ARC Review: His Darkest Salvation by Juliana Stone

His Darkest Salvation 

Jaguar Warriors #3

by Juliana Stone 

Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages

Expected publication: July 26th 2011 by Avon

In a world on the brink of chaos, passion and vengeance collide … After six months in hell, Julian Castille has returned to the world a changed man. No longer the calm, powerful CEO, but a shifter fully embraced by the blood of his clan. Julian has one goal: find the key to the portal that stands between the human realm and unprecedented darkness—and win back the pieces of his soul. The last thing he needs is a distraction like the beautiful, enigmatic Jaden DaCosta. Three years ago, a forbidden night of passion left Jaden forever altered: mated to Julian Castille–bound to a man who despises her. But the temptation to trust this darker, more savage—and more captivating—Julian is overwhelming. And as they fight for their immortal souls, their insatiable desire for each other may prove their fatal undoing…

Goodreads


My Thoughts:

Another sensational read from paranormal romance author Juliana Stone and a stunning conclusion to her Jaguar Warriors trilogy.

After spending six months in hell having their souls carved out of them Julian Castille and Declan O’Hara return changed men. In order to get the missing pieces of their soul back they must hunt down a portal that everyone seems to be after; and if they fail they will not only lose their souls completely, but hell will reign on earth. When Julian catches Jaden DaCosta hiding in his apartment though, the key might just be in reach. But will Jaden turn out to be a distraction that he can’t afford?

Jaden DaCosta has been a double agent, working against her family, for years. But Jaden first met Julian three years ago during what was supposed to be a simple one-night-stand that ended up turning into a life altering event when her jaguar claimed Julian as her mate. Denying his own animal and repulsed by hers Julian quickly fled, unaware of the irreparable damage he caused her.

Now they must work together in a race against time to find the portal before it’s too late. Skirting danger at every corner and fighting the undeniable animal magnetism between them while passion ignites and Julian must decide between his soul and the jaguar that is forever his…

His Darkest Salvation picks up six months after His Darkest Embrace. Dark, sensual and full of adrenaline pumping action, Juliana Stone delivers an exciting conclusion for the Castille brothers. The series arc consists of complex world building so I would recommend reading the first two novels prior to diving into His Darkest Salvation.

I was unsure as to how I would feel about Julian's story because in the previous two novels Julian didn't stand out or have that alpha quality to him that his brothers had. He wasn't a warrior and has spent his life denying his jaguar heritage until he assists on rescue mission with Jaxon, then he slowly starts to embrace his animal side. I should have known not to doubt Juliana Stone's ability to weave a captivating story though!

In His Darkest Salvation J. Stone adds unseen dimensions to Julian’s character; dark and tormented, his struggle with the missing pieces of his soul will capture your heart even as you want to beat him senseless for being such an ass! Yet while Julian knows that he is being a heartless jerk, he just can’t seem to care and you feel for him because he tries to but is ultimately  incapable due the darkness inside of him. Jaden DaCosta is a tough-as-nails heroine though, a warrior through and through who can more then take care of herself. Being the daughter of the evil and manipulative DaCosta leader Jaden fights for what is right and is totally fierce. This novel would not have been the same without her, J. Stone did a fantastic job fitting the perfect heroine to the hero here because I don’t think anyone else would of been able to put up with Julian and stick by his side throughout the way Jaden did, even as she hates herself for not being able to let him go. There's no fighting the fact that their animals are drawn to each other though. This adds an abundance of sexual tension, anger and conflicting emotions to an already intense plot. 
J. Stone has superbly woven an intricate tale of romance and end-of-the-world suspense that is unmatched IMO. By the end I was craving for more.

Though the ending was decidedly evil for Declan fans, such as myself, I cannot wait for the spin-off series, League of Guardians, in which we will find out the answers to a whole bunch of questions that arisen at the end of His Darkest Salvation. Now please hurry up and get here April, I'm already going through Declan withdrawals and need Wicked Road to Hell now! Evil, evil author making me wait through three novels and a novella for his story! LoL I ♥ Declan and I was very pleased that he played a big part in this novel. But, back to the review… Jaguar Warriors is a must read series and if you haven’t picked it up yet then you should right away! For fans of the series, you will not be disappointed with this last book and it is sure to leave you hungering for more as well!

Rating: 4 Wine Glasses - Loved It!

You can check out my reviews on the previous two novels by clicking on the titles below:

His Darkest Hunger by Juliana Stone

His Darkest Embrace by Juliana Stone