Helpful Score: 8
I don't get it. Feehan is rated very high on Amazon etc...but it was tacky romance novel..a TACKY one. I'm not opposed to romance novels. But please...it was god awlful. I could barely finish it. And I made myself finish hoping it would get better. It didn't...and it was incredibly repetitive, after 3 chapters you had the whole story, same stick just kept repeating and repeating. I don't get why everyone loves this book (did I say that already?). I'll stick with the other paranormal romance authors. This is the worse one I have ever read!
Helpful Score: 6
Plot Summary: 1st of Feehan's Dark Series, this book introduces the Carpathians (read: generally "good vampires"). A Carpathian male (they have a serious woman shortage) seeks his soul mate, and upon finding her, wishes to bond her to him completely. The romance was in the foreground, in the background they were being hunted by vampire hunters.
Main Characters: Mikhail and Raven. Mikhail is alpha male, a bit archaic, but tolerable for the most part. Raven was tstl (too stupid to live). Some reviewers already noted that she continuously put herself and others at risk. Yup. She also took an absurdly long time figuring out that Mikhail wasn't human. (She hadn't figured it out even after he drank her blood, attributing that to "cultural differences").
Best about this book: the intensity between the hero and heroine was very romantic. They were completely engrossed in each other.
Worst about this book: Again, as others pointed out, some phrases were over-used to the point of bringing me pain: Mikhail's coffee colored hair, Raven's slenderness. She was described as slender so many times I wanted to buy the author a thesaurus (how about slim? Delicate, perhaps?!@!)
Absolute WORST about this book: the emphasis on women as breeders. When a woman is treasured by the man she loves its romantic. But when women are treasured as walking wombs its just species survival. It was a foregone conclusion that Raven would agree to "breed" and another character already determined that should she conceive a girl, that child would be his mate! Ick.
Summary: I would recommend it to anyone who wants to read the Dark Series (which I hear improves over time) for the background. But, I for one, am hoping for more intelligent, less breeding obsessed heroes and heroines in her next books.
Main Characters: Mikhail and Raven. Mikhail is alpha male, a bit archaic, but tolerable for the most part. Raven was tstl (too stupid to live). Some reviewers already noted that she continuously put herself and others at risk. Yup. She also took an absurdly long time figuring out that Mikhail wasn't human. (She hadn't figured it out even after he drank her blood, attributing that to "cultural differences").
Best about this book: the intensity between the hero and heroine was very romantic. They were completely engrossed in each other.
Worst about this book: Again, as others pointed out, some phrases were over-used to the point of bringing me pain: Mikhail's coffee colored hair, Raven's slenderness. She was described as slender so many times I wanted to buy the author a thesaurus (how about slim? Delicate, perhaps?!@!)
Absolute WORST about this book: the emphasis on women as breeders. When a woman is treasured by the man she loves its romantic. But when women are treasured as walking wombs its just species survival. It was a foregone conclusion that Raven would agree to "breed" and another character already determined that should she conceive a girl, that child would be his mate! Ick.
Summary: I would recommend it to anyone who wants to read the Dark Series (which I hear improves over time) for the background. But, I for one, am hoping for more intelligent, less breeding obsessed heroes and heroines in her next books.
Helpful Score: 4
This book includes the bonus (long) short story, "Dark Descent".
"Dark Prince" the story of Mikhail, Prince of the Carpathians, and his lifemate, Raven. So far, she is my least favorite of the Carpathian lifemates. Her name alone - "Raven" to signify her long, black hair - is somewhat archaic. The book follows the formula of all the Carpathian books I've read so far. Carpathian male meets lifemate; his strong, posessive personality causes potential lifemate to resist him; she eventually succumbs (in between very sensuous, graphic sex) and agrees to acknowledge her lifemate status with Carpathian male. Given the controlling nature of these men, it's understandable that the potential lifemates would keep fighting for their identity and independence. However, these guys are so thrilled at finally finding their lifemate they become totally besotted with the women and end up compromising bit by bit. But Raven's fight to keep her identity is beyond common sense. Refusing to believe Mikhail's warnings of danger and her inability to handle it, she rushes into very dangerous situations resulting in harm to her and other Carpathians. Yet they're all indulgent with her; none point out the risk she poses to others. Beyond that, the male Carpathians were interesting characters, especially Jacques and Gregori. Their hunters are stock, one-dimensional characters who exude ignorance and evil.
Joie (where does Feehan get these names?) in "Dark Descent" is a much more attractive character than Raven. A lot brighter than Raven, she "gets" her lifemate Traian. The story formula doesn't operate here. Joie is the one who searches for Traian and once she finds him, she doesn't waste a lot of time fighting him. Joie has lots of courage and is secure in her own identity. Both stories are full of erotic lovemaking which I think is one of the main attractions of Feehan's Dark series. She does write eroticism well.
"Dark Prince" the story of Mikhail, Prince of the Carpathians, and his lifemate, Raven. So far, she is my least favorite of the Carpathian lifemates. Her name alone - "Raven" to signify her long, black hair - is somewhat archaic. The book follows the formula of all the Carpathian books I've read so far. Carpathian male meets lifemate; his strong, posessive personality causes potential lifemate to resist him; she eventually succumbs (in between very sensuous, graphic sex) and agrees to acknowledge her lifemate status with Carpathian male. Given the controlling nature of these men, it's understandable that the potential lifemates would keep fighting for their identity and independence. However, these guys are so thrilled at finally finding their lifemate they become totally besotted with the women and end up compromising bit by bit. But Raven's fight to keep her identity is beyond common sense. Refusing to believe Mikhail's warnings of danger and her inability to handle it, she rushes into very dangerous situations resulting in harm to her and other Carpathians. Yet they're all indulgent with her; none point out the risk she poses to others. Beyond that, the male Carpathians were interesting characters, especially Jacques and Gregori. Their hunters are stock, one-dimensional characters who exude ignorance and evil.
