What do you think?
Rate this book
Dark #9.5
Dark Descent
Dark Descent tells the story of Joie Sanders, a bodyguard, and Traian Trigovise, an ancient hunter, meeting after a battle in a deep cave filled with mystery and wonder. Set in the Carpathian Mountains, Joie, with her brother and sister go caving and come across the ancient warrior beset upon by several vampires. They have no choice but to throw their lot in with the hunter and do their best to escape with their lives from the underground labyrinth filled with ancient traps left behind by a powerful race.
Originally included the anthology "The Only One." Expanded version released in the 2 book volume Dark Nights.
4 pages, Audio CD
First published July 13, 2003
359 people are currently reading
4,310 people want to read
About the author
Christine Feehan
205Ìýbooks52.5kÌýfollowersChristine Feehan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author multiple times over with her portfolio including over 90 published novels, including five series; Dark Series, GhostWalker Series, Leopard Series, Drake Sisters Series, the Sisters of the Heart Series, Shadow Riders and Torpedo Ink. All of her series have hit the #1 spot on the New York Times bestselling list as well. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature (PEARL) in 1999. Since then she has been published by various publishing houses including Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards since Dark Prince.
Her series include:
The Dark Series -
The GhostWalker series-
The Leopard Series -
The Shadow Series-
Torpedo Ink series-
IN HER WORDS:
I've been a writer all of my life -- it is who I am. I write for myself and always have. The ability to create pictures and emotions with words is such a miracle to me. I read everything; I mean everything! All kinds of books, even encyclopedias. I am fascinated by the written word and I love storytellers. It is a great privilege to be counted one myself. ()
Her series include:
The Dark Series -
The GhostWalker series-
The Leopard Series -
The Shadow Series-
Torpedo Ink series-
IN HER WORDS:
I've been a writer all of my life -- it is who I am. I write for myself and always have. The ability to create pictures and emotions with words is such a miracle to me. I read everything; I mean everything! All kinds of books, even encyclopedias. I am fascinated by the written word and I love storytellers. It is a great privilege to be counted one myself. ()
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
January 25, 2023
4 Cute Stars
First read July 2012 Reread January 31, 2016 Reread dec 9 2020
*Spoilers*
This was a cute, quick little novella. It's Traian and Joie's story. Traian is an ancient who was sent out to hunt vampires by Mikhail father. Joie is a bodyguard, the best in her field. In this book we get to meet Joie's brother Jubal and sister Gabrielle. I loved that Joie was a kick ass heroine. She saves the day and her man! I loved Traian too. He was sweet, and not pushy. He also gave Joie a choice to become like him. He was willing to grow old and die with her if she didn't want to become like him. So that got him some major points with me! They made a cute couple and this short story had plenty of passion. We also get to see Gary Jansen again. Yay I love Gary!!! You can already feel the pull Gary and Gabrielle have on each other from their first meeting in this book. I liked both of Joie's siblings. I really hope Jubal gets a book. A great fast read. I would have liked it to be longer.
First read July 2012 Reread January 31, 2016 Reread dec 9 2020
*Spoilers*
This was a cute, quick little novella. It's Traian and Joie's story. Traian is an ancient who was sent out to hunt vampires by Mikhail father. Joie is a bodyguard, the best in her field. In this book we get to meet Joie's brother Jubal and sister Gabrielle. I loved that Joie was a kick ass heroine. She saves the day and her man! I loved Traian too. He was sweet, and not pushy. He also gave Joie a choice to become like him. He was willing to grow old and die with her if she didn't want to become like him. So that got him some major points with me! They made a cute couple and this short story had plenty of passion. We also get to see Gary Jansen again. Yay I love Gary!!! You can already feel the pull Gary and Gabrielle have on each other from their first meeting in this book. I liked both of Joie's siblings. I really hope Jubal gets a book. A great fast read. I would have liked it to be longer.
December 31, 2015
I'm happily getting caught up on the Carpathians after a long break, and I'm enjoying the ride. The Carpathians have such a complex folklore foundation, and I like seeing it unfold in each book. While I wouldn't like some aspects of being a Carpathian lifemate, there is a whole lot to appeal as well. They really are delicious heroes. I think that this one might be one of my favorites. I loved Joie and Traian as characters, and Joie's siblings Gabrielle and Jubal definitely add to the appeal of this novel. Gary Sanders (who becomes a friend and ally to the Carpathians) has a cameo, and it was fun to see this adorable nerd again. Joie is a kickbutt heroine in her own right, a great match with Traian.
This book is actually quite horrific. The vampires are scary and downright disturbing and disgusting. They give an ugly visual picture to creepy crawly. While Traian is one of the most formidable Carpathian warriors and hunters, he has his hands full when he gets caught in the middle of a nest of master vampires who have formed an alliance. Joie forms a mental bond with Traian and that bond causes her to track him down to the ice caves in the Carpathian mountains. In the process, the Sanders discover a long lost familial relationship to the secretive mages.
