I worried that Risa Jones would not live up to her Aunt Riley.
I should never have doubted Arthur. Loyal and new readers alike will love the Dark Angels series.
Risa is such an amazing heroine that I instantly loved. Now twenty-eight years old, Risa isn’t the little girl we know from the Riley Jensen series. Arthur has made a fun, kick-ass heroine who possesses wit, intelligence and determination that I admired.
Risa is half werewolf and half Aedh which allows her to see reapers. I have to say that the Aedh part of her really intrigued me. Having never read anything like it, I found myself glued to the pages, anticipating the next time she “shifted”.
In addition to a great lead in Risa, there were two other things that really made this book for me.
The first is Risa’s supporting cast. Like Riley’s gang, I fell in love with all the supporting characters in this book. Risa runs a restaurant called RTY with Tao and Iliana, her best friends. Iliana is a witch whereas Tao is a werewolf who wields fire. I have to say out of the two, Tao really stood out. He provided that comfort and strength that Risa needed many times during this book and I found that his presence really made the book for me.
Also, Risa has a love interest in Lucian Dupont, a fellow Aedh. This man is sexy. That is all.
Then Risa has her very own reaper in the form of Azriel, the sword-wielding warrior. Surprise, surprise, I loved him too!
Arthur does a really great job of creating distinguishable characters that are fun and memorable. When I love characters enough to remember specifics, I’m much more likely to continue a series to find out what happens to them.
Secondly, the pacing of this book is perfection. The words just flowed. There were no dragging moments. Arthur allows for small reprieves for her characters but this book is really action-packed, filled to the brim with the paranormal. And I loved every moment of it!
I highly recommend this series. Readers will love Arthur’s take on the paranormal.
[about-author author=”Keri Arthur”]
I know this book was awesome! Just wait, book 2 is really good too! Both books were my favorite reads last month, Love Risa, and Azriel just gets better! Book Savvy Babe
So far I think I’m loving this series even more than the Riley Jensen books.
There’s something about a half nekkid dark angel running around with a blue fire sword that’s just too awesome for words 😀
I have the second book already on my reader, Heather! I’m just waiting until I get my review pile down a little bit so I can get back to it 🙂 I can’t wait!
Ohh yes! You know what? I have to agree with you. I actually think this may be better than Riley. As if that was possible!
And yes, nekkid Azriel. Bring it on!!!!
I absolutely loved her Riley Jensen series and this one’s off to a great start too. I just finished Darkness Rising yesterday.
Lupdilup, I haven’t finished the Riley series yet. And I didn’t have a problem with picking up anything at all. And thank you 🙂
I can’t wait to start Darkness Rising, Carmel!
Ann
So glad that you posted this review. I read a sample of Darkness Unbound and it was good but I was uncertain. I wasn’t sure if the entire book would be as good as Arthur’s Riley series.
Wow! this is something I can get into right away, plus is on audio too! yay! lucky me!! I wanted to ask you, do you think I need to read the Series where this character came from before I jump into this one?
Again great review! as always 🙂
I read everything from Keri Arthur and was sad when Riley’s story was finished but so glad she continued with Risa and Riley is still involved! 🙂