Dark Lover by J. R. Ward

Title: Dark Lover

Author: J.R. Ward
Publisher: Signet
ISBN: 978-0-451-21695-3
Pages: 393
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood #1
Type: Adult Paranormal Romance
Source: Purchased
Goodreads


Wrath is the last purebred vampire on the planet. After watching his parents slaughtered by members of the evil Lessening Society, Wrath found himself the reluctant king and leader of a band of warriors known as the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Now he's mourning the loss of his friend and warrior Darius, and finds himself with another unexpected responsibility. Darius has left a half-breed daughter, Beth, and he needs Wrath to protect her.

This is the first in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series which has been recommended to me so many times I've actually lost count. I've read this book twice now, and I'm happy to say I enjoyed it even more the second time through. The world is incredibly well developed with no info dumping, instead there is a glossary at the start of the book for all of the new terminology introduced - like Lessers (bad guys), Shellan (wife) and Doggen (butler).

Wrath and Beth are great characters that really come to life on the page, and I was completely glued to their story throughout. Their romance is realistic and the book is also grounded with other storylines, like the fight against the Lessers and the choices of one particular Lesser Mr X. The pacing of the book is excellent - managing to balance the slower emotional side of the story, with action packed fight scenes and a creepy view-behind-the-curtain of the Lessening Society.

The rest of the brothers are introduced, along with a human cop, and each is really unique. Introducing all the brothers here also means I'm now really looking forward to the rest of the series (especially Zsadist's book) so I can find out even more about them.

All in all this was a great read and I can't wait to get stuck into Lover Eternal.

Plot: 9/10
Characters: 10/10
Ending: 10/10
Enjoyment: 10/10
Cover: 9/10

Overall: 48/50