Joie (where does Feehan get these names?) in "Dark Descent" is a much more attractive character than Raven. A lot brighter than Raven, she "gets" her lifemate Traian. The story formula doesn't operate here. Joie is the one who searches for Traian and once she finds him, she doesn't waste a lot of time fighting him. Joie has lots of courage and is secure in her own identity. Both stories are full of erotic lovemaking which I think is one of the main attractions of Feehan's Dark series. She does write eroticism well.
Helpful Score: 3
The writing is atrocious, the story insipid, the characters flat as the cheap paper within which they reside...and somehow I can't stop myself from reading this. It's like when you eat too many M&Ms, and your mouth starts to taste terrible and the candy coating splinters are in your gums, but you just can't stop yourself because it's CHOCOLATE, and who says no to chocolate? It's sorta the same thing with this. Who says no to terribly written semi-romance paranormal crap? Not me!
Helpful Score: 3
This book had 50 pages of story and 250+ pages of sex. It's unfortunate that I won't be continuing this series. This author had an interesting story to tell, but after skimming pages and pages of sex to find the story again, I decided it wasn't worth the headache. This author has to be the worst author I have ever read.
Helpful Score: 3
Feehan's weak, unimaginative writing and anemic plot destroy what sounded like a pretty promising book by the blurb on the back cover.
Helpful Score: 2
This was actually the hardest of the whole series for me - maybe because it presented a lot of 'set up' information. Great series, but I found it best not to read too many in a row - the 'me vampire, you mate' arrogance can get overwhelming.
Carpathian Novels
1. Dark Prince (1999)
2. Dark Desire (1999)
3. Dark Gold (2000)
4. Dark Magic (2000)
5. Dark Challenge (2000)
6. Dark Fire (2001)
7. Dark Dream (2001) (in After Twilight)
8. Dark Legend (2001)
9. Dark Guardian (2002)
10. Dark Symphony (2003)
11. Dark Descent (2003) (in The Only One)
12. Dark Melody (2003)
13. Dark Destiny (2004)
14. Dark Hunger (2004) (in Hot Blooded)
15. Dark Secret (2005)
16. Dark Demon (2006)
17. Dark Celebration: A Carpathian Reunion (2006)
18. Dark Possession (2007)
19. Dark Curse (2008)
20. Dark Slayer (2009)
Carpathian Novels
1. Dark Prince (1999)
2. Dark Desire (1999)
3. Dark Gold (2000)
4. Dark Magic (2000)
5. Dark Challenge (2000)
6. Dark Fire (2001)
7. Dark Dream (2001) (in After Twilight)
8. Dark Legend (2001)
9. Dark Guardian (2002)
10. Dark Symphony (2003)
11. Dark Descent (2003) (in The Only One)
12. Dark Melody (2003)
13. Dark Destiny (2004)
14. Dark Hunger (2004) (in Hot Blooded)
15. Dark Secret (2005)
16. Dark Demon (2006)
17. Dark Celebration: A Carpathian Reunion (2006)
18. Dark Possession (2007)
19. Dark Curse (2008)
20. Dark Slayer (2009)
Katherine S. (kathyk519) -
Helpful Score: 1
A great book! It grabs you from the first page and never lets go! It is a wonderful vampire romance novel with some great action. I love how both the females and males in this book are heroes with great courage!
Helpful Score: 1
Meh. I'll probably check out the next book to see if it gets any better but I wasn't very impressed with this book. All it seemed to be was the hero and heroine arguing over the same things, having sex, healing, arguing again, rinse and repeat.
I just would have preferred a little more action, a little less angst, and a heroine that was a little less annoying. She says she's "intelligent" yet gets herself nearly killed repeatedly. Obviously you are dumb, so listen to you barbarian man-vamp and do as he says. Not terrible but not very good either.
I just would have preferred a little more action, a little less angst, and a heroine that was a little less annoying. She says she's "intelligent" yet gets herself nearly killed repeatedly. Obviously you are dumb, so listen to you barbarian man-vamp and do as he says. Not terrible but not very good either.
Elizabeth (elsasdaughter) reviewed Dark Prince (Carpathians (Dark), Bk 1) on + 115 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book was excellent. I really like the chemistry that Mikhail and Raven have. I enjoyed reading their telepathic conversations. An excellent start for me this is my first time reading Christine Feehan and it certainly won't be my last.
Helpful Score: 1
This is the second book by Christine Feehan that I have read each from completely different of her series. Both characters, inadvertantly, had black hair and blue eyes and are very slender, small-boned, waiflike (Kate Moss anyone?). Feehan's heroines were "trying" to exert a type of "strong, 'I am woman, here me roar'", but both of them were whiny and in turn was very difficult to get into. Raven wants Mikhail to understand that she will not settle for him if he doesn't let her help him find a killer. (Boooooring!)
