. Yeah, she'd be upset but not so much that she'd feel as though she lost everything.

I'm thinking it's Barrons, but he's not really dead, at least not exactly. And even if he is, it doesn't matter because another Barrons will come along.

(WARNING: I'm just about to blow your mind with my insane theory. Or I might just confuse you, because even I can get tangled up in my theory because it involves time travel and alternate timelines. P.S. this theory was partially inspired by LOST.)

What do I mean, you ask? I mean that the Barrons that died comes from another time. From what I understand, those mirrors/slivers give a person the ability to travel through space AND/OR time. And so the Barrons that's laying dead in front of Mac is actually a future version of him. He could be from one hundred years in the future, or just five days in the future, it doesn't necessarily matter.

Remember how Barrons told Mac that he and Christian were doing that Druid ceremony on Halloween night? He never mentioned that he and Christian got sucked into the silvers. Mac only learned that after Christian told her. Why didn't Barron's tell her that little detail? My theory? After they got separated Barron's found his way back to earth, but in that timeline everything was horribly jacked up, I'm talking way worse then we think/know. Because of this Barrons used the silvers and went back in time in an attempt to alter the timeline.

Okay, before I elaborate on the whole changing of the timeline thing, I need to bring up something else. Have you noticed how all the men in Mac's life are OBSESSED with Mac's sex life? They've all asked her (throughout the series) if she's having sex with one of them, be it Barrons, Christian, or V'laine. Not only have they asked her who she may be having sex with, Christian came out and asked her specifically when she had sex with Barrons.

When I first read Dreamfever I thought that was incredibly odd. Why would it matter WHEN she had sex with Barrons???

All three of these men are very powerful in their own right. One is a seelie Prince, one is a very powerful Druid, and the other--???--we don't know what he is exactly, but I have my theories (Barrons=Cruce).

What if there's more to the prophecy about Mac and her sister. What if it says something about the sister that lives? What if it matters who she sleeps with first, but more importantly WHEN she sleeps with them.

I reread Dreamfever to see who has sex with her first, "the fourth unseelie prince" (the guy who's face was concealed, and who also happened to be invisible) or one of the other unseelie princes. And I think the invisible guy had sex with her first on November 1st.

Whoever THAT guy is is part of the prophecy. And it matters if she loves him or not (which is why Christian asked Mac when she had sex with Barrons and if she has feelings for him). BTW, that guy could be Christian or Barrons or possibly even V'lane.

You know what? It's been a while since I've read this series or thought about my theory, so I'm going to have to look at dreamfever again. Maybe even force myself to read the Highlander series.

I've gotten halfway through books one and two of the highlander series and I couldn't stand either of them. Both of them were about two different brooding alpha males (who had massive dicks and amazing lovemaking skillzzzz) who could not be tamed by any woman UNTIL one day they are, they have lots of amazingly drawn-out sex with said women, THE END (okay, not exactly since I don't know how these books ended). The sex scenes are so ridiculously long and detailed I ended up quitting both books half-way through. It's not like I'm opposed to sex scenes, it's just that I've got a limit. Plus, there is a right way and a wrong way to write sex scenes, and unfortunately I don't think Moning does it right in the first two books of the Highlander series.

But yeah, I'm going to have to reread dreamfever and I'll get back to you with my theory. I've just forgotten some of the finer details and so now I'm confused. Sorry.

Oh my goodness, Penny - you absolutely crack me up!

To be honest, I need to go back and read the whole series again. I'd always just assumed that the three men were asking her about her love life because they were jealous and possessive, but your theory could have some merit.

I agree that if it were V'lane, I doubt she'd be as devastated as whoever it was that appeared on the cliff. But then again, would she be as upset with the death of Barrons either?

I just don't know. As for the Highlander series - well, I have no interest in reading about ANYMORE brooding men with wonder-peens meeting yet another TSTL heroine. Thanks for the heads up! I think I had one of the highlander books on my To-Read list!

I can't believe we have to wait until November! It's so painful! Moning is just EVIL for leaving us with that Cliffie!

