Review: More mayhem, more action, and more romance—heck just plain more everything! <3
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 20, 2014
The previous book ended with Darian’s life in shambles, and now in AGAINST THE DAWN, she’s back from her stint in O Anel and trying to pick-up the pieces. The opening chapters were very emotional, both for me and the heroine, because not only do readers get to reconnect with their favourite characters after the long wait between installments, but getting to do so through Darian’s eyes was extra poignant. There’s a lot going on in Amanda Bonilla’s latest novel with multiple plot threads, romances, a new supe or two, and of course, Tyler never disappoints.I’ve been DYING to learn more about the Jinn ever since I first started reading this series and was introduced to the mysterious Ty. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that all is revealed, but enough details are shared that I don’t feel quite as in the dark as I did before. Unfortunately, most of these juicy morsels are spoilers so, moving on… Some light is also shed on the inner workings of Xander’s court, and oddly enough the center of the Shaede Kingdom is in Alberta, Canada! I KNEW there was more to Banff’s freakishly blue water than glaciers (i.e. magic). And, Bonilla’s fab world-building doesn’t end there with the addition of reapers, werewolves, and even a Minotaur to her supernatural hodgepodge. The author really pulled out all of the stops with this one!The love triangle continues in this installment even though Darian made her choice in book 3 because some guys just can’t take no for an answer. On top of neglecting his kingdom in favour of his romantic pursuit, Xander also decides to get the PNT involved in his rivalry with Tyler. Needless to say, the whole thing gets rather ugly, but as much as I love the sexy Jinn, I can’t help but wonder if the Fae King’s selfless intentions will have an impact on Darian’s decision. Xander proves that he’s more than just a pretty face in this novel, and as much as I hate to admit it, I’m starting to feel some sympathy for the bugger. Only one love scene makes an appearance, but after a year of pent up sexual frustration, quality more than makes up for quantity in this instance.There’s no shortage of action in AGAINST THE DAWN with Mithras, the Synod and Lorik stirring up trouble. I was kind of peeved at Darian for falling for the latter’s ploy so easily, especially given their history and that she never fully trusted him to begin with. Every SHAEDE ASSASSIN book needs at least one good brawl, and the roman god of warriors certainly delivers on that front. I was happy to see Asher play a more active role in this series after having enjoyed his character in the previous novel, and Raif was great too even though he’s struggling with his loyalties a bit. I thought we’d kissed the Azriel related problems goodbye several installments ago, but apparently not because the Rakshasa are back and out for blood. Poor Darian.AGAINST THE DAWN takes the SHAEDE ASSASSIN series to a whole new level with more mayhem, more action, and more romance—heck just plain more everything!