LOVE AVENGED

Author: J.R. Ward i ISBN: 9780451225856 5/2009 PARANORMAL Publisher: NAL

...Now, as the vampire warriors defend their race against their slayers, one male’s loyalty to the Brotherhood will be tested—and his dangerous mixed blood revealed… Rehvenge has always kept his distance from the Brotherhood—even though his sister is married to a member, for he harbors a deadly secret that could make him a huge liability in their war against the lessers. As plots within and outside of the Brotherhood threaten to reveal the truth about Rehvenge, he turns to the only source of light in his darkening world, Ehlena, a vampire untouched by the corruption that has its hold on him—and the only thing standing between him and eternal destruction.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

LOVER AVENGED is quite the read. First of all, it is huge—527 pages. Next, it is filled with so much information that I do believe at some point I will read it again, just to be sure I have not missed anything. Of course, I know that I have.

What works best here is the interaction between the characters. Whether it's villains or heroes, or dramatic, painful, pleasurable, or humorous scenes, the timing and mystery of it all is amazing. I admit to some confusion at times, because the story switches between characters at some seriously inopportune times (trying to kill me with suspense, I suspect), but it is mainly a smooth ride on the Brotherhood express.

So many things are revealed and disturbing in this one, so be prepared for the brutality that always exists in their world. I admit to some squeamish 1:00 a.m. reading on my part, but also times of anguish. LOVER AVENGED is daunting, and yet thoroughly enjoyable to get lost in. No, it's not my favorite—nothing beats Rhage in LOVER ETERNAL—but I find Rehvenge and his plight to be one I won't soon forget.

Shannon Johnson