As some members have written that her books get better, it is hard to see that as authors have talent or not and Feehan's books are like reading Romance 101; overly-flowerly love scenes, whiny heroines, too Neaderthalic heroes, and chapters that go on forever and in essence does not leave you wanting to read again.
I ordered the book because I was hoping to give the author another shot as her first book I read could have been a fluke. I will not be choosing anymore of Feehan's books and in turn, if anyone is truly thinking of choosing anyone of Feehan's books, I highly recommend going and looking for another author as she just spits out books without thought and true revision. (Found MULTIPLE errors in both books I read.)
I have read many books by many different authors and she has definitely become one of the WORST authors I have ever read.
As some members have written that her books get better, it is hard to see that as authors have talent or not and Feehan's books are like reading Romance 101; overly-flowerly love scenes, whiny heroines, too Neaderthalic heroes, and chapters that go on forever and in essence does not leave you wanting to read again.
I ordered the book because I was hoping to give the author another shot as her first book I read could have been a fluke. I will not be choosing anymore of Feehan's books and in turn, if anyone is truly thinking of choosing anyone of Feehan's books, I highly recommend going and looking for another author as she just spits out books without thought and true revision. (Found MULTIPLE errors in both books I read.)
I have read many books by many different authors and she has definitely become one of the WORST authors I have ever read.
Helpful Score: 1
This is the first story in the Carpathian novels. I like the story but it is not my favorite book.
Helpful Score: 1
Didn't like this book. Too descriptive. Didn't even make it half way through the book.
Helpful Score: 1
I just could not really get into this. I thought that Mikhail had many "caveman" characteristics and the story never really seemed to keep my attention. It was easy to put down, whereas with authors like J.R. Ward and Stephanie Meyer I would stay up have the night dying to know what would happen next.
It was okay but not great.
It was okay but not great.
Helpful Score: 1
This book is about a group of immortals who's race is dying out. There are few woman and the infant mortality rate is high. The leader is running out of hope, he lost any feelings centuries ago and was about to walk into the sun (which is commit suicide)until a human woman with psychic abilities talks to him. He falls in love with the woman and the book goes on about their trials and love. She becomes the hope for their survival. The book starts off quick and is sometimes hard to follow because the author uses a lot of comparisons but overall I enjoyed it. I am going to read the second book if that tells you anything.
Helpful Score: 1
Decent start to a series. Lots of detail in the main characters & the culture & habits of the Carpathians. Uneven, overblown descriptions at times, but worth reading. It didn't put me off reading the next book in this series.
Helpful Score: 1
Raven has been alone all her life, her telepathic gifts have kept her from ever fitting in. She has used them to track serial killers, but the price has been high, leaving her clinging to sanity.
Mikhail, prince of the Carpathians, has been alone for many lifetimes, shut away in darkness for so long that he can no longer feel emotions. But one night, as he considers ending his life, Raven speaks to him, mind to mind. He is amazed that a human can do this, but he soon learns that this human is his life mate.
Now just as they have found each other and the peace and joy that brings, a hunter has begun killing the Carpathians. Mikhail must track him down to protect those he leads, but that will put Raven at risk.
If you are a fan of supernatural / vampire romances, I think you will like this one.
Mikhail, prince of the Carpathians, has been alone for many lifetimes, shut away in darkness for so long that he can no longer feel emotions. But one night, as he considers ending his life, Raven speaks to him, mind to mind. He is amazed that a human can do this, but he soon learns that this human is his life mate.
Now just as they have found each other and the peace and joy that brings, a hunter has begun killing the Carpathians. Mikhail must track him down to protect those he leads, but that will put Raven at risk.
If you are a fan of supernatural / vampire romances, I think you will like this one.
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent Carpathian read! I love protective men!
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed this book overall. I like descriptive books and this one was interesting in the way he won her over to his side and how caring he turned out to be for her feelings. A new take on the vampire lore...it was nice to see a change from the typical vampire book; however, it started to drag towards the end after she was foolishly headstrong and he (of course) had to rescue her yet AGAIN. I wonder though if this was a way to introduce more characters and explain them as they helped the hero rescue his lady? I was happy to see that she was still held back by her human thoughts and instincts at time.
This is a wonderful book. It satisfies those who enjoy thrillers, romance, and vampire novels! I can't wait to read the others of this series
I've only recently discovered this series and decided to start at the beginning. I highly recommend this author and this book if you are interested in the paranormal romance genre and I guarantee you will not be able to put it down once you start to read it!
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this story. It was dark, mysterious and incredibly sexy. One of my keeper collection. I thought this series had a better impact when read in order and this is the first. The next book Dark Desire remains my favorite.
Helpful Score: 1
The first book in Christines riveting Dark series, my advice is to start here and read them all in order.
Helpful Score: 1
My introduction to Feehan's Dark Series was "Dark Melody", which was excellent. I'm now trying to get my hands on every book in the series. I just finished the novel that started it all - "Dark Prince" (Mikhail & Raven's story). I loved this book! It includes bonus short story "Dark Descent", which is a reprint from "The Only One" (anthology including works by Feehan, Grant & Squires).
Helpful Score: 1
Wow, wow wow! This was a hot steamy book that left me dying to read the whole series. I just couldn't put it down!! The insights into the other Carpathian males really improves the readers understanding of those men in later books. I am trying to read the series in order as it seems to flow a bit better that way.
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent series. Highly recommended.
