Meghan G. (meghan1943) reviewed Beyond the Pale (Darkwing Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 55 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
Honestly, I did not like this book very much. That being said, I was almost overly intrigued by the idea of a vampire spy. Plus, the chemistry between the two main characters was just hot. I will try the second book, just because I'm curious. But, the simplistic writing and cardboard characters really does kill the story.
Helpful Score: 7
Wow! This was an awesome book, and a debut from this author no less. No wonder NeedSun had to immediately buy/locate book two. If she hadn't, I might've had to. ;)
This book is classified as a romance, and though I can see the romance aspect, it definitely wasn't the primary focus of the book which made me enjoy it even more. I like books where romance, if included at all, is more of an afterthought than part of the main story line.
Daphne is a strong, tough character, the kind I like, and a vampire to boot. Plus she's a Monkey in Chinese Astrology like me. :) In Beyond the Pale, Daphne, a nearly 500 year old vampire, is approached to join a team of vamps working for the US government to help catch terrorists. Vampires aren't widely recognized and accepted here like they are in the Anita Blake books, instead only certain government officials, and the Vamps themselves, really know of their existence. And with their superhuman strength, Team Darkwing makes a great set of heroes!
Though I just finished saying I don't care for the romance aspect, I'm curious to find out what happens between Daphne and Darius in the next book.
This book is classified as a romance, and though I can see the romance aspect, it definitely wasn't the primary focus of the book which made me enjoy it even more. I like books where romance, if included at all, is more of an afterthought than part of the main story line.
Daphne is a strong, tough character, the kind I like, and a vampire to boot. Plus she's a Monkey in Chinese Astrology like me. :) In Beyond the Pale, Daphne, a nearly 500 year old vampire, is approached to join a team of vamps working for the US government to help catch terrorists. Vampires aren't widely recognized and accepted here like they are in the Anita Blake books, instead only certain government officials, and the Vamps themselves, really know of their existence. And with their superhuman strength, Team Darkwing makes a great set of heroes!
Though I just finished saying I don't care for the romance aspect, I'm curious to find out what happens between Daphne and Darius in the next book.
Helpful Score: 4
I really liked this book--first of series. I normally don't care for female vamp stories but the male lead was strong enough to balance her.
Look for second in series...Past Redemption
Look for second in series...Past Redemption
Mary M. C. (MartieKr) -
Helpful Score: 4
I found this book rather interesting, although slow moving at times. Different slant on some of the vampire lore. I liked the main character but agree calling her Daphy is dopey. Hopefully the next in the series picks up a bit. Not bad for a first and the series does have potential.
Marna C. (feritgrrl) -
Helpful Score: 4
I wasn't sure what to expect from this as I have had a run of bad books lately, especially in this vein (ha!). The book started out a bit slow, and a little too 'shopaholic' as vampire- I will be so glad when pop authors stop with the constant brand name dropping- but then begins to pick up when our heroine is kidnapped and finds herself coerced into working for a shadowy government agency as a combination spy/crime fighter. Her co-spies include a spunky and funny vampiress originally hailing from Branson. Mo and a sulky, wanna-be Broadway dance star vamp who provides a nice- and again, funny! allusion to another pop culture vampire novel. Daphne discovers a natural aptitude for her new job, and a new purpose for existence. She finds new love in the form of Darius DellaChiesa, a fellow spy although from a rival organization, and as it turns out, a vampire hunter. Further potential entanglement is hinted at between Daphne and her handler, J., as the two recognize their at first unwilling attraction to one another.
The urban fantasy parts of this book work the best, although the plot feels labored at some points and full of holes at others. The sex scenes are somewhat strangely handled/described. Daphne has been holding out for some 200 years folllowing the death of her last great love, Lord Byron, but suddenly falls into bed with Darius,a total stranger for meaningless sex? And speaking of Lord Byron, the author clearly had trouble deciding how to play that relationship- for drama or for laughs- and ends up with a confused mish mash of the two that is unconvincing and weakens her character. The sex scenes gain something in emotion and lose some of the mechanistic quality as the book goes on and I suspect the author is attempting to show Daphne's growing feelings for Darius. But the first time the two characters get together, it seems very cold and its hard to figure on why Daphne feels she must be with Darius- it doesn't even seem like that much fun.