My theories can be a little (read: a lot) complicated. And more then they need to be. I tend to over-reach (wild imagination). But here's the deal, I really had this theory all worked out, but that was months ago. And it all seemed to check out.

In the beginning of the first Highlander book the Fae king or his assistant uses something (my guess is the silvers) to travel into the future (our time) and abduct a saucy wench, then takes her back to the time of The Highlander--a man who will never be tamed, ever. Anyway, all sorts of craziness and sexual tension ensues, much sex is had, and the Fae king losses his bet, The End (or so I'm guessing on this last part. But yeah, I do know the Fae king loses his bet).

It's because of the first Highlander book that I think time travel ties into the Fever series.

BTW, if I can recall the details of the Highlander series correctly, I believe most of these Highlanders (or some of them, at least) are of the clan MacKeltar (Christian is a MacKeltar), but I don't know if that means Christian is The One--I tend to think not.

Syopsis for Kiss of the Highlander (LOL):

"A laird trapped between centuries...

Enchanted by a powerful spell, Highland laird Drustan MacKeltar slumbered for nearly five centuries hidden deep in a cave, until an unlikely savior awakened him. The enticing lass who dressed and spoke like no woman he'd ever known was from his distant future, where crumbled ruins were all that remained of his vanished world. Drustan knew he had to return to his own century if he was to save his people from a terrible fate. And he needed the bewitching woman by his side....

A woman changed forever in his arms...

Gwen Cassidy had come to Scotland to shake up her humdrum life and, just maybe, meet a man. How could she have known that a tumble down a Highland ravine would send her plunging into an underground cavern—to land atop the most devastatingly seductive man she'd ever seen? Or that once he'd kissed her, he wouldn't let her go?

Bound to Drustan by a passion stronger than time, Gwen is swept back to sixteenth-century Scotland, where a treacherous enemy plots against them ... and where a warrior with the power to change history will defy time itself for the woman he loves...."

Synopsis for The Dark Highlander:

"Journey to a world of ancient magic, breathtaking sensuality, thrilling time-travel... Journey to the world of The Dark Highlander. Crisscrossing the continents and the centuries, here is a novel as gripping as it is sensual—an electrifying adventure that will leave you breathless...

I am Dageus MacKeltar, a man with one good conscience and thirteen bad ones, driven to sate my darkest desires...From his penthouse lair high above Manhattan, Dageus looks out over a glittering city that calls to the darkness within him. A sixteenth century Scot trapped between worlds, he is fighting a losing battle with the thirteen Druids who possess his soul, dooming him to an eternity of sexual pursuit. When Chloe Zanders, student of antiquities, is drawn into his world, she finds the insatiable Alpha male an irresistible lure.

Before long, she is caught up in an ancient prophecy that will sweep her back in time to medieval Scotland. Plunged into a world of timeless magic and dark seduction, she will soon face the challenge of a lifetime: fighting thirteen evil spirits for the heart of one irresistible man..."


Sooooo...yeah...ROFLMAO. I'm going to have to get someone to summarize up the plots to all the books in this series because there is no way I could ever get all the way through any of these books. It's just not possible.

*Groans and facepalms* I would accuse you of making those up but... no... they must be real and in that case I'm so glad I never bought those books! Who publishes summaries THAT bad? I mean... that's badder than bad...

I'm rereading Darkfever now looking for clues. Remember that shade that's extra hostile towards Mac? I think there's a reason for this that will come into the next book. I think it ties into Barrons as well. This is my half-ass lame theory so far.

As to the time travel... *gulps* I don't want Barrons to die! As much as I hate that he's so violent all the time, I still have a soft spot for him... even if I DO want to see him dropped on his ass at some point. The man seriously needs to learn about personal boundaries and temper control.

You're right - they're so obsessed with her sex life!

I've heard a theory that Dani has Mac's sister's journal.

I'm working on a theory that Barrons is somehow connected to the Un/Seelie King! *Gasps*

So I'm guessing you've finished rereading the series. Isn't it weird the stuff that suddenly seems connected when you read a series again?

Yeah, what is it with the guys unhealthy obsession with who she's having sex with.