Helpful Score: 1
what a boring book. another reviewer said "this book is 250 pages of sex and 50 pages of plot." ordinarily, i might like such a book but this is not well-written sex. this author needs to learn the technique of "show don't tell". i think it had potential but it was so terrible, and there are so many wonderful books out there - i gave up halfway through. waste of time.
Helpful Score: 1
Great book to start of a wonderful series.
Helpful Score: 1
While I love a good vampire read, this book was very disappointing for me. I couldn't get over how these "men" acted towards their love interests. To me, they all seemed like sexist, male chauvinistic men who use the excuse of "protection" for their controlling, abusive behavior. If I had been the heroine in this novel, I'd have seriously killed myself before ever being with the hero.
Helpful Score: 1
This book will be sure to hook you and there will be no escaping. These Carpathian men are hot, powerful, and the ultimate alpha males.
Raven is the perfect match for Mikhail, who just happens to be the prince of the Carpathian race. They are a proud bunch of immortals with a wicked way with women. They cherish and protect the females of their group-- to the point that it can be a bit cumbersome to an average independant american woman like Raven. But never fear she can handle Mikhail, and does! And she's quite sexy about the way she goes about it too!
Raven is the perfect match for Mikhail, who just happens to be the prince of the Carpathian race. They are a proud bunch of immortals with a wicked way with women. They cherish and protect the females of their group-- to the point that it can be a bit cumbersome to an average independant american woman like Raven. But never fear she can handle Mikhail, and does! And she's quite sexy about the way she goes about it too!
Helpful Score: 1
Great beginning to the Dark Series to learn about the history and starting family in this 20+ series. Both Mikhail and Raven are great characters to experience while you are learning the ways of the Carpathians. Added bonus to a great story...sensual romance that leaves nothing out!
Good Vampire book-Prince of the Night-back cover reads: He came to her in the night, a predator--strength and power chiseled his features. The seduction was deep and elemental: he affected her soul. His need. His darkness. His terrible haunting loneliness. Her senses aroused, she craved the dangerous force of his body. Burned for him. And he had only touched her mind.
This is a great book..as is all of Christine Feehan's...fabulous story, passionate. Once you start with this..you will need to finish the entire series!
Barbara F. (daylilylover) reviewed Dark Prince (Carpathians (Dark), Bk 1) on + 768 more book reviews
Excellent, 1st one in the series.
The first of the Dark series and it is very good. Dark Descent is in the back of this.
Vampire romance - Great books!!!
Includes a special bonus short story, "Dark Descent".
Great, fast read!
Feehan at her best. Great story. Lots of sex. Beware
A great start to a great series.
Kathleen C. (KathleenSews) reviewed Dark Prince (Carpathians (Dark), Bk 1) on + 69 more book reviews
"Dark Prince" is a reissue of the title novel and the novelette, "Dark Descent," first published in the anthology, "The Only One." "Dark Prince" is the first in Feehan's Carpathian series, which as of 1/07 is up to 11 novels and 3 novelettes/short stories. I very much enjoy these modern era paranormal books, but, like cotton candy, I can't take very much at one time. I've caught up with all of them and one, maybe 2, a year is enjoyable.
good sequel
more romance than vampire mystery stuff but pretty good.
i love this book. it shows how an independent women need not lose who she is when in a relationship with a dominering man. even though her life completely changed she still able to be herself. this book also shows a man who will always put his womens safty and happiness first(if only they were all like that).
good book in the series
Nanyana R. (gypsybookworm) reviewed Dark Prince (Carpathians (Dark), Bk 1) on + 27 more book reviews
Well, this was my first try at a Carpathian novel and I hate to admit that I couldn't get into it.... I saw one that I thought interesting and got great reviews, but it was about book five. I didn't want to start in the 'middle of a series' so I got Dark Prince(Book 1)...well, I couldn't even finish it. I am not a book snob, but I just thought this book was instantly lame....I had a lot of questions and felt that there were some 'unrealistic' connection and chemistry between the Mikhail and Raven. I thought that by getting the first in this renown series I would get some history and depth and see where it all began, and that was not the case. I was instantly confused and curious and just felt tugged along and expected to understand WHAT a Carpathian was and how there were supposed to be as a species....I was annoyed at how instant and easy they hooked up without any realistic concern or question about who the heck was this dangerous mysterious strange otherworldly man that just decided he owned you. This is not my first Feehan book, so I knew I enjoy her writing, but I guess that this being the first in the series, Ms.Feehan had some room to improve the development. I'm fine with that. Now that I see that starting from the beginning, I will just pick and choose which stories interest me. I assume that I won't be as disappointed.
Heather H. (heatherhitchcock) reviewed Dark Prince (Carpathians (Dark), Bk 1) on + 8 more book reviews
Love the darkness, yet love and compassion in this book. The shape shifting is great!
Fantastic book and beginning of a great series. The author pulls you in with her vivid descriptions - not too wordy so you get bored, and not so lackluster that you can't see it in your mind. It's easy to get to know the characters and really feel something for them.
The action scenes are as well written as the sex scenes, the trials and tribulations of the main characters easily believable.
Brings a slightly new take on the Vampire genre. Very different from Anne Rice or Laurell K. Hamilton, but nonetheless interesting and absorbing.
The action scenes are as well written as the sex scenes, the trials and tribulations of the main characters easily believable.
