Review: Shades of Darkness (Guardians of Eternity #16)

Shades of Darkness (Guardians of Eternity #16)

by Alexandra Ivy

Blurb:

The Guardians of Eternity think they’ve averted the disaster that could destroy them. But in New York Times bestselling author Alexandra Ivy’s world of temptation, lust, and secrets, one slip could change everything . . .

Chaaya endured centuries as a sacrifice, protecting her people from an evil that could destabilize all magic. At long last, her servitude is over—and she’s raring to have some fun. The baddest ghost-girl in Las Vegas has a talent for causing mayhem. And for getting under the skin of her solid, silent bodyguard, the vampire Basq . . .

Basq doesn’t let anyone close. He’s learned the costs of companionship. But reckless, disrespectful Chaaya, with her fiery temper and her fierce loneliness, isn’t like anyone else. Staying near her isn’t just a duty, it’s a hunger. When a prisoner of Chaaya’s last battle escapes, possibly seeking Chaaya’s nemesis, Basq isn’t letting her chase through a hellscape mirror London alone. But when the choice is between abandoning everything that’s kept them alive, or each other, survival will take not only desire—but trust . . .

Themes:  Paranormal, Magick

Rating:  3.75 stars

Heat Rating: 
Review:

 Well, this series certainly continues to get more and more interesting and intense, leading into new and terrifying world and discoveries. Ivy’s Guardians of Eternity series has been one of my favorites since almost the very beginning, not only because of the imaginative world building, but the sensual and spunky characters, and sassy and hilarious dialogue too. That being said, while this story certainly hit a lot of buttons on the plot and storyline, I was not as enamored of the romantic angle between Chaaya and Basq.  Chaaya came into the story a book or so ago when she appeared out of nowhere after having been instrumental in keeping a dangerous demon locked down for centuries, but no one knows what she is, how she has the powers she does, or where she comes from.  Determined to keep her safe, the demons have attempted to keep her at least somewhat sequestered in Las Vegas with Basq as her bodyguard, but she refuses to be contained anymore and is making their lives hell.  Basq wants to figure out the “ghost-girl” and understand why she draws him so completely, but the more she puts her life in danger the more annoyed with her he gets. When she is called back into service to hunt a dangerous criminal that has escaped from prison, Basq tags along—whether she likes it or not—and they soon find themselves trapped in a shadowing alternate world and have to depend on one another to survive.  But as the secrets of Chaaya’s past and future come to light, Basq also has to decide if the newly forming bond with his woman is enough to bring them through the dangers they face.  I very much enjoyed the overall plot and story for this book, despite all the jumping around between POVs and the side stories, and am looking forward to where the world is heading next.  The heat between Chaaya and Basq was a hit and miss, or maybe they just hid it well and it was hard to see, but when they figured out how important they were to one another they were both all-in mighty fast after having been so resistant to being with one another.  I lived both characters independently though.  Chaaya was a bit of a shit, but her sass and spunk was understandable considering her past, however I really got to like her when she began to grow up and see how important she was to those around her.  Basq was so often at his wit’s end that it was hard to see how he might have been under normal circumstances, but I think I would have liked him too.  The side story with Bridgett and Levet was fun too and I’m looking forward to reading more about her in future stories. All-in-all a pretty good read, though not my favorite in the series.

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