OH! What about Dani having Mac's sister's journal? Please elaborate. Like, how did Dani get her hands on it.

And I totally think Barrons is connected to the unseelie king. It's just none of the faeries can remember him because he was banished THAT long ago. All of the faeries have drunk that forgetfulness punch (can't remember actual name of drink, or whatever it is. I really need to read these books again.)

Okay well, you remember in the fourth book how Dani makes a comment to Mac about how sisters can forgive almost anything? and then she thinks to herself that Mac will never forgive her?

And remember how Mac received that page of the journal the first time - well, guess who brought in the mail! DANI!

I don't know how or why she'd have it though but Alina makes a comment about "he's going to kill her." and I think "her" may be Dani.

Barrons was too annoyed with Mac's response and opinions on the Unseelie king for him NOT to be connected to him in some way!

I'm so glad you came out of the closet! Must have been a hard decision for you!

I have finally read Dreamfever and ready to join this convo.

1) It better NOT be Jericho

2) Penny, your theory is WILD!

3) The ending was totally fecked up

4) Barrons is the Unseelie King

5) How is Moning going to wrap up all loose ends?

I know! Wasn't it absolutely infuriating!? I can't believe we have to wait for December!

I don't know how she's going to tie them all up but... seriously, I can't wait.

I love Barrons. That's just it. I agree - it TOTALLY better not be him!

I'm pretty sure he's the Unseelie King too but sometimes other things don't add up.

Glad you enjoyed it.

I am pretty sure he is the Unseelie King. I thought so in many instances, especially when he was defensive of him telling the story about the Silvers and that he did all that crazy stuff just for the woman he loved, etc, etc. Maybe it doesn't completely fit, but I conveniently forgot all the pieces that didn't fit the puzzle.

There are so many unanswered questions!

And I was pretty pissed about the having sex part. That's so not how I wanted IT to happen!!!

Yes. But I did love the thubthumping - or whatever you call it.

I want the REAL sex to happen with the real Mac (AND it so better in the next book or I'm taking out a vengeance pact on KMM!)

I just wonder since there are nine others like Barrons - what are they? They can't be Unseelie Kings too.

Wait a minute. Hasn't it already been established that Barrons isn't fey? I can't remember now.

I liked that part because it really showed Barrons' feelings for Mac. And he is deffo one sexy beast! But I SO wanted Mac to be present and in her own mind, because otherwise it doesn't count. It's like hooking up with someone (even if you really like that someone) when you are totally drunk and have no idea what you are doing. It's not for real.

I have no idea what his buddies and Ryordan are. Maybe some superior cast of Unseelie? It's just impossible to guess.

Penny, if I remember it right, the way Mac was trying to check if Barrons wasn't Unseelie was by making him touch the spear. He was able to do it, but the Unseelie King can touch Seelie Hallows without any damage. I remember it clearly, it was at the beginning of Dreamfever.

I'm a little late to the discussion :o) Kat was kind enough to point out this thread. So much to absorb! So many theories. I just plowed through books 1-4 in the last two weeks so everything is a little jumbled up in my head right now!

Kat pointed out that the book is called “dream” fever and I went back to the passage where Barrons is explaining how some realms in the Hall of All Days crashed into the Dreaming. The Dreaming is where all hopes, fantasies, illusions, and nightmares of sentient beings come to be or go to rest (pg239). What if the beast transformed into someone she loves b/c it is a manifestation of one of her nightmares? It would make the most sense if the beast turned into Barrons, but if it is indeed a nightmare, the beast could have turned into anyone she loves. Ryodan, unfortunately, didn’t have time to explain very much to Mac and currently isn’t there to provide any perspective on the situation. I have a hard time believing that Ryodan would kill the beast if it was actually Barrons. Although, I do like Penny’s theory about time travel and that there could be more than one Barrons in space and time.

As for Barrons being the Un/Seelie King, I think it is very unlikely. Barrons hates the fae! He has told Mac countless times to never trust a Fairy. He sees himself as being superior to them and even goes so far as to believe that b/c he is so powerful, he can touch the book w/o being affected. The fae know better, that’s why they need Mac. There is also the fact that the fae fear him b/c he can kill them. Even the shades, which have no form, wont go near him.

