Review: Darkness Dawns by Dianne Duvall

Darkness Dawns by Dianne Duvall 

Guardians #1

Once, Sarah Bingham's biggest challenge was making her students pay attention in class. Now, after rescuing a wounded stranger, she's handed in the middle of a battle between corrupt vampires and powerful immortals who also need blood to survive. Roland Warbrook is the most compelling man Sarah has ever laid hands on. But his desire for her is mingled with a hunger he can barely control...In his nine centuries of immortal existence, no woman has tempted Roland as much as Sarah. But asking her to love him is impossible - when it means forfeiting the world she's always known, and the life he would do anything to protect. 

Sarah's life may have been stressful, but at least it was normal, and most of all, safe. Through a twist of fate, and a bad case of insomnia, she stumbles into the middle of a war between insane vampires and the Immortals who hunt them to save innocents. Of course she didn't know this when she saved Roland from his attackers, but that won't keep her safe. There is an instant spark of attraction between them, but it is hindered by his paranoia and mistrust, as well has her mortality. Even so, the two cannot seem to stay apart, even if it means Sarah losing everything she has ever known, and Roland learning to trust again.

Talk about a yummy hero, and to be honest, the heroine isn't all that bad either. You won't find a meek or mild bone in either of them. Yet, there is a vulnerability in each of them that makes them so perfect for one another. Sarah is incredibly strong willed despite her moral "handicap," and risks herself from the very start to save Roland despite not knowing him at all. I would have to say that she is almost too trustworthy, which is ironic considering Roland is the complete opposite. He is very paranoid and has extreme trust issues (there is a very good reason behind this), to the point where the rest of his kind constantly call him antisocial, and mostly avoid him. It was really fun watching Sarah slowly crack open his shell. I honestly do not think they could have been more perfect for one another, and boy oh boy are things rather steamy!

The world and mythology behind Darkness Dawns are every bit as fantastic as the leading couple. Don't get me wrong, I love vampires, but sometimes it is nice to see them not be the top of the food chain. Of course the Immortals are similar to the vampires, only with a few upgrades, and none of the pesky insanity issues. The vampires' minds degrade quite rapidly after turning with only a few months of control before they turn into mindless killing machines without any sense of remorse. The Immortals are infected with the same virus, but they live much longer, and have special gifts that they also had while mortal. There is a secret behind their genealogy, and why they are so unique, but the only one who knows that answer is the head Immortal, Seth. And he's not talking. I'm incredibly curious to find out what those origins are, and have my suspicions, but I guess I will just have to wait and see.

I'm always on the lookout for the next big paranormal romance series. I especially love the ones with a tight knit group that we get to see one by one paired off. Some of my favorites would be The Lords of the Underworld, or The Elder Races, and even The Black Dagger Brotherhood. Based on how much I enjoyed Darkness Dawns, I can easily see the Immortal Guardians joining those ranks. I only just finished this book and I can't wait to dive into the next installment. Definitely a highly recommended read!

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