I loved how the Carpathian universe is expanding to other species. The mage aspect of the story is fun. Like many of Feehan's works, this book reads like an exciting movie. The battles with the vampires would have me quaking in my books on a big movie screen. But at the same time, they were highly exciting.
I'm pretty into Jubal. I'm wondering if he'll have a story (fingers crossed). It looks like is about Gary and Gabrielle. I hoping that Jubal will have a storyline in this book. He's a character I definitely connected with.
For a short novel, this packed an exciting punch! I read this out of the ebook and I'll read Dark Dream next.
This book is actually quite horrific. The vampires are scary and downright disturbing and disgusting. They give an ugly visual picture to creepy crawly. While Traian is one of the most formidable Carpathian warriors and hunters, he has his hands full when he gets caught in the middle of a nest of master vampires who have formed an alliance. Joie forms a mental bond with Traian and that bond causes her to track him down to the ice caves in the Carpathian mountains. In the process, the Sanders discover a long lost familial relationship to the secretive mages.
I loved how the Carpathian universe is expanding to other species. The mage aspect of the story is fun. Like many of Feehan's works, this book reads like an exciting movie. The battles with the vampires would have me quaking in my books on a big movie screen. But at the same time, they were highly exciting.
I'm pretty into Jubal. I'm wondering if he'll have a story (fingers crossed). It looks like is about Gary and Gabrielle. I hoping that Jubal will have a storyline in this book. He's a character I definitely connected with.
For a short novel, this packed an exciting punch! I read this out of the ebook and I'll read Dark Dream next.
June 2, 2019
ÌýJoie Sanders and Traian Trigovise
September 21, 2009
Well, this is the second novella in this series I've read and I have to say I think I prefer the novellas to the novels. Perhaps it's the shorter wordcount requirements that cut all the stuff I dislike about the series out and predisposes the author to strong, take charge women and forthright men. In both of the novellas the males were very honest before they did the binding and the women were headstrong, courageous, and not prone to hysteria. In the novels the thing that makes me want to walk away is the perpetual Scarlet O'Hara syndrome of "I can't think about that today, I'll just have to think about that tomorrow" walking victims. Saying they are strong doesn't make them so, and I get tired of hearing them whine their denial.
Not so in the novellas. This one, Dark Descent is no exception. Action packed, VERY funny, and no time for whining.
Perfect.
Not so in the novellas. This one, Dark Descent is no exception. Action packed, VERY funny, and no time for whining.
Perfect.
December 9, 2015
3.5 stars
This was a short novella, but I enjoyed it a lot. The heroine was pretty awesome. She was tough, brave, fearless, but not OTT. She was not an annoying alpha female. But she kicked ass! Since this was so short, it cut out most of the repetitive crap that ends up in each book in the Dark series. They were together almost immediately and there was no pushing away.
Safety gang safe
This was a short novella, but I enjoyed it a lot. The heroine was pretty awesome. She was tough, brave, fearless, but not OTT. She was not an annoying alpha female. But she kicked ass! Since this was so short, it cut out most of the repetitive crap that ends up in each book in the Dark series. They were together almost immediately and there was no pushing away.
Safety gang safe
August 9, 2024
3.5 stars
June 30, 2013
I'm a fan of Feehan's Dark series, but usually I can't read these books too closely together because of the repetitive nature of her writing. She can belabour a sex scene to the point I start flipping pages just to get through it. Since Dark Descent is novella length, this wasn't an issue. The plot, character development, and growing attachment between the main characters was delivered succinctly but without loss of the necessary descriptive detail. I also appreciated the fact that the heroine, Joie, remained strong, courageous, and resourceful through out the story. All to often, I find that Feehan turns her heroines into frightened and overly dependent women after they've met their Carpathian mates.
I liked Traian and Joie as individual characters and as a couple. It was nice to see Gary again - wonder if his attraction to Gabrielle will be continued in another book? The plot held my interest from page one, the pacing didn't get bogged down because of excessive descriptive passages, and the humourous exchanges between the characters made me smile.
Overall a very entertaining read and a very enjoyable addition to the series.
I liked Traian and Joie as individual characters and as a couple. It was nice to see Gary again - wonder if his attraction to Gabrielle will be continued in another book? The plot held my interest from page one, the pacing didn't get bogged down because of excessive descriptive passages, and the humourous exchanges between the characters made me smile.
Overall a very entertaining read and a very enjoyable addition to the series.
January 15, 2016
3.5 rounded up
I enjoyed it. It's been a while since I've delved back into Feehan's Dark Series. I think I read so many, one after the other, that I was burned out. I feel like I let it lie long enough because this seemed much fresher and I found myself having to think to remember their mythology.
