Member Reviews
This probably would have been so much more enjoyable if I wasn't so damn ANGRY at most of it. I absolutely love crossovers and series that mix story lines. Love them. But this? To me, this really wasn't much of a crossover. It started as one and then flipped to the other, and became more of a Vampires in America book instead of the Stone Warriors is should have been. As soon as Hana and Gabriel make it to the U.S. and go to Raphael for help, it completely skipped series lines. It was all about Raphael and his people, and how Gabriel is one them now and blah blah blah. When Nico, Damian, and Kato finally show up it was more like they were the side story. But you know what? I could have easily gotten over that. What really made me angry is what happened with Gabriel and what he did with Raphael. I haven't read the Vampires in America series yet (I have them and will get to them soon) and I'm hoping my hatred for Raphael will not last when I get to it. My love for Nico must be strong because I pretty much hated Raphael on principle with the way he treated and talked to/about Nico. Plus, you know, what he did with Gabriel made me so mad.
If anything, Gabriel was the lucky one of his brothers. He was found by somebody that knew he wasn't just a statue and brought to a garden where it was seen to that he be kept up to date on much of how the world was changing. He didn't lack for company with this family as one of them visited often to talk, read to him, or just to be there. Before he heard Nico's call, Gabriel was turned into a vampire against his will and then basically pimped out by his sire to those who could pay to have him fight for them. It's hard for me judge how much I liked him because I still hate him for his decisions. But if I put that aside, or try to anyway, I still think he's my least favorite of the brothers. He was too broody and not much fun.
Hana was okay. Though her attitude towards Nico pissed me off too. What the heck is up with all the females hating on the guy?! I will buy that she knew how to fight because her family was a yakuza family and her grandfather made sure she was trained. But we hardly actually saw her fight so I didn't get why everyone kept going on about how she was some amazing warrior or had great skills and yadda yadda. How would they even know?? I thought it was sweet how she also had that domestic side where she wanted to feed, clothe, and take care of Gabriel.
It's only a matter of time before Nico and the others show up demanding to see Gabriel. What they hear from him is not what any of them expected. I also got pretty mad at how even Gabriel treated Nico, so that didn't help anything. While Nico is understandably livid at the situation, it turns out that the one that has been trying to get Hana is none other than Sotiris. Hana has a special sort of gift that can allow sorcerers like him and Nico to double their power by tapping into hers. Way too dangerous of a power to end up in Sotiris's hands. So despite the palpable hatred between Nico and Raphael, a temporary truce of a sort is called until they can take him out and train Hana how to protect herself. Let's just say that doesn't go so well and Hana still gets taken. The plus side to that is that Nico has finally been able to find one of Sotiris's hideouts. Another huge fight is waged with a debatable victory. Nico is even more furious to have lost his enemy yet again, but it was his parting words that had spiked into his heart. He has one warrior left to find and it sounds like his enemy has beaten him to it.
Even though I was so mad at this one, it was still good and I can't wait to get the next one.
Another intriguing, sexy book by Reynolds. As with the others this is best read as a series but can be read as a stand alone and not be clueless. I enjoyed the direction the story went although reading the previous books you get a bit of the deja vu feeling... spell broken, fall in love, sorcerer gets away....
A fierce warrior, Gabriel Halldor is trapped in stone and lying in darkness for thousands of years. Raised to the life of a warrior. Hana Himura is sent to the one guardian courageous enough to protect her from a sorcerer. They can only be saved from slavery by the most powerful vampire on earth. This powerful and gripping romance pulls readers in and refuses to let go as Gabriel, Hana and Raphael take on the evil sorcerer who turned Nick’s men to stone with a curse. The story is brings the two series, Vampires in America and Stone Warriors together and as usual with this author, readers are compelled to the pages as they hold on to their seats in anticipation of what thrilling event will take place next. The characters are bold, vivid and the stuff fantasies are made of, Gabriel and Hana have strong, electrical chemistry and passion burns hot throughout the story as they give into the desire that’s been simmering between them for years. The readers easily connect with these characters ensuring that they want to know every last detail of their story while the fast page and smooth flowing plot keeps them glued to the pages with lots of exhilarating action, intriguing suspense and witty dialogue that adds depth to the characters and adds a sense of realism to the story. Nick and Raphael add even more enjoyment to the story with their hot as sin selves and their antagonistic attitude toward each other that causes some very heated discussions while planning on how to keep Hana and Gabriel safe. There is not one moment of boredom to be found in this explosive story that includes some spectacular battles and sizzling romance.