Brings a slightly new take on the Vampire genre. Very different from Anne Rice or Laurell K. Hamilton, but nonetheless interesting and absorbing.
Great book :)
Christine Feehan and Paranormal Romance makes for a fantastic read!! I couldn't wait to read the next one in this series. Feehan is an amazing writer that just keeps you wanting to come back for more! It is nice to read a book where the two main characters have a few spats! I love a strong heroine!
love the carpathians
It was a great book and i really liked it so far 4 of my friends have read it and they all liked it also
nancy
nancy
LOVE THOSE CARPATHIANS!!!!!! STARTING READING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SERIES AND LOST SOME OF THE CONNECTIONS OF CHARACTERS BECAUSE OF THAT. iF I'M NOT MISTAKEN THERE ARE 18 IN THE SERIES AND READING FROM THE BEGINNING HELPS TO UNDERSTAND WHERE SPECIFIC CHARACTERS ARE COMING FROM.
Corina U. (coneflower2001) reviewed Dark Prince (Carpathians (Dark), Bk 1) on + 41 more book reviews
Wow, I got this cause of a local book club. Didn't know if I'd like the whole vampire romance thing. Let's just say I couldn't put it down. Read it in three days and loved every minute of it. If you like romance, this is the book for you. I will read many more from this author.
This is book one in Christine Feehan's epic "Dark" series. Not the best of the bunch, not the worst, it gives us a little taste of Feehan's immense universe as well a whole lot of romance.
Mikhail is the prince of a dieing race known as the Carpathians, a people with an endless array of magical abilities who drink human blood to survive. Carpathian males are charged with the protection of their race, both from human slayers and vampires. Vampires are Carpathian men who have lost their souls and turned evil. This happens because over the many years of their lives, the men loose color and emotion and become cold and disconnected unless they can find their one true love, their lifemate. Mikhail is shocked to find that his lifemate is in fact a human woman with psychic abilities, Raven--who has no awareness of his race's existance.
As previously stated, this book has a classic feel to it. It's simple and uncomplicated. I choose to say this rather then call it predictable, because in this case, knowing what's coming does not make the fall out any less beautiful. The romance between Mikhail and Raven is a true fairy tale.
The world that Feehan has built is truly unique and intricate. This first book only offers a peak at the wide scope of her ideas, but it's enough to keep you entertained.
Raven is pretty much the standard damsel in distress for the most part. Yes, she has an inner strength about her, but nonetheless much of the conflict involves her being rescued by Mikhail. If you like that sort of thing, then it's not a negative, but I would have preferred a stronger heroine.
This series is vast and overgrowing. It has it's ups and downs. I consider Dark Prince to be the necessary exposition to a much greater saga. I highly recommend it to paranormal fans.
Mikhail is the prince of a dieing race known as the Carpathians, a people with an endless array of magical abilities who drink human blood to survive. Carpathian males are charged with the protection of their race, both from human slayers and vampires. Vampires are Carpathian men who have lost their souls and turned evil. This happens because over the many years of their lives, the men loose color and emotion and become cold and disconnected unless they can find their one true love, their lifemate. Mikhail is shocked to find that his lifemate is in fact a human woman with psychic abilities, Raven--who has no awareness of his race's existance.
As previously stated, this book has a classic feel to it. It's simple and uncomplicated. I choose to say this rather then call it predictable, because in this case, knowing what's coming does not make the fall out any less beautiful. The romance between Mikhail and Raven is a true fairy tale.
The world that Feehan has built is truly unique and intricate. This first book only offers a peak at the wide scope of her ideas, but it's enough to keep you entertained.
Raven is pretty much the standard damsel in distress for the most part. Yes, she has an inner strength about her, but nonetheless much of the conflict involves her being rescued by Mikhail. If you like that sort of thing, then it's not a negative, but I would have preferred a stronger heroine.
This series is vast and overgrowing. It has it's ups and downs. I consider Dark Prince to be the necessary exposition to a much greater saga. I highly recommend it to paranormal fans.
If this is your first book in the series, I can't stress enough...KEEP READING!!! This is far from my favorite book in the series, and the 2nd book isn't much better. But they are necessary to the story line & this series is best read in the correct order. If you persevere, you will be rewarded. I have been reading an average of 2 books a week for the last 25 years, the Carpathian series (as a whole) is one of the best series I've ever read.
Pretty good, but repetitive.
This series was recommended to me by a friend, and I bought the first 4 to start out (except book 2, I couldn't find it in my used book store). I was confident i'd love it, since I love romance and I love vampires!
HOWEVER, I was disappointed in this book. I enjoyed the first 1 or 2 times the characters made love, and the discovery of eachother in terms of the whole "bloodlust/Vampire" thing was kind of hot. After that, it just got tedious. I found myself skimming the love scenes just to get back to the story. I never thought i'd hear myself say such a thing! lol.
I also thought the character development was poor. I never found myself liking Raven. Feehan went over and above trying to portray her as compassionate and caring, but to me it came across as weak and stupid. She continuously got herself into trouble. She's like the heroine in the horror movie who goes outside in her nightie, unarmed, to look for the killer. You just want to scream at her and tell her to run the other way! I like to admire the heroines in my books. If you're not strong enough to assist in a fight between vampires (Jaques vs. Andre), then please be smart enough to run the other way! I wanted to shake this girl.