Perhaps it was the short format, but there was very little of the dominating male and almost none of the hot/cold heroine. I really liked the hero in this one, but have to admit a fondness for the earlier uber-alphas she used to write in this series. They are mythological creatures who could turn to the darkside and become vampires easily, it seems fair that they'd be uber-alpha. However, I've noticed that the heroines are getting badder ass and the heroes more enlightened (which is funny since the recent heroes tend to be centuries older than the original heroes).
I enjoyed the ramping up of a seemingly organized vampire plot and the move back towards Romania. I also thought the evidence of wizards in the cave was an interesting new edition. I think perhaps I'll jump back in for a bit.
I enjoyed it. It's been a while since I've delved back into Feehan's Dark Series. I think I read so many, one after the other, that I was burned out. I feel like I let it lie long enough because this seemed much fresher and I found myself having to think to remember their mythology.
Perhaps it was the short format, but there was very little of the dominating male and almost none of the hot/cold heroine. I really liked the hero in this one, but have to admit a fondness for the earlier uber-alphas she used to write in this series. They are mythological creatures who could turn to the darkside and become vampires easily, it seems fair that they'd be uber-alpha. However, I've noticed that the heroines are getting badder ass and the heroes more enlightened (which is funny since the recent heroes tend to be centuries older than the original heroes).
I enjoyed the ramping up of a seemingly organized vampire plot and the move back towards Romania. I also thought the evidence of wizards in the cave was an interesting new edition. I think perhaps I'll jump back in for a bit.
July 8, 2017
"Dark Descent", a short story in the Carpathian series is the story of Joie and Traian.
Joie comes from a family of telepaths and psychics, and one camping expedition to the caves with her siblings makes her come across the Carpathian Traian, who she's been telepathically communicating since an astral projection led her to his resting place.
Same old story, new characters. I liked how sweet the leads were toward each other, and unlike the previous book- this heroine had a likable family.
I did like that we had a confident, experienced heroine and a caring and respectful hero.
Overall, an average addition to the series but is nothing new or exciting.
Safe
3/5
Joie comes from a family of telepaths and psychics, and one camping expedition to the caves with her siblings makes her come across the Carpathian Traian, who she's been telepathically communicating since an astral projection led her to his resting place.
Same old story, new characters. I liked how sweet the leads were toward each other, and unlike the previous book- this heroine had a likable family.
I did like that we had a confident, experienced heroine and a caring and respectful hero.
Overall, an average addition to the series but is nothing new or exciting.
Safe
3/5
May 29, 2023
I love this series, but I hate how submissive the women are. Eventually, I'll get through all the books.
October 21, 2016
4 stars
This was a very good story. I liked both Traian and Joie and thought their story was very interesting and packed a punch for as short as it was.
Joie is an in-demand bodyguard that's extremely good at what she does and owns her own business doing it. Joie has parents, a brother and sister that she's very close to and love dearly. Her family is especially close because they all have telepathic powers and can talk to each other mentally. Joie loves spelunking and goes with her siblings quite often.
Traian is an ancient Carpathian male; Carpathians are born vampires with abilities like shape shifting (to any form, even mist), magic spells and psychic powers. The males of the Carpathians have a darkness in them and if they don't find their lifemates, they can lose their souls and become evil. Traian is an ancient hunter that has been out in the world for centuries. He's heading back to his homeland at the behest of his Prince who has called all the ancients back home.
On his way home, Traian found a nest of vampires and went after them. The group of vampires took up residence in a set of caves and they seemed to be searching for something hidden in the area. Traian tried to kill the vampires that he could and discover what they were up to but when he was to badly injured during a fight, he was taken captive. Joie first contacted Traian mentally after she was winged by a bullet while protecting a client. She went into her mind to escape the pain and found herself in contact with Traian. After that first contact, she started hearing Traian talk to her in her head all the time. While she liked talking with Traian, Joie couldn't help but think that maybe she's going nuts.
To decide whether she's nuts or not, Joie and her siblings decide to go spelunking in the area Joie knows Traian is supposed to be. He warns her away because of the vampires but she feels drawn there and wont heed his warning. Joie and her siblings find Traian but find some trouble along with him and they experience some issues getting out of the caves. While they do manage to find their way out, the trouble isn't over and Joie and Traian have to work together to defeat their enemy. Since Joie and Traian had been in mental contact for weeks, once they meet in person, their relationship evolves very quickly and by the end of the story they're starting towards a HEA together.
This was a very enjoyable story. I really liked Joie. She's smart, confident and just a bit obstinate...all the things needed to deal with an overprotective Carpathian male. Joie was very accepting of Traian and I wondered if it was almost too easy between them but the story was short and I guess all the poor Carpathian males shouldn't have such a fight on their hands when finding their lifemates. :D Traian was a very good hero...he was protective without being a bossy butthead. Overall, I liked the story very much. It was a good addition to the series and I'd recommend it.
