One of my favorite authors, J.R. Ward, released a novella set in the world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. As this is one of my favorite series by her, I was very intrigued to see what this little treat would be like. I’ve always believed in Ward’s writing, but wondered how her writing would fare with short stories. As you know, her books tend to be on the long side, but I’m happy to note that this story definitely fulfill my BDB fan needs nicely.

This book is about Ahmare and Duran, two vampires who had had their fair share of bad luck. Ahmare’s brother has been taken from her and she must to many impossible things in order to get him back. The most challenging is to track down someone with the help of Duran.

Duran has been held captive for twenty-one years and his first chance at escape involves working with Ahmare. The two are very different in the beginning but you can definitely feel the way their love grows with for one another. I like that Ward didn’t make it about instalove, which is what you would normally see in a shorter story. But she takes her time, creating conflict and tension while also building that romance in a believable way.

I really enjoyed this story and I think if you’re a fan of Ward and the BDB series, you’ll want to read it to get your fix. Reading this book makes me excited for the next installment as Ward continues to keep readers on their toes.

The Black Dagger Brotherhood is one of those must-read PNR series that everyone knows, reads, and loves, and for good reason. There’s nothing quite like this world of vampires and alpha-males, both of which I can never get tired of if J.R. Ward writes it. Some of my favorite bookish heroes have come from this series (RHAGE!) and for that I will forever be grateful to the Warden.

In Prisoner of Night, we get a little break from the BDB boys and are introduced to two new main characters: Duran, whose father sold him into imprisonment for twenty years, and Ahmare, who will risk anything to save her brother’s life. These two have one common enemy, Chalen, who is Duran’s tormentor and holds Ahmare’s brother hostage. They must band together in order to free themselves of Chalen, even while having their own agendas. There’s an immediate connection between them, but they try to ignore it to reach their end goal.

While I can’t say that I loved this novella, it was a nice addition to the BDB world. It doesn’t add anything to the main storyline, but we do get to discover new characters that maybe we’ll see in the future again. And not only do we get Ahmare and Duran’s romance, we get a bonus love story in this novella too, though I wish both were fleshed out just a bit more. Now, I’m dying for the next actual BDB book, The Savior, which is Murhder’s book! I can’t wait to see what J.R. Ward has in store for us in his book!

J.R. Ward release a new title in the paranormal world. Prisoner of Night is a fresh paranormal story that will suck you in vampire and other species world.

Reader get to read about Ahmare and Duran. Both of these are facing complex situations in Prisoner of Night. But they get to work together in the most unexpected way. They definitely have great chemistry between each other. However, I had a trouble with their character personality since it was a little under developed.

Prisoner of Night will be a fantastic paranormal story to read. 3 stars.

This novella is set in the world of the Brotherhood featuring two entirely new characters. Ahmare is seeking to gain her brother’s freedom from Chalen, his brutal captor, forced to comply with demands that stretch her moral limits. Duran is also one of Chalen’s captives, imprisoned for 21 years because he won’t divulge the location of something precious to this heartless leader of a silent force. Ahmare and Duran are made to team up to fulfill the final challenge, both having similar goals but with differing motivations.

There’s no lead up to the action in this story as it ramps up immediately. We learn about Ahmare and Duran through their revelations to each other as they make their way to the secret destination. Duran’s tragic history is heartbreaking and despite the brutality he’s experienced, there’s a sense of innocence about him that tempers the violent aspect of his nature. Ahmare is formidable in her own right and recognizes Duran’s nobility. I was struck by the constant contrasts of good and evil, violence and tenderness, passion and affection. All transitioned at will, making this an emotionally laden story filled with contradictions. And, as Duran’s history is slowly revealed, the discoveries are shocking.

I was happy to get the audio version because Jim Frangione knows how to deliver these stories. It moves at breakneck speed, not reading at all like a short story because so much happened. Ahmare and Duran are always at the center and it was remarkable how well defined they become. There are outcomes that I suspect will impact the Brotherhood and I don’t think we’ve seen the last of these characters. This was such a good story and I’m pleased to have enjoyed yet another novella in the series.

This was a pretty good paranormal romance. I enjoy reading from J.R. Ward as her writing always pulls me in and her characters always have some complex issue that pushes the romance in an interesting way. This was n different. There was a lot of sad and stressful moments -- I may have even cried a few times, but the romance and humor were well mixed in.

Ahmare is on a mission to save her brother from Chalen the Conqueror. She had a mission to kill someone and she did, but now Chalen demands a second thing from her and she agrees only seeking to save her brother. Ahmare was a headstrong woman and though she may have seemed like a killer she was anything but that. She was a protector. She knew how to save lives. I enjoyed her struggle with killing people seeing as she started off by killing someone. I loved seeing the inner workings of her mind.

