Review: review of the dark lord
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 12, 2013
This was a pretty good story from Ms. Le Veque.  I will say it’s not one of my favorites because I really did not like the hero Ajax de Velt all that much.  I do realize that this is somewhat the point to be a little vexed by some of his characteristics but throughout the story I kept wanting to find a redeeming quality in him and now that I come to think of it the only redeeming quality he had was probably the heroine Kellington.  Kellington started out as a bit naive but as the book progressed she really became a strong courageous and brave character.  fact, I couldn't help but like her tenacious spirit and her belief that there is good in everybody.  She wanted to change everyone for the better and endeavoring to create a more peaceful world despite the dubious odds.  The only thing I kept wondering was how could she like someone like Jax and then end up with him?  Yes there is an allure to like the “bad boy” or a “beast” but he almost didn’t seem like he had any feelings at all despite his growth in the story.  I found it hard to believe that someone of his cold-blooded vicious nature could so easily change into a simpering lapdog to suit the compelling heroine.From the beginning of the story where the hero Ajax “Jax” de Velt raids and disrupts the heroine Kellington’s perfect life and home in Pelinom.  Jax and his group of mercenaries callously kill all the men, women and then viciously murder all the innocent children and babies.  This really sets the somber mood of the book.  Eventually as the novel progressed and Jax falls more in love with Kellington he starts to feel something around her and attempts to change his ways.  Kellington even starts to notice the struggle he has in trying to be a better person and Jax starts to grow becoming a person who was dead inside to one that actually has feelings.  Even with Jax attempting to change who he is others see Jax as the savage warlord he has always been and believe he can never change his ways.  Jax no matter what others say intends to marry Kellington but her family and friends plus his friends and knights are determined to tear them apart at whatever chance they get.  When all is said and done Jax and Kellington finally after much sieges, battles which are described in graphic detail, heartache, deception, betrayal and unbelievable odds obtain their happy ending.  This changes some of the characters especially Jax for the better.The story I felt was satisfactory and honestly I didn’t mind the brutality of it because that is the intended purpose but I still wanted a more likable hero.  Out of all of the hero’s that Ms. Le Veque’s writes about Jax is the one I like the least.  If anyone has read my other reviews knows that I dislike Ms. Le Veque's character of Marcus Burton from the Kathlyn Trent/Marcus Burton adventure series but I find that I like him a little bit better now than Jax.  I think what distracted me about him was his dual colored eyes and the way she described his apathetic behavior to hurt whoever got in his way.  Kellington I felt in a way got short-changed and I almost wanted her to end up with someone more worthy of her.  I was happy that Ms. Le Veque did have a chivalrous character Denedor but I was a little disappointed in the fact that he ended up with someone as deceitful as Lavaine who ends up hurting and betraying Kellington.  Even though Kellington forgives her in the end maybe in actuality I don't like her character either. I still don't blame Denedor for fighting Jax and trying to get Kellington because I think if I was in his shoes I would do the same thing.I will say that after reading the book twice it is better the second time around and I do appreciate the characters a little bit better even though I still feel the same for them that I felt before.  I however enjoy immensely Ms. Le Veque’s work and will read another story of hers despite not liking the hero and my rating of 4 stars.