I have books 3 and 4, and I hate to read books out of order, so I think i'll go find Dark Desire (#2). I've read good things about the author and series, so i'm determined to give her another chance. Well, I suppose I'm giving her 3 more chances...
HOWEVER, I was disappointed in this book. I enjoyed the first 1 or 2 times the characters made love, and the discovery of eachother in terms of the whole "bloodlust/Vampire" thing was kind of hot. After that, it just got tedious. I found myself skimming the love scenes just to get back to the story. I never thought i'd hear myself say such a thing! lol.
I also thought the character development was poor. I never found myself liking Raven. Feehan went over and above trying to portray her as compassionate and caring, but to me it came across as weak and stupid. She continuously got herself into trouble. She's like the heroine in the horror movie who goes outside in her nightie, unarmed, to look for the killer. You just want to scream at her and tell her to run the other way! I like to admire the heroines in my books. If you're not strong enough to assist in a fight between vampires (Jaques vs. Andre), then please be smart enough to run the other way! I wanted to shake this girl.
I have books 3 and 4, and I hate to read books out of order, so I think i'll go find Dark Desire (#2). I've read good things about the author and series, so i'm determined to give her another chance. Well, I suppose I'm giving her 3 more chances...
I love the Prince and all his dark warriors!!! He has an entire species existance weighing down his shoulders!! Good luck to Mikhail and all the other Carpathians!!
The first in Feehan's Dark series. An interesting take on the vampire genre.
This book was okay. I've read much better. I don't understand the huge following with this series. Maybe I need to get a couple more books into the series.
I just started reading the series that I learned about from a member on PBS- awesome!! I'm still looking for the 2nd book!!
Typical Feehan fare. Two stories - DarK Prince & Dark Descent
Good writing, wonderful characters, usual Carpathian sexy angst!
Great vampire tale!
If your into the paranormal, you will love all of Christine Feehan's books. She combines an elegant blend of vampires, romance and adventure into one.
it took me a little while to switch gears to really enjoy this book, but once i had, i did. Very much. I found myself not wanting to put it down, needing to know what was going to happen next.
I really enjoyed this book as well as the rest of the Carpathian series.
I really enjoy this series and have read them out of order so it was nice to finally read this first book and see how it all began.
The first book in the Dark series
Well, a bit of testosterone laden, still a good read. Interesting take on vampire lore.
Great start to a wonderful take on blood takers. Super story!!
I believe this is the first book in Christine Feehan's Carpathian series, known as the Dark series.
This is the story of Mikhail and Raven. If you are a fan of the series or just starting the series, this is a good book to start with. This gives the basics of the Carpathians, and the basics of the series. I love this series and can highly recommend them if you are into Love, sex, and vampires. This series presents another side of vampires and how they can love openly and thoroughly.
This is the story of Mikhail and Raven. If you are a fan of the series or just starting the series, this is a good book to start with. This gives the basics of the Carpathians, and the basics of the series. I love this series and can highly recommend them if you are into Love, sex, and vampires. This series presents another side of vampires and how they can love openly and thoroughly.
What a great start to this series.
He came to her in the night,a predator-strenght and power chiseled his features.Theseduction was deep and elemental;he affected her soul.His need.His darkness.His terrible haunting loneliness,her senses aroused,she craved the dangerous force of his body,burned for him and he had only touched her w/his mind.
This is the first book of the series, hot and intense, the story carries you through to the end and leaves you eager for the next book!
Hated it. But if you're a Feehan fan, then you'll love it. This is the beginning of the Carpathian series, I think.
great beginning to series.
Linda A. (Springfieldreader) reviewed Dark Prince (Carpathians (Dark), Bk 1) on + 458 more book reviews
Personally, I highly reccomend this and all of the series.
Some people love this series. I was enjoying Dark Prince a bit in the begining, however found myself struggling to finish it. I was becoming increasing more annoyed with the hero of the story and his reluctance to accept change in everything in the world except a woman's role in the Carpathian society. It just got to be too over the top, almost Victorian in some ways. Which completely oppesed the heroine's independant views. She sort of redeemed herself in the end, but not enough for me to overlook the overall feel of the book.
This book was very boring. I read all the other books in the dark series before I read this one. All of them are basically the same. Nothing really changes but the characters names. I want to read Dark Slayer. I just hope it goes in a different direction, being that the girl and the guy are already Caps.
they were masters of the darkness, searching through eternity for mistress of the light.
Dark Prince
I had a hard time getting through this one and I found myself continually wondering why such the big hooplah over this series. Perhaps it's because this is Feehan's first book, but I swear if I had to read once more about Mikhail's coffee-colored hair, or Raven's blue-violet eyes, I was going to gag. The love scenes were too long and drawn out—how many times did I have to read the same thing over and over?
The writing also got to me. Usually when authors write in the third person but want you to be able to get inside a character's head, they break from one character's point-of-view to another's via logical divisions, whether that be chapters or simply sections within the chapter itself. However, after only a few pages into this book, I found the author jumping from Mikhail's point-of-view to Raven's from one paragraph to the next. This was very disconcerting, and I found myself having to reread many paragraphs a few times just to figure out who was saying or thinking what.
I've heard that this wasn't the best book in the series and that it gets much better going forward so I'm willing to give this series the benefit of the doubt and continue with it nonetheless.
Dark Descent
short story previously available in The Only One anthology.