Dorsey says:
5 Vampire Warrior Stars!!
Gabriel is book three in D.B. Reynolds Stone Warriors series and a fantastic addition to this exciting series! I love how DBR incorporated this story with some of my favorite characters from her fantastic Vampires in America series.
Gabriel is one of Nick’s cursed warriors who’s spell has finally been broken just in the nick of time to help Hana escape hired assassins/kidnappers who have already killed her beloved Grandfather. Now to remain safe they must leave Japan and head to the United States to seek help from a very powerful Vampire Lord. Hana has a special ability that makes her very valuable....to powerful sorcerers. And it will take all of Gabriel’s considerable might along with both old and new commadres to save her from a mutual enemy.
Lord Raphael, Cyn, and Raphael’s people bring a welcome addition this storyline. You can expect a fast paced storyline, plenty of action, magic, and sexy times. And least I forget to mention we get plenty action with Nick, “the God of War” (and my personal favorite Stone Warrior) Damian, Kato, and their mates Casey and Grace. I definitely recommend this fabulous addition to the series. It’s a great read and I can't wait for more!!
Karla says:
5 Stars!
D.B. Reynolds has created another amazing paranormal world in the Stone Warriors series, with kick-ass characters and a plot that just keeps getting better! From beginning to end this was a captivating read with an amazing twist, or rather "turn" that brings the story back to our favorite vampire, Raphael. The author really amped up the "wow" factor in Gabriel and the set up for what's to come has me anxious for Dragan's book, and then the icing on the cake...Nick's!
I gotta say, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I had my doubts at first but this being the first book I’ve read by this author, I was pleasantly surprised as to how much I enjoyed delving into the supernatural world this author created. Vampires in a book? I’m hooked but vampire warriors with a touch of sorcery mixed in and that is the perfect fantasy/paranormal setting for me.
One thing I just have to mention that I loved is how the author didn’t treat her female character like a damsel in distress expecting Gabriel to do everything once he was freed. Both Hana and Gabriel were equals in the battlefield so to speak and I have to commend the author for that because so many other authors/movie writers expect the woman to take a backseat while the man takes care of every thing and that is just annoying. So thanks to the author for writing a book that makes me cheer for both characters for a change!
Margaret Atwood on vampires, “You used to know where you stood with them-smelly, evil, undead-but now there are virtuous vampires and disreputable vampires, and sexy vampires and glittery vampires, and none of the old rules about them are true any more.”
That is Raphael’s cue to make an entrance; for he is not smelly (thank goodness), he is not disreputable, and he is definitely not glittery. He is sexy and powerful and totally capable of aiding Hana and Gabriel in their fight against Sotiris. Sorcerer Nicodemus Katsaros is the warrior who led the others in battle in ancient times and has been searching for the four stone warriors since. Nico’s magic will aid Hana in developing her magic control. He will also fight Sotiris along with Raphael.
This offering in The Stone Warriors series starts off with Hana running for her life with Gabriel, newly released from his stone prison, and hardly gives the reader a breath as they fight their way to safety from Japan to Malibu where they hope Raphael can help vampire Gabriel. However no place is safe for Hana as long as the evil sorcerer Sotiris is after her.
Once you start with this series it becomes addictive. The action, suspense, the sensuous sex, the romance and love all add up to pure addiction. You can easily read this book as a standalone but I don’t recommend that. You need to start with THE STONE WARRIORS:DAMIEN and then KATO. I recommend this not because this book lacks sufficient background but because these two warriors appear in this book and I want you to be immersed in their stories as well as Gabriel’s. Then we can all wait anxiously for Stone Warrior Dragan. I also have it on good authority that my heart throb, book boyfriend, Nick Katsaros will get his book also in this series.