* note - I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator did a very good job.
This was a very good story. I liked both Traian and Joie and thought their story was very interesting and packed a punch for as short as it was.
Joie is an in-demand bodyguard that's extremely good at what she does and owns her own business doing it. Joie has parents, a brother and sister that she's very close to and love dearly. Her family is especially close because they all have telepathic powers and can talk to each other mentally. Joie loves spelunking and goes with her siblings quite often.
Traian is an ancient Carpathian male; Carpathians are born vampires with abilities like shape shifting (to any form, even mist), magic spells and psychic powers. The males of the Carpathians have a darkness in them and if they don't find their lifemates, they can lose their souls and become evil. Traian is an ancient hunter that has been out in the world for centuries. He's heading back to his homeland at the behest of his Prince who has called all the ancients back home.
On his way home, Traian found a nest of vampires and went after them. The group of vampires took up residence in a set of caves and they seemed to be searching for something hidden in the area. Traian tried to kill the vampires that he could and discover what they were up to but when he was to badly injured during a fight, he was taken captive. Joie first contacted Traian mentally after she was winged by a bullet while protecting a client. She went into her mind to escape the pain and found herself in contact with Traian. After that first contact, she started hearing Traian talk to her in her head all the time. While she liked talking with Traian, Joie couldn't help but think that maybe she's going nuts.
To decide whether she's nuts or not, Joie and her siblings decide to go spelunking in the area Joie knows Traian is supposed to be. He warns her away because of the vampires but she feels drawn there and wont heed his warning. Joie and her siblings find Traian but find some trouble along with him and they experience some issues getting out of the caves. While they do manage to find their way out, the trouble isn't over and Joie and Traian have to work together to defeat their enemy. Since Joie and Traian had been in mental contact for weeks, once they meet in person, their relationship evolves very quickly and by the end of the story they're starting towards a HEA together.
This was a very enjoyable story. I really liked Joie. She's smart, confident and just a bit obstinate...all the things needed to deal with an overprotective Carpathian male. Joie was very accepting of Traian and I wondered if it was almost too easy between them but the story was short and I guess all the poor Carpathian males shouldn't have such a fight on their hands when finding their lifemates. :D Traian was a very good hero...he was protective without being a bossy butthead. Overall, I liked the story very much. It was a good addition to the series and I'd recommend it.
* note - I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator did a very good job.
April 14, 2019
Traian Trigovise, who is a Carpathian warrior, is fighting the undead. Gallent, the master vampire of a nest of undead, stands clicking his nails, setting up a trap. Traian almost gets caught in the trap and is injured. He travels to the Carpathian mountains to a cave to heal.
Joie Sanders is the head of a detail tasked with protecting Senator Thomas Goodvine and his wife, Thelma. Joie is injured while protecting them. In route to the hospital, she floats her spirit outside of her body to escape the pain of her wounds. She drifts into a cave of crystal and ice, where she finds Traian partial buried in the soil, healing his most recent wounds. Traian sees colors and feels emotions. The hospital staff are cleaning Joie's wounds. She can't hold the projection of herself. Traian has a fix on her. He'll be able to find Joie.
We meet not only Joie Sanders, but also her siblings, Jubal and Gabrielle. Gary Jansen makes an appearance in this novella. The attraction between Gabrielle and him is a secondary, budding romance for a later book. The love relationship between Traian and Joie is deep and instant. Joie is an independent woman in charge of keeping others safe. She's an expert with a knife and doesn't hesitate to use them against vampires. Jubal is my third favorite character in this novella. He is fearlessly protective of his sisters and will even stand up against Traian to protect Joie. Once he sees how in love Traian and Joie are, he can't help joining in on teasing Traian about his new family he's being brought into. This novella touches on the new behaviors of the vampires. They are searching for something in the crystal and ice caves. Traian is determined to discover what it is they are searching for. This novella packs a lot of punch in the limited word space. There is, however, a subplot point left unsolved. A mystery to be solve in future novels.
Joie Sanders is the head of a detail tasked with protecting Senator Thomas Goodvine and his wife, Thelma. Joie is injured while protecting them. In route to the hospital, she floats her spirit outside of her body to escape the pain of her wounds. She drifts into a cave of crystal and ice, where she finds Traian partial buried in the soil, healing his most recent wounds. Traian sees colors and feels emotions. The hospital staff are cleaning Joie's wounds. She can't hold the projection of herself. Traian has a fix on her. He'll be able to find Joie.