Hmmmm... I liked this a little better than Dark Prince. Could be that Feehan has grown into her writing a bit and is no longer all over the place as much. Or possibly I just got used to it. Unfortunately, the love scenes are still entirely too flowery for me: "her velvet sheath enclosed his strong manhood..." And after a paragraph or two of that, my eyes are crossing or I'm nodding off (if reading in bed). No, it didn't come off as erotic to me, too flowery perhaps, I don't know.
The premise of the story was very simliar to Dark Prince though: good-guy Carpathian male meets human lifemate female, all the while battling off rogue undead vampires in between bouts of "white-hot lightning" sex. I hope Feehan can mix it up a bit in some of the other books in this series or I don't think I'll continue reading them.
I had a hard time getting through this one and I found myself continually wondering why such the big hooplah over this series. Perhaps it's because this is Feehan's first book, but I swear if I had to read once more about Mikhail's coffee-colored hair, or Raven's blue-violet eyes, I was going to gag. The love scenes were too long and drawn out—how many times did I have to read the same thing over and over?
The writing also got to me. Usually when authors write in the third person but want you to be able to get inside a character's head, they break from one character's point-of-view to another's via logical divisions, whether that be chapters or simply sections within the chapter itself. However, after only a few pages into this book, I found the author jumping from Mikhail's point-of-view to Raven's from one paragraph to the next. This was very disconcerting, and I found myself having to reread many paragraphs a few times just to figure out who was saying or thinking what.
I've heard that this wasn't the best book in the series and that it gets much better going forward so I'm willing to give this series the benefit of the doubt and continue with it nonetheless.
Dark Descent
short story previously available in The Only One anthology.
Hmmmm... I liked this a little better than Dark Prince. Could be that Feehan has grown into her writing a bit and is no longer all over the place as much. Or possibly I just got used to it. Unfortunately, the love scenes are still entirely too flowery for me: "her velvet sheath enclosed his strong manhood..." And after a paragraph or two of that, my eyes are crossing or I'm nodding off (if reading in bed). No, it didn't come off as erotic to me, too flowery perhaps, I don't know.
The premise of the story was very simliar to Dark Prince though: good-guy Carpathian male meets human lifemate female, all the while battling off rogue undead vampires in between bouts of "white-hot lightning" sex. I hope Feehan can mix it up a bit in some of the other books in this series or I don't think I'll continue reading them.
FOR LOVERS OF VAMPIRE ROMANCES. I LOVED IT.
Another great one by Feehan.
Eleanor C. (RayandGabesMommie) reviewed Dark Prince (Carpathians (Dark), Bk 1) on + 48 more book reviews
I love her Carpathian Series...Great Read!
This was the first Christine Feehan book I read and I loved it!! I can't wait to read the rest of the series. This book also has a short story called Dark Descent at the end and I loved that too! I hope to hear more about Mikhail, Raven, Traian and Joie in the future.
This is the first book I've read by Feehan and I've been trying to gather more because I love the Carpathians. Want to read all her books!!!!!!!!!
Loved this book! It's the first in the dark series and has a bonus story "Dark Descent" in the back.
Probably one of the better written Feehan books. Still numerous typos, you'd think they would have fixed those the second time around. I thought that the characters were fleshed out and liked the plot. Typical Carpathian males and there alpha male ways. Lots of the usual endearments. Thought that it was a more realistic depiction of how a human woman would really react... (no more or I could spoil it) I thought the bonus short story, Dark Descent" was good too.
Love the whole Dark series - wonderful books!
Though a bit repetitive in dialogue and action, it was a wonderful read...I've gotta read more of this "Dark" series.I had an extra copy of this and didn't know it,,duhhh!!! :(
Addie B. (KERNELSUNFLOWER) -
it was pretty good, a little too much (in the mind) text and not enough action
Average read.
First in the Dark Vampire series of Feehan. One of her better books.
Excellent series!
I finally finished this book!!!! I think she could of wrapped it up in a 100 pages less, BUT, this was the first book and people I trust have urged me to continue as they say they get better and better, so I will try book 2, if I can find it!!! I won't save this one nor will I ever read it again!!!
great start of great series
All christine Feehan carpathians books are wonderful. These are books i can't put down intill i am done with them.
Great book!
It is very apparent that this is meant to be an introduction to an extended series. This book concerned itself with a great deal of world-building, some development of characters (including rather extended development of what should have been secondary characters), with frequent breaks for sex, and rather occasional breaks for what I almost hesitate to call plot.
If you're looking for cheap thrills without too much actual story getting in the way, this is a good choice. I understand that later books are better, and do intend to give the next book a try - I am hoping that, with all of the development in this book, the author won't retread all of the ground she has already covered.
If you're looking for cheap thrills without too much actual story getting in the way, this is a good choice. I understand that later books are better, and do intend to give the next book a try - I am hoping that, with all of the development in this book, the author won't retread all of the ground she has already covered.
A vampire contacts a woman's mind. Her need to help him overcomes her fears of him. She brings out things in him he no longer believed existed...
Never having been a fan of romance novels, Christine Feehan really surprised me. A very well-written vampire romance novel. It tends to be a bit corny at times, but not overly so. You can overlook it now and again for the quality story contained here.
Never having been a fan of romance novels, Christine Feehan really surprised me. A very well-written vampire romance novel. It tends to be a bit corny at times, but not overly so. You can overlook it now and again for the quality story contained here.
Warning once you get started on this series, you won't be able to stop!!!! Love all of them!!!!