If you are new to this author you will want to read more of Raphael and his mate Cyn in the Vampires in America Series. Start with RAPHAEL and enjoy sexy, powerful non-sparkly vampires and the women who bring them to their knees..
Gabriel is the third book in the Stone Warriors series and a fantastic addition to the exciting saga. I love how the author intertwined this story with my favorite characters from the Vampire's in America series too. The vampire Lord Raphael and his army bring an unexpected twist to this tale of love, action, magic and suspense. The story is fast-paced without sacrificing the time to build personal relationships that make a continuing series strong. I definitely recommend it, a great read!
Superb!
I loved Gabriel and Hana's adventure and love story. This was the first book I've read by this author and I can't wait to go back and catch up. The characters are well written, the story line fast paced and engaging.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy.
Gabriel is book 3 in the Stone Warriors series. Like Damian and Kato, Gabriel is another one of Nick's warriors who was cursed and has been trapped in stone. Unlike the first two Gabriel is found by a family who held some magic and could sense something different about the statue. He is then placed in their garden and there is where he will learn about our world. Hanna is part of the family and when she is younger she is shown the warrior whom she eventually falls in love with. I loved this part of the story. I loved how there was something about Gabriel that she claimed him as her own. So when her need was dire she ran to the statue like she was told and at that point is where she breaks the curse. Gabriel is free and holds close a secret that only Nick is aware of and that is the fact that Gabriel is a Vampire. I have to admit this was my favorite part. After escaping danger Hanna begins to see something is wrong with Gabriel. So when she decides to bring him to see a friend of her Grandfather who resides in Malibu I may have jumped up and down like a crazy woman. Not sure why yet? Malibu is where a delicious Vampire Lord resides with his mate, yes the one and only Raphael and Cyn. Crossing over with the VIA series was awesome. I loved how Raphael and his vampires embraced Gabriel and it was also entertaining putting Nick in the same room with them. Overall an awesome addition to this series and I loved the teaser at the end. The next warrior is something that only exist in myths and the next VIA comes to the states from Scotland.
4.5 Stars. This is book #3 in the Stone Warriors series but it's also got a big crossover story from Vampires in America. Thankfully I'm a big fan of VIA so I really enjoyed this book. If you've never read VIA then I'm not sure how much you'd love this book because Raphael and Cyn play a big role.
The beginning of this book is much like the other Stone Warrior books. In this book Gabriel's curse is broken by Hana. Unfortunately, Sortiris is after Hana because she has the magical ability to enhance the magical abilities of sorcerers. Gabriel helps her escape but it soon becomes obvious that something is wrong with him. Hana remembers that one of her grandfather's friends may be able to help. So Hana and Gabriel go to Malibu to get help from Raphael. Raphael saves Gabriel's life and then he becomes his Lord. This causes some difficulties with the other stone warriors and of course Nick. Gabriel and Nick can't stand each other but since they have a common enemy in Sortiris they realize they need to work together.
I really liked Gabriel and Hana. Gabriel isn't quite the alpha that Nick and Raphael are but he's definitely still an alpha warrior. It was nice to see him accept his vampirism and to stand up to his friends for who he is and what he wants. Hana is very tough and a warrior in her own right and a great match for Gabriel. I can see where some readers may think that Gabriel was overshadowed by Raphael and Nick but I liked the combination of all the characters and thought it was a good balance. I did think the sex scenes were a little long and found myself skimming through them a bit. There is of course a big battle at the end and the book ends with both a scene setting the stage for the next Stone Warriors book and the next VIA book. I hope the author continues with the crossover in her Stone Warrior Series as IMO in just made this book even more enjoyable.
Gabriel the third warrior to be set free from his prison of stone. But the only warrior, who had knowledge about the new world. Thanks, to know huge part by Hana Himura.
Hana Himura was raised by her grandfather, knowing that one day she, and she alone had the knowledge and power to set Gabriel Halldor free from his prison. When one day, death comes to claim her grandfather in a form of a powerful sorcerer. His main goal was to use Hana, in his ultimate, plan to take over the world. Unbeknownst to the sorcerer, Hana had her own protector. One of the warriors he himself had encased in stone.