We meet not only Joie Sanders, but also her siblings, Jubal and Gabrielle. Gary Jansen makes an appearance in this novella. The attraction between Gabrielle and him is a secondary, budding romance for a later book. The love relationship between Traian and Joie is deep and instant. Joie is an independent woman in charge of keeping others safe. She's an expert with a knife and doesn't hesitate to use them against vampires. Jubal is my third favorite character in this novella. He is fearlessly protective of his sisters and will even stand up against Traian to protect Joie. Once he sees how in love Traian and Joie are, he can't help joining in on teasing Traian about his new family he's being brought into. This novella touches on the new behaviors of the vampires. They are searching for something in the crystal and ice caves. Traian is determined to discover what it is they are searching for. This novella packs a lot of punch in the limited word space. There is, however, a subplot point left unsolved. A mystery to be solve in future novels.
April 8, 2010
I like it when the strong women get to stay strong and aren't turned into mush by their men. Traian trusts Joie's abilities and respects her more than Lucian did with Jaxon.
April 3, 2018
A great novella introducing the big bad vampire that will be the villain as the series moves forward. You don’t know who he is yet, but he’s got some powerful mojo!
The H in this book almost didn’t survive him. It’ll be interesting to see how this is all resolved and how long it takes to do so.
The H in this book almost didn’t survive him. It’ll be interesting to see how this is all resolved and how long it takes to do so.
July 17, 2014
REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS AND BASED ON THE AUTHOR SPECIAL EDITION!!!
This book contains the story of Traian Trigovise and Joie Sanders. The story wastes no time regarding action and begins with a battle between a group of vampires and Traian. Traian escapes with serious injuries and seeks shelter in the Carpathian Mountains where there are numerous caves. The book then cuts to Joie Sanders (first mentioned in by Antonietta in Dark Symphony) guarding a senator. She is injured and uses astral projection to escape the pain she is in.
I love how Christine Feehan introduces and describes the setting of the ice caves where things are not quite right. It is in the ice caves where Joie finds Traian and carries a conversation with him. Traian quickly realizes that she is his lifemate. Joie goes to find him, afraid that she is losing her mind, goes to find Traian and is accompanied by her siblings Gabrielle and Jubal. Readers should keep these characters in mind because they will have a big part to play in this book but in others to come.
The Sanders siblings are spelunking in the ice cave helping Joie. They are worried about her state of mind. It is here that Christine Feehan is at her best, she describes the world of the ice caves in great and splendid detail. I could actually picture the tunnels, caves, and chambers of the labyrinth as the Sanders work to find Traian. Joie disobeys Traian's orders to leave the cave. She is strong and it is in her nature to help those who are hurt and in need of protection. I love how she puts Traian in his place and tells him he has to deal with that part of her. I love how Joie uses humor to deal with stressful and fearsome situations, she rarely panics. Joie is Traian's equal in valor and honor.
Traian is set free and their fight to survive begins instantly. The group is followed by vampires who are uncharacteristically grouping together to find something hidden within the ice labyrinth. Traian realizes quickly that it is a labyrinth formed and protected by mages. The labyrinth is riddled with spells, traps, and creatures who seek to kill the unwary. Mystery is added to the Sanders ancestry when a mage weapon seeks and responds to Jubal. Traian is suspicious which Joie does not take lightly and is willing to fight him in order to protect her brother. Traian is suspicious because mages in the far past fought a war with the Carpathians when the great mage Xavier betrayed them in his fight for power and immortality. Carpathians are weary of mages and vice versa.
The group escapes the cave by the skin of their teeth. My interest in Jubal increases when the weapon he bonds with seeks to protect him and lights the way out of the cave. They had no choice to leave Joie and Traian behind when an explosion cuts them off. Traian and Joie fight there way through with the "help" of a shadow warrior. Danger increases exponentially when Traian realizes that he is shadowed by a Malinov brother. The Malinovs where known for their prowess in battle and fighting strategy. Traian, now more than ever believes that a dangerous object is hidden within the ice caves and warns Gary (who joins them at the inn and is a trusted human and friend to Gregori) to let Mikhail know of the danger.
The final battles in the book were action filled and frightening. I love how the Sanders and Gary helped each other delay and fight the vampires to give Traian a chance to come to their rescue. Joie is nearly killed and forced to become Carpathian.
What I love best about this book is that Traian gives Joie the choice to join him. He wanted Joie to choose him despite the inevitability of their joining. He claims her after she agrees to be with him. I love that Traian is to become a member of the Sanders family. This book is awesome!
This book contains the story of Traian Trigovise and Joie Sanders. The story wastes no time regarding action and begins with a battle between a group of vampires and Traian. Traian escapes with serious injuries and seeks shelter in the Carpathian Mountains where there are numerous caves. The book then cuts to Joie Sanders (first mentioned in by Antonietta in Dark Symphony) guarding a senator. She is injured and uses astral projection to escape the pain she is in.