I listened to this as an audio book, and unfortunately a narrator can ruin a book. In this case, she did that for me.
Her odd enunciations - over-emphasizing all the Ts but leaving off the "g" every time a word ended in "ing" (as though she were reading Tom Sawyer) - grated on my nerves almost as much as her constant mispronunciations of several common words. I was actually moved to keep a list of mispronunciations, and more than once ripped the headphones out of my ears in disgust at her attempts. Her reading in the heroine's voice was ok, and some of her regular narration worked, but her Carpathian accent (and while I don't know what the author intended, the mountain range is pronounced Car PAY thian, by the way) is monotonous and robot-like as opposed to using some eastern European-type accent, or maybe just reading it. I'm not sure the author intended for her alpha male Carpathians to be so void of emotion as to sound robotic. I personally wanted to hear them be a little more sensual and compelling.
I also downloaded and listened to book 2 in the series, where the narrator used the pronunciation of JOCK for the hero (Jacques, which I would liked to have heard as ZHAK). I stopped there. There is a different narrator later in the series, but I just am not interested any more.
Her odd enunciations - over-emphasizing all the Ts but leaving off the "g" every time a word ended in "ing" (as though she were reading Tom Sawyer) - grated on my nerves almost as much as her constant mispronunciations of several common words. I was actually moved to keep a list of mispronunciations, and more than once ripped the headphones out of my ears in disgust at her attempts. Her reading in the heroine's voice was ok, and some of her regular narration worked, but her Carpathian accent (and while I don't know what the author intended, the mountain range is pronounced Car PAY thian, by the way) is monotonous and robot-like as opposed to using some eastern European-type accent, or maybe just reading it. I'm not sure the author intended for her alpha male Carpathians to be so void of emotion as to sound robotic. I personally wanted to hear them be a little more sensual and compelling.
I also downloaded and listened to book 2 in the series, where the narrator used the pronunciation of JOCK for the hero (Jacques, which I would liked to have heard as ZHAK). I stopped there. There is a different narrator later in the series, but I just am not interested any more.
Very good
Mollie G. (amethystlover) reviewed Dark Prince (Carpathians (Dark), Bk 1) on + 330 more book reviews
Very good book
Mollie G. (amethystlover) reviewed Dark Prince (Carpathians (Dark), Bk 1) on + 330 more book reviews
One of the best by CF
Aweful!!!!! Was reading it for a book club and had to stop at chapter 6. The writing was terrible, plot was dead, and it never explains how the h/h meet. Very disappointed had high hopes for this, being it was so highly recommended. WHAT A DUD!!!!!!
1st in the series- excellent book
They were masters of the darkness,searching through eternity for a mistress of the light...Prince of the Night... He came to her in the night, a predator-strength and powe chiseled his features. The seduction was deep and elemental"he affected her soul. His need,His darkness. His terrible haunting loneliness. Her senses aroused, she craved the dangerous force of his body. burned for him. And he had only touched her with his mind..LADY OF THE LIGHT...She came to him at dawn, his bleakest hour. As the beast raged inside him, threatening to consume him, he vented his centuries-old despair in an anguished cry that filled the waning night. And she answered, a ray of light, piercing his darkness. A beautiful angel. Her compassion, courage, and innocene awakened in him an exquisite longing and tenderness. He knew he must possess her, for only she could tame his savage side and lift the dark shadows from his soul. Apart they were desolate, bereft. Intertwined pyysically and spiritually, they could heal one another and experience an eternity of nights filled with love.
I loved it.
Vampire romance at its best.
Mikhail, having lived for almost a millennium, contemplates taking his
life, as he is consumed by the darkness that only his life mate can
save him from. However, he does not believe he would ever be able to
find her.
Except, he does. Raven Whitney, a telepathic mortal, who hunts serial
killers through her telepathy, finds his mental calls of distress, and
she responds to him. He is immediately fascinated by her, and he
pursues her as a decent alpha male from any romance would do, despite
her insistance that she's lived her whole life alone and loves freedom
more than the binding of a couple.
life, as he is consumed by the darkness that only his life mate can
save him from. However, he does not believe he would ever be able to
find her.
Except, he does. Raven Whitney, a telepathic mortal, who hunts serial
killers through her telepathy, finds his mental calls of distress, and
she responds to him. He is immediately fascinated by her, and he
pursues her as a decent alpha male from any romance would do, despite
her insistance that she's lived her whole life alone and loves freedom
more than the binding of a couple.
Mikhail, having lived for almost a millennium, contemplates taking his life, as he is consumed by the darkness that only his life mate can save him from. However, he does not believe he would ever be able to find her.
Except, he does. Raven Whitney, a telepathic mortal, who hunts serial killers through her telepathy, finds his mental calls of distress, and she responds to him. He is immediately fascinated by her, and he pursues her as a decent alpha male from any romance would do, despite her insistance that she's lived her whole life alone and loves freedom more than the binding of a couple.
Except, he does. Raven Whitney, a telepathic mortal, who hunts serial killers through her telepathy, finds his mental calls of distress, and she responds to him. He is immediately fascinated by her, and he pursues her as a decent alpha male from any romance would do, despite her insistance that she's lived her whole life alone and loves freedom more than the binding of a couple.
This book was given to me and I only read a few pages. It is well written in my opinion but I just do not particularly enjoy this genre and did not pursue reading. I had to give it a try though.
