Review: Darkness Returns (Guardians of Eternity #13)

Darkness Returns (Guardians of Eternity #13)

by Alexandra Ivy 

Blurb:

Blessed with an even more compelling allure than most vampires, Chiron has made a fortune in the human world, creating an empire of resorts and casinos. Since the betrayal and imprisonment of his master, he has existed outside the order of the Guardians, trusting no one. But now, the new vampire king has given him a peace offering: a scroll that could free his master. Following the relic’s magic leads him to a demon hotel deep in the Everglades, a lush paradise owned by a mysterious and  mesmerizing woman…

 As far as Lilah knows, she’s lived her entire life within the confines of her enchanted estate. Memories of her own past are elusive and cloaked in shadows. Even Chiron can’t figure out exactly what she is, and if her intoxicating beauty is his destiny or an illusion drawing him ever closer to his demise—or perhaps to an even more tormenting choice, between his master and his mate …

Themes: Paranormal, Vampires, Magick

Rating: 4.25 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

 After so long of a wait, this amazing series picks up right where it left off with a story of intrigue, magic and mystery as a sexy and dangerous vampire ventures to a dangerous location on a quest to free his master from a century of entrapment that will surely have left his crazed and angered. I though the series had ended with the last book, so this new edition to the series coming so much later was a very welcome addition to my life, and I was thrilled for the chance to read and review it. Chiron is a vampire that we have never met before, but when we learned his back-story and how he fits into the overall world of the series, I was immediately intrigued. It is interesting to see that he has made something of himself, despite having no support from others of his species over the centuries, and I love that he has collected other misfits and outcasts to form not only a clan, but a true family.  When the new king of the vampires comes to him with new information that has come to light, he sets out on a mission—with our favorite gargoyle as his sidekick—to find his former master who he long thought murdered, and release him from a century long imprisonment.  His search leads him into the everglades to a very well hidden demon-only hotel run by the enchanting Lilah, who immediately grabs his attention and his passions.  As he hunts on the property for his master, things begin to unravel and he learns that neither Lilah nor her hotel are all that they seem, but he wants her too much to stop. Lilah has led a truly sheltered life and has forgotten the majority of her past and childhood, blocking it out for some unknown reason, but running her hotel and living a life of peace is all she desires, until the sexy vampire Chiron bursts into her life. As the truth is uncovered, the love that Lilah and Chiron has begun to feel is challenged and they are forced to trust in it if they want to be able to have a future together full of that love and happiness. I loved the sensuality and strength that Chiron portrayed, but his sweetness to Lilah when he saw how innocent she was and understood that she is to be protected at all costs was what rounded him out as they perfect mate to me.  I enjoyed watching as he fought his attraction at first, but then once he gave in, fought even harder to make Lilah his mate and to prove to her that they could have a long and meaningful life together despite all the forces against them. Lilah has an inner strength that isn’t immediately apparent, but once she begins to truly shine we can see that she has really been hiding too long needs to find her way out of the darkness to live by Chiron’s side.  I am dying to see what comes next in the series now that it has been kicked off again, because Alexandra Ivy is truly one of my favorite paranormal authors, being one of the first that pulled me into the genre.  I love everything she writes and I cannot wait for the next book, but no matter how long it takes, I will be first in line, guaranteed. Team Levet, all the way!

*ebook provided by publisher (via netgalley) for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.