D.B Reynolds has done it again. In Reynolds’ latest title, Gabriel (Stone Warrior, #3), brings an enjoyable blend of romance and fast-paced storytelling to the paranormal romance genre that didn’t disappoint this reviewer. The story didn’t drag, which was a plus. And if you're new to reading one of D.B Reynolds books, you will come to love how all her lead characters can take care of themselves…no wilting lilies here.
Book 3 in the Stone Warriors series, Gabriel, is a well written, dynamic adventure with fabulous characters and an edge of your seat storyline. I loved everything about this story and look forward to reading many more books by this author. If you haven’t read D.B Reynolds you are truly missing out!!
Wow just so much coming together here that will have fans squealing ! I’ve actually held off writing this review because honestly I’m not sure I can do it justice. Yes this continues the Stone Warriors books but it also incorporates this authors Vampires in America series with a unique crossover that works beautifully. Hold on to your hats fans of Raphael because he’s about to almost ( who am I kidding with almost ?) take centre stage but fear not because Gabriel is definitely no slouch !
I was truly unsure how this would go but it’s a blend that absolutely makes sense. Gabriel is woken from his curse by Hana when her life is in danger from a powerful and vicious Sorcerer . Oddly enough the fangs his stature sported disappear as the couple go on the run but it’s soon clear that something is terribly wrong with Gabriel and Hana remembers her grandfathers friend in America. Taking a huge chance they go to Raphael only to realise that Gabriel is dying and it’s only by embracing his magically hidden Vampire nature that he will survive. As if that wasn’t enough to contend with there’s still the problem of the male stalking Hana and ironically it all connects back to Gabriel’s past with Nico !
O boy not one hot and heavy romance but two for the price of one and personally I think the author is more than a little in love with her own creation Raphael. Not that I blame her and let’s be honest she is fast approaching the role of Alpha writer when it comes to Vampire romance. Yet Gabriel and Hana are never overshadowed and quite rightly prove that their relationship is based on love . I adored that Gabriel understood his place in the world finally after despising what he is for so long. Seeing him embrace his new reality and then somehow still showing those from his past that he will always be there was truly emotional. Although please don’t think that Hana is some shy retiring sort because she is absolutely as fierce and independent as the lovely Cyn. I loved the romance, the snark , plus the action that thunders through this story and with one Warrior still to find I’m so looking forward to more particularly if Nico and Raphael butt heads !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
4.5 Stars
In this third entry for the Stone Warriors series, Urban Gabriel Halldor has spent millennia as a cursed statue. In more modern recent times, he has been ensconced in a Japanese secret garden owned by a powerful Yakuza mobster whose granddaughter has grown up at the feet of this compelling and fierce statue. In this action filled, fast paced story, Hana Himura and her grandfather knew Gabriel is a magically trapped warrior and that one day, he will be set free. After an attack on the Himura compound and Gabriel’s release by Hana, they flee the ancient enemy who ensorcelled him in the first place. Hana has been trained as a warrior all her life so she knows how to play to go on the run in battle mode.
Gabriel has an unusual characteristic for one of the Sorcerer Nicodemus’s warriors. He is also vampire who once wakened from the curse, starts to suffer and fall ill. Hana realizes that she trusts only one vampire, Raphael, who is the most powerful of vampire lords, to help them. This sets up a new dynamic between Raphael and Nico who have a long history of rivalry and hating each other fervently. And though they must all work together with the other two released warriors to combat their common enemy who desires Hana for her near unique magical talent, that much combined arrogance and power causes a lot of fireworks.
Fans of the Vampires In America series will enjoy seeing Raphael, his own warrior mate, Cyn, and his vampires welcome Gabriel to his fold and do battle, however reluctantly, with Nico as an ally against the very evil Sotiris. One warrior remains to be found and released so much is coming together in this book for the ultimate battle to decide the fate of the magical world.
As a reader I am not much for Paranormal Romance books. Every so often I figure why not try something different.