I love how Christine Feehan introduces and describes the setting of the ice caves where things are not quite right. It is in the ice caves where Joie finds Traian and carries a conversation with him. Traian quickly realizes that she is his lifemate. Joie goes to find him, afraid that she is losing her mind, goes to find Traian and is accompanied by her siblings Gabrielle and Jubal. Readers should keep these characters in mind because they will have a big part to play in this book but in others to come.
The Sanders siblings are spelunking in the ice cave helping Joie. They are worried about her state of mind. It is here that Christine Feehan is at her best, she describes the world of the ice caves in great and splendid detail. I could actually picture the tunnels, caves, and chambers of the labyrinth as the Sanders work to find Traian. Joie disobeys Traian's orders to leave the cave. She is strong and it is in her nature to help those who are hurt and in need of protection. I love how she puts Traian in his place and tells him he has to deal with that part of her. I love how Joie uses humor to deal with stressful and fearsome situations, she rarely panics. Joie is Traian's equal in valor and honor.
Traian is set free and their fight to survive begins instantly. The group is followed by vampires who are uncharacteristically grouping together to find something hidden within the ice labyrinth. Traian realizes quickly that it is a labyrinth formed and protected by mages. The labyrinth is riddled with spells, traps, and creatures who seek to kill the unwary. Mystery is added to the Sanders ancestry when a mage weapon seeks and responds to Jubal. Traian is suspicious which Joie does not take lightly and is willing to fight him in order to protect her brother. Traian is suspicious because mages in the far past fought a war with the Carpathians when the great mage Xavier betrayed them in his fight for power and immortality. Carpathians are weary of mages and vice versa.
The group escapes the cave by the skin of their teeth. My interest in Jubal increases when the weapon he bonds with seeks to protect him and lights the way out of the cave. They had no choice to leave Joie and Traian behind when an explosion cuts them off. Traian and Joie fight there way through with the "help" of a shadow warrior. Danger increases exponentially when Traian realizes that he is shadowed by a Malinov brother. The Malinovs where known for their prowess in battle and fighting strategy. Traian, now more than ever believes that a dangerous object is hidden within the ice caves and warns Gary (who joins them at the inn and is a trusted human and friend to Gregori) to let Mikhail know of the danger.
The final battles in the book were action filled and frightening. I love how the Sanders and Gary helped each other delay and fight the vampires to give Traian a chance to come to their rescue. Joie is nearly killed and forced to become Carpathian.
What I love best about this book is that Traian gives Joie the choice to join him. He wanted Joie to choose him despite the inevitability of their joining. He claims her after she agrees to be with him. I love that Traian is to become a member of the Sanders family. This book is awesome!
July 18, 2011
Wounded and trapped by the undead, Traian Trigovise gained strength and hope with the knowledge that he had finally found his lifemate, all he had to do was survive and find her. After suffering her own wounds, Joie Sanders was drawn to the man she had only seen in her dreams, for some reason the mountainous caves were calling and she had to follow even though the voice she found so alluring was telling her to run in the opposite direction, she never ran from anything and she would prove it to him.
Book 11 �.. For a short story, it really packed everything in it. The action of the vampire hunt was great, fast paced and kept moving. The discovery of the wizards artifacts was another notch in the on-going story about the changes all the hunters have seen. Joie was hilarious, she handled fear and stress with a wonderful sense of humor and Traians compassion and acceptance of her being so strong was uncharacteristic of a Carpathian (maybe it’s his age). The only thing that is missing is getting to watch the ’Meeting of the parents� that sounded like it would be fun. I really liked Gary Jansen showing up and his interaction with Gabrielle (he could use another human around in the lab), I hope she and Jubal stick around.
Book 11 �.. For a short story, it really packed everything in it. The action of the vampire hunt was great, fast paced and kept moving. The discovery of the wizards artifacts was another notch in the on-going story about the changes all the hunters have seen. Joie was hilarious, she handled fear and stress with a wonderful sense of humor and Traians compassion and acceptance of her being so strong was uncharacteristic of a Carpathian (maybe it’s his age). The only thing that is missing is getting to watch the ’Meeting of the parents� that sounded like it would be fun. I really liked Gary Jansen showing up and his interaction with Gabrielle (he could use another human around in the lab), I hope she and Jubal stick around.
June 19, 2014
I really enjoyed Traian and Joie's story, even though this was a novella and much shorter than the usual novels. Dark Descent was to the point, no beating around the bush between Traian and Joie. He was honest with her from day one and she accepted him without any qualms or reservations, which usually is not the case in the much longer novels. I don't mind the innocent, young virgins who are the usual lifemates to the Carpathian males but I prefer/relate to the more mature women who know exactly who & what they want and are not afraid to embrace their destiny. Joie definitely fits that bill. She is smart, tough, funny and very courageous and her lifemate accepts her just the way she is. He doesn't want nor does he try to change a thing about her. Joie and Traian are perfect together!!!!