I am also hoping Russe resists the urge to write the character of Benny (the Branson Mo. vamp) as over the top zany. Benny worked well as she was until the end, when the author couldn't seem to resist the temptation to make her a charicature. The best of Benny is when she is written as the self-aware, just-a-girl-from-Branson type who doesn't take herself too seriously and trades on her 'Southern Belle' accent and proclivities to accomplish the aims of the mission. The jury is still out on Mar-Mar- Daphne's mom who has hidden depths and secrets of her own. She too could be a great and compelling character if Russe can avoid over doing the comedy.
I liked this book more than I than I expected to- although it certainly has its flaws. I plan to seek out the next book and hope that the author gets better showing Daphne's romantic motivations!
The urban fantasy parts of this book work the best, although the plot feels labored at some points and full of holes at others. The sex scenes are somewhat strangely handled/described. Daphne has been holding out for some 200 years folllowing the death of her last great love, Lord Byron, but suddenly falls into bed with Darius,a total stranger for meaningless sex? And speaking of Lord Byron, the author clearly had trouble deciding how to play that relationship- for drama or for laughs- and ends up with a confused mish mash of the two that is unconvincing and weakens her character. The sex scenes gain something in emotion and lose some of the mechanistic quality as the book goes on and I suspect the author is attempting to show Daphne's growing feelings for Darius. But the first time the two characters get together, it seems very cold and its hard to figure on why Daphne feels she must be with Darius- it doesn't even seem like that much fun.
I am also hoping Russe resists the urge to write the character of Benny (the Branson Mo. vamp) as over the top zany. Benny worked well as she was until the end, when the author couldn't seem to resist the temptation to make her a charicature. The best of Benny is when she is written as the self-aware, just-a-girl-from-Branson type who doesn't take herself too seriously and trades on her 'Southern Belle' accent and proclivities to accomplish the aims of the mission. The jury is still out on Mar-Mar- Daphne's mom who has hidden depths and secrets of her own. She too could be a great and compelling character if Russe can avoid over doing the comedy.
I liked this book more than I than I expected to- although it certainly has its flaws. I plan to seek out the next book and hope that the author gets better showing Daphne's romantic motivations!
Helpful Score: 3
when I glanced thrugh the book before reading it through (I'm impatient person) it seemed all right, so I started reading. It's been a while since I read a book where practicaly on every page I saw lack of research and glaring mistakes. Pave diamonds from renaisance florence??? Official dossier using flowery prose???? cheesy speaches from supposed government officials? a heroine with IQ withing the top 1% of the population, tht lived for over 300 years, running for her life, who still possesses an astonishing level of naivette, and goes into a trap despite every instict??? who was also, byt the way a ninja, at one point of her life???? Ugggg!!! I couldn't read anymore, i was too disgusted. from my first glance, the love story seemed all right, but all thisannoying detailes just drove me nuts. you might like it, if you don't mind a ton of inconcistances, but it just wasn't my bup of tea. i like well researched books, even if they are paranormal romances
Helpful Score: 2
The whole paranormal/spy angle is interesting. I had no idea what to make of the novel at first; then I began to enjoy the story when the characters J and Darius came along. Darius sounded scrumptious, but I was more intrigued with J. The other characters are quite underdeveloped and I hope that the author does a better job with characterization in the second offering of this series. The vampires in this book are interesting. They turn into bat-like monsters when they feel the hunger for blood, but for the most part they are like humans, except for the whole immortal thing. I'd say Beyond the Pale is average at best.
Helpful Score: 2
Not a good one. I liked that the lead was a vampire spy working with a secret organization and I tried to read all of it but just couldnt. The love story is rushed and I didnt like how all she could think of was her lover....it ruined the story and I had to put it down.
Helpful Score: 2
Not a keeper for me. Hero was underdeveloped - difficult to fall in love with him. Found their relationship came on too fast and felt superficial. Lots of books progress fast, this one just didn't convince me that these characters really cared about each other or that their relationship really meant anything. I'll probably read the next book b/c often the second in series is better than first, but I'm in no hurry.
Helpful Score: 1
Great story; a little annoying that they repeat their names in the dialogue; if you can get past that, it's a fun read.
Michelle W. (mleeledoux) reviewed Beyond the Pale (Darkwing Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I just could not like or take any real interest in the heroine of this book. A 500 yr old woman, vampire or not, should not be this naive or have sooo much trouble making up her mind. I managed to get through second book as her "love" interest was interesting but again I did more eye rolling and skipping paragraphs to get to the point that I won't bother with the rest of the series
Helpful Score: 1
Fans of Laurell K Hamilton, Charlain Harris, and Kim Harrison will find this book entertaining. The author choses a rather fresh approach to the concept of vampires and an original plot. To be honest though I found her writing style lacking.
