Review: Lord of Rage

Reviewed by Jen
 

It's no secret that Lord of the Vampires didn't exactly light my fire.  But I am so glad I didn't give up on the series, because I enjoyed this installment so much more.

If you're unfamiliar with the Royal House of Shadows books, the basic premise is that a Blood Sorcerer has attacked the royal family of magical land of Elden.  He killed the king and queen but before he could attack their children, the royals used their powers to spirit the princes and princess away.  The queen imprinted on them each a will to survive, while the king instilled in them the need for vengeance.

The princess, Breena, has always had the power to walk in the dreams of others. And for some time, she has been sharing her dreams with a mysterious warrior. When her parents' magic sends her away from home, she is drawn to the man who she comes to know as Obsorn. She doesn't remember everything that happened right away, but she remembers Osborn. What she doesn't know is that he is the last of the Berserkers. His people were killed off a decade ago and he's been caring for his younger brothers, the only other survivors from his village. Osborn thinks the people of Elden planned the bloody attack... so you know it's not going to be good once he finds out where he dream woman is from.

Anyway, Breena manages to convince Osborn to train her in battle.  But every moment they are alone together, neither can deny the rising heat between them. Can Obsorn teach Breena what she needs to know to reclaim her lands? Will he still burn for her once he finds out who she really is? Could berserkers be any sexier? Meow.

This was my first book by Jill Monroe and I'd be happy to read from her again.  The writing was clear; the dialogue good; the sex was hot. The only thing I would have changed if I could would have been a bigger climax at the end, but I guess that won't come until the end of the series.  I'm also wondering about the time discrepancies among the different installments. Hopefully, that will be addressed as well.  4 stars.

P.S.  The book was a take on Goldilocks and the Three Bears, which made me wonder if Lord of the Vampires was supposed to be a play on any particular fairy tale.  I looked it up and it was supposed to be a take on Alice in Wonderland.  I had no idea.

*ARC Provided by NetGalley

Lord of Rage

by Jill Monroe

Release Date: September 20, 2011 

Publisher: Harlequin Nocturne