Duran was taken captive by Chalen 21 years ago and vows for vengeance against both Chalen and his father. He planned to escape, but his escape came by way of a female. Duran was an all out gentleman that was tortured physically, mentally and emotionally. For all the things he went through in his life, he still pushed forward in life. He was determined to die, but couldn't after he met Ahmare. Duran is a killer by nature with how he grew up, but he never wanted to just kill for fun. I respected him.

The romance was absolutely cute! Definitely an instant attraction between Duran and Ahmare. Shockingly, it was Ahmare that initiated things between the two. That was awesome to read because Duran was a complete gentleman through the whole ordeal. They both tried to keep things platonic, but emotions and scents ran too deep between them. I adored their relationship.

Chalen was an insane old vampire. I didn't care for him at the end of the book, especially after finding out who his "beloved" was. I just can't believe he went crazy for that. Duran's father was a crazy man through and through. I am glad about his demise!

Nexie was so funny and quirky. I totally loved everything about her from start to finish. I loved even more how girly she got when she met her mate.

I totally enjoyed this book and I hope there is book for Ahlan and Nexie because they were just too adorable together!

Hidden between the violence and the struggle to survive is a love story that only J.R. Ward could tell. I have a strong dislike for insta-love stories but I think she is the only one who can write that and I not have a problem with it. She has a fantastic skill that covers up my #1 pet peeve and then weaves a story that captures my attention from the beginning to the very end. The story has heart, suspense, and just the right amount of danger that keeps you on the edge of your seat. January I usually start getting antsy for the next BDB book, and this comes at the right time to help fill that fix that I need. Ahmare was a strong female and Duran is a sexy, tormented hero to die for. Put these two together, and it's flat-out amazing. J.R. Ward continues to raise the bar and here is her next instant classic. Grab it now! It will check every box you have.

4.25 stars--PRISONER OF THE NIGHT by J.R. Ward is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, paranormal, romance story line in the world of the author’s Black Dagger Brotherhood. This is vampires Ahmare and Duran’s story line. PRISONER OF NIGHT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

NOTE: PRISONER OF NIGHT contains scenes of graphic torture and violence that may not be suitable for all readers.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Ahmar and Duran) PRISONER OF NIGHT follows female vampire Ahmare as she barters for the release of her brother Ahlan, imprisoned by warlord Chalen the Conqueror. Demanding payment and services for her brother’s release Chalen sends Ahmare on two quests: to bring back the severed head of a local drug dealer; and to find and return Chalen’s ‘beloved’. Enter Duran, another vampire prisoner of Chalen the Conqueror, and the man with whom Ahmare will fall in love. What ensues is the journey across country for Ahmare and Duran; the building relationship and love between our leading couple, and the potential fall-out as Duran sets out on a quest of his own to destroy the man that destroyed everyone he loved.

Duran knows where Chalen’s beloved is kept but the journey to freedom brings back too many memories of the past, a past that imprisoned our hero for over twenty –one years enduring torture and abuse at the hands of Chalen the Conqueror. Ahmare is desperate to negotiate her brother’s release but working with Duran finds our heroine falling for a man who is willing to sacrifice himself for the ultimate goal.

PRISONER OF NIGHT focuses on never-before mentioned side-characters of J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood, characters with no connection to the main series but characters whose lives, like the Black Dagger Brotherhood’s, are affected by torture, pain and abuse, with the added benefit of a ‘religious cult’, previously unknown to the Scribe Virgin and Wrath the King.

We are introduced to Ahmare’s long suffering brother Ahlan; Chalen the Conqueror; Duran’s friend Nexi, and Duran’s father Excalduran.

PRISONER OF NIGHT is a tale of survival, dedication, vengeance and love. The premise is heart breaking, emotional and raw; the characters are broken, determined and lost; the romance is passionate and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Copy supplied by the publisher

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Author JR Ward continues to amaze me with her ability to write a fresh, original story in the amazing world she created that is the Black Dagger Brotherhood. I must confess I am hopelessly and completely addicted to the brothers. That being said, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to read this book because it is not about any of the main alpha men. I am so happy I read it though because once again, author JR Ward’s talent took me on a fantastic journey of revenge, darkness, redemption and hope. Prisoner of Night is a quick, engaging read. I could not put it down.

Duran and Ahmare are great characters. They drew me in with their back stories and had me hooked on their journey together. Gotta love when the alpha male comes undone by a woman and it shocks him too. Both characters are strong, smart and determined. No damsels in distress, which I love. They compliment each other. I really liked getting some closure with regards to the colony we learned about in previous books. I do feel this could be read as a standalone for those who haven’t yet ventured into the BDB series.