Kim S. (obsessed-reader) reviewed Beyond the Pale (Darkwing Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 51 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
slow at times, didn't hold my intrest. Good start for a new author though. Hopefully if she puts any more books up she will pick up the pace.
Helpful Score: 1
A fun "paranormal chick lit" beach read.
Helpful Score: 1
This book was just lame and I was unable to get past 60 pages. There was a couple of funny lines about 30 pages in that made me hopeful, but that was about it.
It didn't help matters any that the story is a slow read that doesn't really grab your attention because the author's prose is on the dry side. The story idea initially sounded interesting, but I think that the author got too much of her (mis)information about government work from watching television... and not even the more believable shows at that. There were several situations that just seemed too unlikely, even for a paranormal story. It also tended to get corny and the author managed to use a couple plot devices that I've read in other vampire novels, so that just turned me off.
Not an author I'd recommend, because I feel she just got published to try and fill a popular genre. Unfortunately, her contribution is crap.
It didn't help matters any that the story is a slow read that doesn't really grab your attention because the author's prose is on the dry side. The story idea initially sounded interesting, but I think that the author got too much of her (mis)information about government work from watching television... and not even the more believable shows at that. There were several situations that just seemed too unlikely, even for a paranormal story. It also tended to get corny and the author managed to use a couple plot devices that I've read in other vampire novels, so that just turned me off.
Not an author I'd recommend, because I feel she just got published to try and fill a popular genre. Unfortunately, her contribution is crap.
Helpful Score: 1
Vampires, romance and secrets.
This is book one. The story is a dark one, with intrigue and danger around every corner.
This is book one. The story is a dark one, with intrigue and danger around every corner.
Was very disappointed in this book.
Helpful Score: 1
1st book in the Darkwing Chronicles: I think Savannah was trying to make this book funny, serious, and romantic but it didn't flow very well. I didn't like how Darius didn't have a choose about himself at the end of the book. I do like the darkwing team and Daphne's mother Mar Mar is a "trip". on scale 1 - 10 I give it a 5 but I will read the next book to give it one more try.
Helpful Score: 1
Great book! I had a little trouble getting through the first couple of chapters. After that, I was hooked. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this one. Read it in one day. I look forward to the next in this series.
Karen S. (BoysMom) -
I thought it a fanciful premise. Daphne is a centuries-old vampire. An unnamed U.S. governmental agency has coerced her and several others of her kind into being "secret agents" in a program called "Darkwing." (And gosh, I kept thinking of Darkwing Duck.) But the story is very well written. It was laugh-out-loud funny in a couple of places. I was vastly entertained. Stayed up waaaay too late one night just to finish it. This is book one in a series. Yes, it is improbable, but heck, the good guys are *vampires* - hello? I will be looking for the next one.
I did not like this because it was written in first person.
By Chapter 2 I was already thoroughly confused.
Kelly (macewoman) - , reviewed Beyond the Pale (Darkwing Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 33 more book reviews
Interesting take on the vampire romance. Starts off slow, but by the middle it captured my interest.
Daphne has no interest in military affairs or the government, but when the choice is participate or die. Well, the choice seemed rather obvious. Darkwing is military group of vampires with the job of hunting terrorists. The leader is a human that goes by J and is none to fond of vampires. Daphne isn't sure who she can trust, and it is getting harder to tell the good guys from the bad guys. I liked that the story didn't end with a cliffhanger, but with some lead-in to the next installment.
Daphne has no interest in military affairs or the government, but when the choice is participate or die. Well, the choice seemed rather obvious. Darkwing is military group of vampires with the job of hunting terrorists. The leader is a human that goes by J and is none to fond of vampires. Daphne isn't sure who she can trust, and it is getting harder to tell the good guys from the bad guys. I liked that the story didn't end with a cliffhanger, but with some lead-in to the next installment.
Heather Y. (Heathery) - , reviewed Beyond the Pale (Darkwing Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 81 more book reviews
If you passes Daphne Urban on the streets of New York, you'd see a sleek brunette, young dressid in up to the minute style. You'd never know she was a vampire. But the government knows.
Their ultimatum: Spy for the United States, or be terminated. And after all these centuries Daphne is not ready to call it quits.