July 9, 2018
A short story, already read in a previously published anthology. Had all you ask for in a pranormal. It felt a bit abrupt and rushed. This it due to it being a short story not a book. It was a pleasant read, but a disappointment if you looking for the latest novel in the series.
May 10, 2023
Esta es la historia de Joie Sanders una humana que trabaja de guardaespaldas y es muy buena en su trabajo, un dÃa junto a su hermano y hermana haciendo espeleologÃa en las montañas de los Cárpatos se encuentra con Traian Trigovise un antiguo Cárpato y un poderoso cazador de vampiros el cual tiene dÃas peleando con varios vampiros en lo profundo de las cuevas, juntos tendrán que escapar de ese laberinto que oculta muchos peligros y terribles secretos.
Este es el onceavo libro de la saga oscura Los Cárpatos y la autora nos trae a un protagonista fuerte, interesante y muy protector, pero también tenemos una protagonista fuerte, independiente y muy protectora con los suyos, me gusta que a diferencia de libros anteriores se saben complementar perfectamente y el desarrollo de ambos personajes es muy bueno, ademas de que están bien definidos los personajes secundarios.
Un plus en esta entrega es que se menciona otra raza dándole un giro interesante a esta serie de libros, la trama se vuelve interesante y es bastante corto a comparación de otras entregas por lo que es fácil y rápido de leer.
Este es el onceavo libro de la saga oscura Los Cárpatos y la autora nos trae a un protagonista fuerte, interesante y muy protector, pero también tenemos una protagonista fuerte, independiente y muy protectora con los suyos, me gusta que a diferencia de libros anteriores se saben complementar perfectamente y el desarrollo de ambos personajes es muy bueno, ademas de que están bien definidos los personajes secundarios.
Un plus en esta entrega es que se menciona otra raza dándole un giro interesante a esta serie de libros, la trama se vuelve interesante y es bastante corto a comparación de otras entregas por lo que es fácil y rápido de leer.
July 4, 2023
Good series
December 4, 2020
I am reading this as part of the anthology
I'm pretty sure I read this story before. I used to read all of this author's Dark series but they started getting irritating and so I stopped reading them. This is pretty just like the other books in the series without the angst that I was noticing. 3 stars.
I'm pretty sure I read this story before. I used to read all of this author's Dark series but they started getting irritating and so I stopped reading them. This is pretty just like the other books in the series without the angst that I was noticing. 3 stars.
March 30, 2022
It's taken me a couple years reading a lot of paranormal books to fully appreciate the Dark series. I've read a lot of both good and bad books, and that puts these books in a new light. There are a few things that annoy me about these Carpathians, but overall I do love them. So what annoys me, you say? Mostly that they can be somewhat narrow-minded about their women, also that some of their women can be a bit too 'damsels in distress' from time to time.
Joie, thankfully, isn't a whiny brat. She's strong, kick ass, and takes no prisoners. She has a mind of her own, and she isn't afraid to go out on a limb and do things her way. She still needs Traian to save her from time to time, but not because she's a weak, sniveling damsel. No, she needs saving because she's tried to save her family and gotten herself in trouble that way. And even though she's mostly kick ass, she's also strong enough to know when she does need a bit of saving...
What I mostly don't like about this book is that it's too short. It's so short it leaves a lot of questions unanswered. Are Joie and her brother and sister mage? Is their dad mage? Who is their mom? What happened to the vamp that got away? These are the questions that are going to bug me. A lot.
(Same review as )
Joie, thankfully, isn't a whiny brat. She's strong, kick ass, and takes no prisoners. She has a mind of her own, and she isn't afraid to go out on a limb and do things her way. She still needs Traian to save her from time to time, but not because she's a weak, sniveling damsel. No, she needs saving because she's tried to save her family and gotten herself in trouble that way. And even though she's mostly kick ass, she's also strong enough to know when she does need a bit of saving...
What I mostly don't like about this book is that it's too short. It's so short it leaves a lot of questions unanswered. Are Joie and her brother and sister mage? Is their dad mage? Who is their mom? What happened to the vamp that got away? These are the questions that are going to bug me. A lot.
(Same review as )
October 11, 2020
I enjoyed everything about Dark Descent. There were no lures in the story and was constant excitement and adventure. I liked all of the characters. It was a well written story.
Joble, Gabrelle and Joy are three siblings who find Joy’s life mate in a cave where he was being held captive by vampires. The three siblings rescue the Carpathian.
While the Carpathian goes to ground the vampires attack the siblings and Joy sacrifices herself to save her siblings while it’ll take the Carpathian to save Joy, his life mate.
What I liked was none of the characters were written as victims and all were supportive of one another and worked well as a single unit.