I think when Barrons is telling the story of the King and his concubine, he can relate to the idea of going dark for someone you love. It seems that Barrons loved someone deeply in the past and it may or may not have had something to do with the child that died in his arms. If anything, I think Barrons might be Cruce. We don’t know if Cruce was Seelie or Unseelie. What we do know, is that he was powerful, he coveted the concubine, and he cursed the silvers. Barrons is very reluctant to talk about Cruce and the curse with Mac, b/c he claims that it is irrelevant and Cruce is dead. Barrons name wasn’t always Jericho. What if he was once known as Cruce, but that part of him his “dead.” I also wondered if the body that Barrons carried out of the Unseelie prison was that of the concubine.

These are just some of my ideas and theories :o) I can’t wait for the final book! A lot of questions still need to be answered, but the last book is 500 pages long (Yay!!) so hopefully everything will be revealed!

Haha great review. Well done with the video review as well. :)

Nice updates. I had to unlike and like this review again.

I still remember it was you who gave me the FEVER!

Well, it was only fair! I've read so many brilliant books on your recommendation that I had to give a little back!

Still laughing. Your reviews brighten my day!

Glad to hear it, AH!

Oh, and I loved your video blog review. You're doing great. You were very convincing. If I hadn't read the Fever series, I would have run out to buy the series! Looking forward to your next vlog.

These books are the cocaine of the literary world. I couldn't stop reading them.

Hey, was Mr.Kennedy one of the Dreamfever Dream cast entries??? :)

Oh AH - you're making me blush!

Meg - they sure are!

Megan - all I know is, he should have been. I haven't had a look at that one, tbh.

Funny review, Kat! This is most definitely a crack series. The books aren't the greatest by themselves, but they are so difficult to put down!

just have his ears pinned and he would be lush

I am pretty interested in picking up this series except your review kind of put me off about the rape and violence...how bad do you think it is? For instance, I cant read/see the girl with the dragon tattoo because it is too violent/disturbing for me. Would you say its more/less/equal intense than that?

Much less intense and violent than The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.

Thank you!

Kat, I just about peed myself laughing over this review.

Particularly: For goodness sake, Mr Kennedy! Take those sunglasses out of your mouth! I can't hear what you're saying! .

And due to this review, I read all 5 novels in two days. And no, I did not sleep very much...so thank you! I enjoyed them immensely and will keep coming back to your reviews/recommendations faithfully!

LOL! Awesome review Kat!!! I can't wait to read more from this series!!

Lmao in regards to the hubby +wife convo

wow, since I saw this picture (shirtless Channing Tatum), this is how I will envision Barrons whenever I read the book. Haha!

Your review made me pick up the first two books of the series to take with me, when I went away on vacation with my family for a week. Boy did I regret that!

Not only did I have no interest what so ever in running around and playing with my kids,(Shush sweetie, mommy is reading right now!), But after two and a half days, I was out of Fever books and had to order the rest - and wait until we got back home to be able to lay my hands on them :)

What a ride! Thank you very much for recommending these books. I'll go play with my kids now... And then go back and reread the series again, at a more sedate pace this time.

I'm buying this book JUST because you said "manflesh"! :D

Man you are entertaining.

I just joined goodreads and I haven't accomplished jack shit because I've been reading your ridiculously entertaining reviews. How did I get here?

Oh my goodness crazy lady! Love the pic of the 2 dudes. You're hilarious. I'm starting this series that seems to make all my female book friends a bit crazy!

Channing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Absolutely agree with this review! Mmm, it's business time.

The feminist in me was kicking my shins for being so droolish over this series, but the hormonal part of me knocked my feminist side out with a club.

I followed your advice and clicked on the link to your video review, only to have youtube tell me it's set to private. I. Was. Devastated. lol

LOL. Here is our YouTube Channel if you really can't help your attraction for me.

*clicks link* You life saver. :P

I love your review. You and "Mr.Kennedy" are so funny :)). You rock.

bwhahhaha spot on