i read a lot of books - this is the first book in a very long time that actually surprised me with the end.

Can't wait to read the next one! ( )

2.5 stars

This book was pretty ho-hum. Paladins protect the world from the Others. Paladins die, but can be revived. However, there is no explanation on what exactly the Paladins and Others are. We know the Others are bad, but that's it. We don't know what makes them bad and it's very sketchy where they come from. What makes the Paladins tick? Are they born this way? Is there something in their DNA? What? It was very poor world building, in my opinion. None of the characters had any depth and I didn't really care who was trying to kill Devlin. There was a slight spark of interest near the end concerning the Others and I may read the next one because of it. ( )

Dark Protector by Alexis Morgan
Book #1 in the Paladins of Darkness
4 Stars

Synopsis:
Devlin Bane is a Paladin, one of an ancient race of warriors born to defend the Earth from deadly invaders known as the Others. The Paladins of renowned for their fighting skills and for their ability to rejuvenate after death, however, each resurrection results in additional losses of their humanity until they ultimately turn into the monsters they are destined to fight. Now, Devlin has finally found someone to live for, Laurel Young, the doctor assigned to be his handler. Unfortunately, someone wants Devlin permanently dead and will not hesitate to use Laurel as bait.

Review:
Morgan’s characters are intriguing and she writes a compelling action-packed plot that ratchets up a notch toward the end. Nevertheless, the descriptions of the Paladin’s world, as well as that of the Others, are insufficient. The mythos and characterization are one dimensional and inadequately explained. The identity of the villain, for example, is almost immediately obvious due to the lack of detail, and Devlin’s backstory and training to become a Paladin is suspiciously absent.

The romance in the story is sweet. Devlin is a typical alpha male but has some endearing insecurities and Laurel is intelligent and independent. The fact that they are forced to keep their feelings secret because relationships between Paladins and their handlers are frowned upon adds another layer to the underlying tension between them. However, it was difficult to become completely immersed in them as a couple as their connection seems forced and even somewhat clinical. The character that really caught my attention is Blake Trahern, the hero of the next book, who appeals to my “bad boy with a heart of gold” fetish.

Recommendation: Despite its shortcomings, the book is exciting and enjoyable, and there are enough elements, such as the conspiracy and the search for a cure for the Paladin’s condition, to retain my interest in finding out where the story is going. Consequently, I will be continuing with the series. ( )

If you love Kenyon's Dark hunter's you'll love the Paladins of Darkness series by Alexis Morgan. Dark Protector is the first book in this sexy, hot new series and it deliveries in every way. ( )

This books starts strong and then goes in circles. It looks like this was the authors first publication, so it’s understandably a learning process. I will try Book Two in the hopes of answering the question of just who the villain is. I’m hoping it doesn’t take until Book Seven to find that answered, otherwise I will never know. I don’t have the patience to follow that far, nor the inclination to reward an author for not concluding just to get us to pick up the next book. I like closure. The only reason why I read the whole book was due to curiosity–which remained unfulfilled.

It’s a problem when the demonic or alien race is Other. It lacks imagination, and gets irritating keeping “other” separated from standard speech. I liked the plot, but it and the characters needed to be more fully developed. It could have been so much more! There was so much potential. I couldn’t get very attached to the characters. If they were to die, which they didn’t, I wouldn’t have cared. The book has sex scenes, not romantic moments, and they aren’t very creditable. I don’t mind romance or sex, but it shouldn’t be clumsy or distract away from the plots momentum. If it doesn’t make you hot, it’s not worth the pages its written on.

I’m hoping that Book Two will be better. This book had enough going on to give the next book a try.
( )