Dark Descent was a good story but ended so abruptly that I thought pages were missing. Rebecca Cook did a good job telling the story.
Joble, Gabrelle and Joy are three siblings who find Joy’s life mate in a cave where he was being held captive by vampires. The three siblings rescue the Carpathian.
While the Carpathian goes to ground the vampires attack the siblings and Joy sacrifices herself to save her siblings while it’ll take the Carpathian to save Joy, his life mate.
What I liked was none of the characters were written as victims and all were supportive of one another and worked well as a single unit.
Dark Descent was a good story but ended so abruptly that I thought pages were missing. Rebecca Cook did a good job telling the story.
January 6, 2017
Read the expanded version, still seemed to be too short.
+ I loved the heroine's brother and sister. They were funny and awesome.
+ I liked that the heroine here could kick ass and wasn't just the usual damsel in distress. In fact, she was the princess who rescued her prince.
- Ended abruptly! I was looking forward to meeting the parents, finding out if suspicions of their origins were true (also what about heroine's dream of them?), seeing what heroine's brother would do with his discovered abilities, seeing the heroine meet everyone, seeing what the ramifications would be for one of heroine's blood becoming Carpathian... but the book suddenly ended. Ugh. It finished the romance then BAM THE END without winding up all those other loose ends.
+ I loved the heroine's brother and sister. They were funny and awesome.
+ I liked that the heroine here could kick ass and wasn't just the usual damsel in distress. In fact, she was the princess who rescued her prince.
- Ended abruptly! I was looking forward to meeting the parents, finding out if suspicions of their origins were true (also what about heroine's dream of them?), seeing what heroine's brother would do with his discovered abilities, seeing the heroine meet everyone, seeing what the ramifications would be for one of heroine's blood becoming Carpathian... but the book suddenly ended. Ugh. It finished the romance then BAM THE END without winding up all those other loose ends.
February 18, 2010
Dark Descent would be one of my favourites in this series, mainly, I think, because of the wonderful relationship between the two lovers. No coyness on her behalf, and understanding about her close relationship with her siblings and family on his. It was wonderful to see true trust between the Carpathian and his lifemate that doesn't show in many of the other books in the series. Exciting adventure and it's great to see Gary meeting up with someone for himself.
I listened to this as an audio book and I must say I much prefer the reader, Natalie Gold, to Juanita Parker who reads most in this series.
I listened to this as an audio book and I must say I much prefer the reader, Natalie Gold, to Juanita Parker who reads most in this series.
December 26, 2014
Der Karpatianer Traian ist in einer Höhle in den wilden Bergen seiner Heimat gefangen. Seine einzige Hoffnung auf Rettung ist seine Seelengefährtin Joie. Trotzdem wünscht er sich, sie wäre nicht auf dem Weg zu ihm. Denn in der ewigen Nacht des unterirdischen Höhlenlabyrinths lauern tödliche Gefahren...
Mal zwischendurch ein Karpatianer Buch gelesen und wie immer bin ich begeistert. Spannung, Liebe und Fantasy, genau die richtige Mischung. Obwohl ich die Kurzgeschichte doch lieber in einer längeren Fassung gelesen hätte, da war noch so viel was man viel besser ausarbeiten hätte können. Aber sonst wieder eine gelungene Geschichte.
Mal zwischendurch ein Karpatianer Buch gelesen und wie immer bin ich begeistert. Spannung, Liebe und Fantasy, genau die richtige Mischung. Obwohl ich die Kurzgeschichte doch lieber in einer längeren Fassung gelesen hätte, da war noch so viel was man viel besser ausarbeiten hätte können. Aber sonst wieder eine gelungene Geschichte.
June 5, 2022
Another piece in the puzzle. I actually listened to this (audiobook) at the same time as I read Dark Demon. It sort of helped as both books are set in the same caves - I was getting both audio and written descriptions. My one complaint was that I wasn't ready for the ending - it just suddenly happened. I thought there would be a few more 'ends' to tie up. (But it is a novella, so I can't really complain...)
March 21, 2010
My first audio book experience and I learned some things about my ability to listen. The book was wonderful, Feehan's characters captivated as usual. Cook's voice was animated and brilliant in her interpretation of the character voices. Parts of this book seemed familiar, as if I had read it before but I can not for the life of me figure out why. oh well I still loved every minute.
July 28, 2016
With typical over-the-top writing of flowery prose and over-wrought descriptions, Feehan expands her Carpathians universe with a novella length story of Traian and Joie and a cave full of master vampires and ancient treasures and weapons of mages. Nicely done.
February 24, 2017
Great short story, Joie was mentioned to maybe supply a bodyguard in Symphony, and yeah, just a great short story, with the first of the vampires really grouping together, and whatever the magician had!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.