Their ultimatum: Spy for the United States, or be terminated. And after all these centuries Daphne is not ready to call it quits.
Hayley M. (Zachaustlily) reviewed Beyond the Pale (Darkwing Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 227 more book reviews
Loved this story. The only problem I had was getting past the main character, Daphne, being called Daphy and being part of the Darkwings. I kept picturing Daffy Duck as Darkwing Duck.
fun read, looking forward to the the next book.
I am waiting for the next one. It is a must read
Marge J. (MaplesFlowers) -
This is actually the Hardback. Great storyline & charaters. First time reading Russe & I will look forward to more from her!
Becky L. (countrygirl149) reviewed Beyond the Pale (Darkwing Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 66 more book reviews
registered at bookcrossing.com
Maryann K. (mckorz11) reviewed Beyond the Pale (Darkwing Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 285 more book reviews
Pure evil is about to meet its match.
This is definitely different than most of the vampire stories out there. I am intrigued and am waiting to read the rest of the series.
This is actually a hardcover, even though the ISBN populated as a paperback. The book is brand new.
If you passed Daphne Urban on the streets of New York, you'd see a sleek brunette, young, dressed in up-to-the-minute style. You'd never know she was a vampire. But the government knows.
Their ultimatum: Spy for the United States, or be terminated. And afer all these centuries, Daphne is not ready to call it quits...
Their ultimatum: Spy for the United States, or be terminated. And afer all these centuries, Daphne is not ready to call it quits...
A 500 year old female vampire is blackmailed into working for the United States governement as a spy.
Melissa S. (Lessa169) reviewed Beyond the Pale (Darkwing Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 28 more book reviews
Even as vampires go, Daphne is extraordinary. She speaks thirteen languages, has lived in as many countries, and has a genius-level IQ. She's also escaped detection and capture for nearly five hundred years - which makes her perfect for Project Darkwing's most dangerous assignments. Her first mission is to get close ot Bonaventure - a shady arms dealer with terrorist connections.
But while she chases Bonaventure, someone else is chasing her -- the darkly sexy vampire slayer Darius della Chiesa. His mission is to kill her - leaving him torn between desire and duty. For his lithe, lovely, prey is also his ultimate temptation.
But while she chases Bonaventure, someone else is chasing her -- the darkly sexy vampire slayer Darius della Chiesa. His mission is to kill her - leaving him torn between desire and duty. For his lithe, lovely, prey is also his ultimate temptation.
Barbara A. (barbwired) reviewed Beyond the Pale (Darkwing Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 130 more book reviews
The government knows that Daphne Urban is a vampire, and they have an ultimatum: spy for them, or be killed. The choice is easy. She can speak 13 languages, has a genius IQ, and has escaped detection for nearly five hundred years-making herperfect for Team Darkwing. Her first mission is to get close to Bonaventure, a shady arms dealer with an unexpected gift for seduction. But when Darius, a darkly sexy vampire slayer, begins chasing her, Darius is torn between desire and duty. For his lithe, young prey is also his ultimate temptation.
Even as vampires go, Daphne is extraordinary. She speaks thirteen languages,has lived in as many countries, and has a genius-level IQ. She'salso escaped detection and capture for nearly five hundred years--which maks her perfect for Project Darkwing's most dangerours assignments. Her first mission is to get close to Benaventure--a shady arms dealer with terrorist connections.
But while she chases Bonaventure, someone else is chasing ehr--the darly sexy vampire slayer Darius della Chiesa. His mission is to kill her--leaving him torn between desire and duty. For his lithe, lovely prey is also his ultimate temptation.....
But while she chases Bonaventure, someone else is chasing ehr--the darly sexy vampire slayer Darius della Chiesa. His mission is to kill her--leaving him torn between desire and duty. For his lithe, lovely prey is also his ultimate temptation.....
Crystal R. (krystlee22) reviewed Beyond the Pale (Darkwing Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 156 more book reviews
vampire romance
never been read.
From the publisher.....Even as vampires to, Daphne is extraordinary. She speaks thirteen languages, has lived in as many countries, and has a genius-level IQ. She's also escaped detection and capture for nearly five hundred years-which makes her perfect for Project Darkwing's most dangerous assignments. Her first mission is to get close to Bonaventure-a shady arms dealer with terrorist connections.
This is a brand new book. I ordered the wrong title. I have not read it.
This is a brand new book. I ordered the wrong title. I have not read it.