I was surprised how much I enjoyed Gabriel. The author brought two world together that were able to mash into mix of wonder, passion, adventure and romance. Reader will be pulled into the world of Magic, vampires, Japanese mafia, and two enemies that have to work together to fight the darkest of evils.
The story will pull readers in with Hana who is devoted to someone she has never met but has seen every day of her life. Gabriel is a warrior from another times or place who has watched as Hana grown hoping to one day hold her. Each character is strong, has the ability to connect with readers.
The one down side is the endless pages of very graphic sex. While I understand that sex is part of the paranormal romance or in fact all romance stories. The sex scenes take over a majority of the book that will leave some reader wishing for more background story, understanding of Hana's gift instead readers are giving a endless amount of biting, sex and graphic moments of blood.
I would have giving this book a solid 5 if the story could have had less sex and more Hana's magical gift and teaching of her powers.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher ImaJinn Books for the advance copy of D.B. Reynolds Gabriel.
Full review to be published online in late October.
GABRIEL is the third book in D B Reynolds “Stone Warriors” series; and the most intriguing read yet in the series. Gabriel is as testosterone-ridden as the best of Reynolds heroes, yet has a definite angsty side. He is my favourite Stone Warrior so far, and my enjoyment of the book is heightened with the greater crossover into the VIA world. Although Raphael winds up becoming the Master to vampire Gabriel, he still comes off as a commanding figure, and the relationship with Hana is beautifully written; with equal moments of feisty banter and explosive passion. While this series doesn’t have the same depth or sheer readability of the VIA series, it still keeps the readers attention and is quite entertaining.
I have been a fan of Reynolds since the beginning. I enjoyed the first book in this series then she lost me with the second. But this book had me sucked in from the first moment. From the first moment I was invested in the characters and submerged into this world. I loved the cross over with the Vampire characters we have met in previous books and reading this has prompted me to go back and reread all of those books. Loved it!
Gabriel is one of four warriors cursed by a sorcerer and trapped in stone and darkness for over a thousand years. He is one of the fiercest warriors ever known. When he is finally released from the curse by the granddaughter of a Japanese Yakuza, there was more danger than either knew. The sorcerer who cursed him is after Hana who has a special gift of her own. She has been planning for their escape since she was very young. Her family knew it would be needed one day. It becomes clear that Japan is not safe and they fly to California to an old friend of her grandfathers. Raphael is the strongest vampire in the world and he lives in Malibu. Hana knows he will be able to help Gabriel who is getting sicker everyday.. This story ties directly into the Vampires of America series. I loved the way it all fit together. This is my favorite so far in the the Stone Warriors series. It has action, magic and of course, Cynthia 's old flame, Nick makes an appearance. It is definitely a must read. There is so much more in this book and I don't want to give anything away. The author has absolutely outdone herself with this book. I received this book from Net Galley and Bell Bridge Books for a honest review and no compensation otherwise.The opinions expressed are my own.
Gabriel. freed from his cursed stone statue by Hana in a secluded Japanese garden. Now on the run, with Gabriel ill, they land in Malibu to seek Raphael's help. Hana has magic that could change the war against Sotiris, if she can get the training to utilize it. This 3rd book in the Stone Warriors series was the best so far. The tie in with the Vampires of America series made this book an exceptional read. Non stop action, vampires from that series, Nik, magic, great worldbuilding, and fantastic characters. I would recommend this series to all lovers of PNR and urban fantasy. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book from Netgalley.
Get out of the way Gabriel your blocking my view of Raphael, lol!! This was a great addition to this series and we saw some more plot movement and back story in to the curse Sotoris placed on this group. Gabriel and Hana has great chemistry and I loved that they had history, if you can call it that. You get all you expect out of this authors work here romance, suspense, comedy, fights and steamy moments. If you couldn’t tell from my first line...we get Cyn and Raphael and I’m in loveeeeeee. Anytime you work them in and it works for the story I’m a happy gal. I can’t wait to see what’s happening with Dragan and Maeve and of course I would love to see Nick get his own HEA, preferably with a vampire.
This was a complimentary advanced reader copy provided by the author publisher in exchange for a honest review via Netgalley.