Can I just start this out by saying ‘bout damn time? Seriously I’ve been waiting to learn more about Zach, an outsider in the Immortal Guardians series by Dianne Duvall, for far too long. Who is he? WHAT is he? Also, what is his role in this series? I’ve been a wondering. Well finally, thank you Ms. Duvall, she has mostly answered my questions in Night Unbound – her latest novel of the series. There is still so much left hidden, obviously for dramatic purposes, but what we do learn/see Zach is just as bad ass as I had thought!
For centuries, Lisette d’Alençon has been a warrior against the dark. She fights alongside her brothers and comrades. But when the dreams start coming, she can’t bear to confess them to the Immortal Guardians’ command. Dreams of a dark-haired man with soft eyes and brutal wounds, a man her heart aches for–and a man she knows has been declared a traitor.
Zach is an exile, a loner. He won’t defend himself against false accusations or grovel to those who should have faith in him. But he’ll damn sure defend the woman who kept him sane against a plague of super-vamps that seems to have appeared from nowhere. The Guardians will blame him, and that will make Lisette suspect, too. With life, death and eternity on the line, who can they really trust?
Zach and Lisette start out on rocky terms; she thinks he’s an enemy and he has been ordered to stay away from her and her people. Kinda like Romeo and Juliet, but far more dangerous. I won’t lie, I found it odd that although Lisette was told he’s bad news and to avoid him, she broke the rules just to get to know him better. Honestly, I’d stay clear from someone I was told was dangerous no matter how cute or intriguing he may be. Even if he did save my life, I’d be leery. Maybe that’s just me? I don’t know, I felt like for a smart, kick ass female, that was a dumb move.
However, I’m happy to say things play out beautifully and we learn that Zach is scary powerful, but relatively harmless. Unless you are a bad guy, then wowza look out. I can mostly overlook Lisette’s dangerous curiosity, only because the man is a really sweet guy but I don’t fully like it. Couple wise, they weren’t as conflicted as they could have been however it’s not a bad match. By lack of conflict, I mean they weren’t fighting over their true feelings, over personality clashes, or their day job requirements left and right. They had their issues, but they cleared up relatively quickly without any fuss. Not a bad thing entirely, but there could have been just a titch more problems between them to cut back on the perfection.
Thankfully we also get to know a little bit more about Seth, one of ‘the head honchos’of the series that also is extremely mysterious. Again, not all the secrets were revealed but that’s what makes a serious hold on to your attention, am I right? Additionally, we get to see more of Ami, another main character, and things get pretty scary for her and her unborn baby. Everyone else gets some page time as well but Ami and Seth have busy storylines in Night Unbound. Oh and we get introduced to some of the Others, who are a strange group of ancient immortals. Kinda like them, kinda think they should disappear since they cause bad things to happen to good people. Either way they are sure to make things interesting for everyone.
The rest of the plot concerns the vampires (to save space, go here for an explanation on Duvall’s unique vamps) and their latest weapon and leader. These guys have created major problems and caused many deaths in each novel so far. This one was no different, but the anguish was upped by their latest deadly weapon. I loved this new addition! For me, when it becomes too easy for the hero to win, things get boring. So, this made me happy to see they weren’t quite so invincible.
Even with all that was going on, I found this novel to be a quick read. It’s mostly one hunting mission/sex scene/dire emergency after another with very little downtime. It didn’t feel bogged down or over active. However, there were a few moments of too perfect timing and some things I predicted. Other than that though, the storyline flowed nicely with a quick pace.
Yes there are some very minor complaints in this review, however I’d still highly recommend Night Unbound by Dianne Duvall. It was mesmeric from start to finish nonetheless! Everything I’ve come to adore about this series was counted for, and then some. Honestly, it kept me so engrossed that I finished it in less than two days, which is not my usual read time!
Read order:
Darkness Dawns
Night Reins
Phantom Shadows
In Still Darkness
Darkness Rises
Night Unbound