🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷 #Review of Death of Darkness by Dianne Duvall

 

Title: Death of Darkness
Series: Immortal Guardians #9
Author: Dianne Duvall
Format: Kindle Edition, 682 pages
Published: August 20th 2019 (Dianne Duvall)
ISBN: ASIN B07SZFJY4F
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Reviewer: Linda
Source: Author
Rating: 5 out of 5 Wine Glasses

Seth has led the Immortal Guardians for thousands of years. With them fighting by his side, he has protected humans from psychotic vampires, defeated corrupt mercenary armies, defended military bases under attack, and more. But the latest enemy to rise against the Immortal Guardians has proven to be a formidable one, wielding almost as much power as Seth. His goal is simple. He wants to watch the world burn. And he will use every means at his disposal to accomplish it. Seth and his Immortal Guardians have succeeded thus far in staving off Armageddon despite heartbreaking losses. But they have never before faced such danger. Seth has only one wish: to protect his Immortal Guardians family and ensure the continuation of humanity by defeating his foe. But then Leah walks into his life and sparks a new desire.

Leah Somerson has suffered losses of her own. It has taken her a long time to rebuild her life and find some semblance of peace. Then one night a tall, dark, powerful immortal with what appears to be the weight of the world on his shoulders stumbles into her shop, and everything changes. Peace and contentment are no longer enough. Now she wants more. She wants to find happiness. She wants to erase the darkness in Seth’s eyes and replace it with love and laughter. She knows he’s different in ways that make most fear him. Even some of his immortal brethren keep a careful distance. But Leah will not. Nor will she shy away when danger strikes.

Linda's Thoughts:

“Here. “ She shoved three large towels at his chest. “Get out of those wet clothes and dry off. Don’t worry,” she promised with a grin. “I’m not going to take advantage of you.”
He actually smiled then. “Would you be offended if I expressed disappointment?”

Death of Darkness is the mind-blowing, phenomenal and literally earth-shaking ninth entry in Dianne Duvall’s amazing Immortal Guardians saga. Seth receives his well-earned HEA with a riveting story that will heartily take your breath away. This tale will work well as a stand alone read if that is your preference, but fans will be tinkled pink as all their favorite characters from previous books play supporting roles. Series’ fans can also expect to be elated by stunning revelations about the Guardians’ past. Can a cure for the virus be around the corner?

Have you ever read a book in which you dread every time one of the lead characters’ phone rings? For millennia, Seth has been the father-figure for the Immortal Guardians. Celibate since tragically losing his mortal wife and children long ago, his family has since solely consisted of his beloved Guardians. He feels their joys and pain and takes complete responsibility for their safety. Since the villainous Gershom has risen in power equal to Seth’s, the danger to Seth’s beloved Guardians has been exponentially increased. The situation has dissolved to where workaholic Seth is on duty 24/hours a day in a never-ending struggle to keep his family safe from Gershom and his minions. Precious stolen moments with his adopted daughter, Ami, and his granddaughter, Adira, afford him a rare smile. Then, Seth meets Leah and experiences a joyful break from his bleak existence. Seth tries to deny himself the pleasure of Leah’s company but his friends, family and fate conspire against him.

Leah is a confident, mature human woman in her forties with a painful past somewhat similar to Seth’s losing her husband and child in a shocking accident years ago. She has clawed herself back from a depressing existence and now owns a children’s store which Ami and Adira frequent. Since the Guardians can’t be too careful with Gershom about, Seth and David visit Leah’s store to ensure that she’s not mind-controlled by Gershom. His visit aligns with certain adorable moments in which Adira plays match-maker linking Seth’s and Leah’s hands. But, Leah doesn’t want to be Seth’s cougar girl-friend so they agree to be friends until Leah is attacked.

I love Seth and Leah. He’s gorgeous, strong, generous, responsible and kind. She’s self-assured and hootingly rolls with the flow. Their banter is precious and her comments especially provide a plethora of  laugh-out-loud moments. The chemistry between them is sweet and hot, hot, hot. Even days after finishing this book, my heart continues to sing for this couple.

Following please find a few of my favorite lines from Death of Darkness:

“Leah,” he whispered. Heart slamming against his ribs, he knelt beside her.
She glanced at his hand on her breast. “C-cradle robber,” she accused with a faint smile. “If I’d kn-known that was all I had to do to get you to feel me up, I w-would’ve gotten shot sooner.”
---
Seth ditched his pants.
Her eyes widened.
“Don’t say it,” he warned as he knelt on the edge of the bed.
“Don’t say what?” she asked, still staring at the hard length that strained toward her.
Grasping her delicate ankles, he eased her legs apart. “Big hands, big feet…”
Her lips twitched as she met his gaze. “Fine. I’ll just think it.”
---
“It storms when you make love?”
“Apparently.”
Turning back to the large warriors in the hallway, Leah flashed them all a grin. “Well then, boys, you’d better put your rain boots on. Because monsoon season is coming.”

Death of Darkness is teeming with passion, humor, action and suspense. It is a perfectly paced paranormal urban fantasy paired with a timeless romance. The book is big consisting of nearly 700 pages  - all WITHOUT A SINGLE DULL MOMENT. NADA!  NOT A ONE! I’m thrilled that there is more to come in this superlative, wonderfully fun, gripping series. I wonder whose story will be told next…? I hope dreadlock David’s is coming up soon, but I’m game for anyone’s in Dianne’s Immortal Guardians universe!



Suggested Reading Order:
BOOK 1 Darkness Dawns
BOOK 2 Night Reigns
BOOK 3 Phantom Shadows
BOOK 3.5 In Still Darkness
BOOK 4 Darkness Rises
BOOK 5 Night Unbound
BOOK 5.5 Phantom Embrace
BOOK 6 Shadows Strike
BOOK 7 Blade of Darkness
BOOK 8 Awaken the Darkness 
BOOK 9 Death of Darkness