NARRATOR: Jim Frangione
PUBLISHER: Random House Audio
PUBLICATION DATE: April 4, 2017
FORMAT: Unabridged audiobook
LENGTH: 17 hrs and 32 mins
GENRE: Paranormal Romance
A scorching forbidden love threatens to tear a rift through the Black Dagger Brotherhood in J. R. Ward s newest novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.
Xcor, leader of the Band of Bastards, convicted of treason against the Blind King, is facing a brutal interrogation and torturous death at the hands of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Yet after a life marked by cruelty and evil deeds, he accepts his soldier's fate, his sole regret the loss of a sacred female who was never his: the Chosen Layla.
Layla alone knows the truth that will save Xcor s life. But revealing his sacrifice and his hidden heritage will expose them both and destroy everything Layla holds dear even her role of mother to her precious young. Torn between love and loyalty, she must summon the courage to stand up against the only family she has for the only man she will ever love. Yet even if Xcor is somehow granted a reprieve, he and Layla would have to confront a graver challenge: bridging the chasm that divides their worlds without paving the way for a future of even greater war, desolation, and death.
As a dangerous old enemy returns to Caldwell, and the identity of a new deity is revealed, nothing is certain or safe in the world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, not even true love . . . or destinies that have long seemed set in stone.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook for voluntary review consideration.
The Warden definitely shook things up in this one! My emotions were all over the place, and I loved every minute.
The main storyline focuses on Xcor and Layla. The Black Dagger Brotherhood is keeping Xcor alive in their cave, after the assassination attempt on Wrath's life. When Qhuinn finds out that Layla met up with Xcor while she was pregnant with the twins, he flips out and actually fires a gun in the BDB mansion in the children’s room. Qhuinn wants Layla’s maternal rights revoked and that she is thrown out of the mansion. As a mom, my heart bled for Layla. Qhuinn goes after Xcor while he’s in the cave and, even after smelling Xcor’s bonding scent for Layla, Qhuinn’s rage remains unchanged even though he’s now aware that Xcor could never harm his shellan and that Layla and the twins were never in any danger. It doesn’t matter to Qhuinn, though. There is no reasoning with this guy! He’s a hot-head, and that also affects his relationship with Blay who goes to stay with his parents. I have to admit that Qhuinn really pissed me off in this book. First, with his horrid treatment of Layla and then giving poor Lyric the cold shoulder just because she reminds him of her mahmen? Blech, that was just wrong! I thought he acted very immaturely.
I loved seeing Xcor’s evolution from foe to friend, as well as the development of his relationship with Layla. With Lassiter pulling the strings in his new role as replacement for the Scribe Virgin, he unites the BDB with Xcor’s Band of Bastards. We learn about Xcor’s sire, and that was a shock for me that I didn’t see coming!
Elsewhere in Caldwell, iAm is interviewing for a new waitress and is stunned to meet Therese who is a dead-ringer for Selena. Even Trez thinks so, who is so taken with her that he can’t keep away. I’m not sure what’s going on there but, if that really isn’t Selena, I think it’s hardly fair that she be just a substitute. Please tell me the Warden is not going there!
V, oh V!! My heart broke for Vishous. His relationship with Doc Jane is on the rocks, and V finds himself tempted to stray. He surprised me with backing up Xcor and Layla, but I was troubled by his own unhappiness. I really want to see things come to a head between V and Doc Jane NOW. I was frustrated at how he denied his own feelings and downplayed his hurt. I really hope this couple gets back on track in the next book.
Throe is getting more diabolical, and he’s still determined to overthrow the King. I didn’t particularly care for where things went with him.
So, the part of the story with Xcor and Layla I loved, but the rest of the book was an emotional rollercoaster! I still loved it, though, and I can’t wait to see where all these sub-plots are going!
Jim Frangione is just a pure delight for me. He is ear candy, and I could listen to him all day long. He reverted back to the new pronunciation of Primale (Pruh-MAH-lee instead of PRY-male), so let’s hope for continued consistency with the new pronunciations. Here is a sample of the narration:
The Warden definitely shook things up in this one! My emotions were all over the place, and I loved every minute.
The main storyline focuses on Xcor and Layla. The Black Dagger Brotherhood is keeping Xcor alive in their cave, after the assassination attempt on Wrath's life. When Qhuinn finds out that Layla met up with Xcor while she was pregnant with the twins, he flips out and actually fires a gun in the BDB mansion in the children’s room. Qhuinn wants Layla’s maternal rights revoked and that she is thrown out of the mansion. As a mom, my heart bled for Layla. Qhuinn goes after Xcor while he’s in the cave and, even after smelling Xcor’s bonding scent for Layla, Qhuinn’s rage remains unchanged even though he’s now aware that Xcor could never harm his shellan and that Layla and the twins were never in any danger. It doesn’t matter to Qhuinn, though. There is no reasoning with this guy! He’s a hot-head, and that also affects his relationship with Blay who goes to stay with his parents. I have to admit that Qhuinn really pissed me off in this book. First, with his horrid treatment of Layla and then giving poor Lyric the cold shoulder just because she reminds him of her mahmen? Blech, that was just wrong! I thought he acted very immaturely.
I loved seeing Xcor’s evolution from foe to friend, as well as the development of his relationship with Layla. With Lassiter pulling the strings in his new role as replacement for the Scribe Virgin, he unites the BDB with Xcor’s Band of Bastards. We learn about Xcor’s sire, and that was a shock for me that I didn’t see coming!
Elsewhere in Caldwell, iAm is interviewing for a new waitress and is stunned to meet Therese who is a dead-ringer for Selena. Even Trez thinks so, who is so taken with her that he can’t keep away. I’m not sure what’s going on there but, if that really isn’t Selena, I think it’s hardly fair that she be just a substitute. Please tell me the Warden is not going there!
V, oh V!! My heart broke for Vishous. His relationship with Doc Jane is on the rocks, and V finds himself tempted to stray. He surprised me with backing up Xcor and Layla, but I was troubled by his own unhappiness. I really want to see things come to a head between V and Doc Jane NOW. I was frustrated at how he denied his own feelings and downplayed his hurt. I really hope this couple gets back on track in the next book.
Throe is getting more diabolical, and he’s still determined to overthrow the King. I didn’t particularly care for where things went with him.
So, the part of the story with Xcor and Layla I loved, but the rest of the book was an emotional rollercoaster! I still loved it, though, and I can’t wait to see where all these sub-plots are going!
Jim Frangione is just a pure delight for me. He is ear candy, and I could listen to him all day long. He reverted back to the new pronunciation of Primale (Pruh-MAH-lee instead of PRY-male), so let’s hope for continued consistency with the new pronunciations. Here is a sample of the narration:
MY RATING:
This book qualifies as:
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Ooo! this sounds really good. Great review! ~Aleen
ReplyDeleteI guess you like this series - I just noticed this is book #15! Isn't it great to find a series that grabs you like that?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on another Big Book!
Sue
2017 Big Book Summer Challenge