Their story is a crazy, action-packed, sexy whirlwind fraught with danger, betrayal and vengeance. I liked the way the author develops their relationship. I love the alternating POV.

For the fans of Caldwell and all things Black Dagger, this is a great way to fill the need while waiting for the next full length novel in the series due out in April. Prisoner of Night is a complete story with everything you’d expect and want from a Black Dagger Brotherhood book. The only thing missing are the brothers, but hey, it can’t always be about them. Ssh..don’t tell them I said that! #teamBDB

This is a novella based in the Black Dagger Brotherhood world, but can honestly be read as a stand alone story. It is based on this new couple and story line that is contained in this book. It is a good way to wade a toe into the BDB world or try J.R. Ward's writing style. I actually found it easier to read since it was solely focused on this couple and their adventures and did not flip between multiple story lines as the longer ones do.

Duran has been held in a dungeon for twenty one years with his only motivation to survive being vengeance...against his father who betrayed him as well as the man who has held and tortured him. He was not expecting his escape to come in the form of a female. Ahmare has her own loved one she is trying to save and is now finding herself in a battle of wills with Duran's captor. She is strong and determined, but is also ruled by her heart at times.

Now they are two strangers on a common mission with different motives. They both need single focus, but find themselves distracted. They never expected to need each other both as partners on their quest, but also due to a longing physical attraction. It's insta-lovey but that is not unusual in this series as it is part of the mating. But they are undertaking a dangerous errand that neither are guaranteed to survive.

I got sucked into this story. I really felt for these characters especially Duran. They both had tragedies in their past, and had suffered loss. But he also lost so much of his own life and himself. He was literally broken down and disconnected until she saved him. I enjoyed seeing his personality emerge. But there had only been one thing keeping him alive through it all and he did not care if it was a suicide mission.

He will have to decide what is more important in the long run, vengeance or potential love?

This was fast paced, and full of suspense, action, and passion. I liked the side characters especially Nexi. The antagonists literally made my skin crawl and I wanted vengeance seen too. It kept me enthralled til the last page.

A read that kept me riveted to my sofa, gripping my iPad in angst while swiping those pages!

I haven't had the pleasure of reading this author. She basically shook me with a story so realistic, a world of vampires (who knew they have similar problems as us poor humans), it was hard to find a stopping place to continue my own life outside of her deliciously well-built chaotic one. What did I take away of the reading?

Life is full of wrong decisions with terrible consequences;
Life dishes out bad, not necessarily from our own actions;
To survive it takes a bundle of courage, trust, bravery, forgiveness, and love.

Slam! Bam! This author doesn't pussy-foot around telling this story. She goes directly to the grit, anguish, torture with pure evil having the upper-hand, coiling the reader's stomach with her choice of words in her unique style of writing. The dialog was superb--crude and in the reader's face, setting the tone of all its gore.

Ahmare was pretty much a normal vampire until her parents were killed. From that moment she learned to defend herself and to kill if need be. Her younger brother got mixed up in drugs and things really started spiraling out of control until he was nabbed by Chalen, an old vampire who got-off torturing other vampires. Ahmare, with the love for her brother, the only family she has left, negotiates for his release, doing what Chalen asks of her.

As with most evil, one deed is never enough. Chalen demanded more. For her brother, she would do it with the weapon Chalen supplies. A vampire, in captivity for 20 years, who knows where Chalen's beloved is, but wouldn't tell Chalen even under massive torture. Can she trust this vampire? Will he kill or hurt her? Life gets worse before it gets better -- love prevails. And what a journey!

I was thrilled to discover another author which pushes my buttons, gets my heart racing and has an underlying theme of wisdom in her story.

Prisoner of Night
JR Ward

Ward takes a break from her beloved Black Dagger Brotherhood and Legacy series with a BDB side story giving fans a rare look into the lives of four civilians a brother and sister who lost their parents in the raids and two victims of a Vampire only Jonestownesque cult who find each other amidst the rubble of their tortured and shattered lives.
The author pulls on heartstrings while letting her stars get plenty sweaty and bloody full of rage bent on revenge that’s more than deserved and introduces readers to some super scary under the bed nightmarish monsters
The dialogue is iconic BDB Ward all in your face take no prisoner, kick-butt and tough as nails. The storyline is non-stop action packed and moves at warp speed is intense and stars two of the most memorable Vampires ever assembled and two costars that are not easily forgotten. If you’re a fan of the BDB series this is a no brainer and while a new reader would be totally lost fans would be able to read this out of order.

Summary:
Ahmare blooded daughter of Ahmat lost her parents during the raids and she’s bound and determined not to lose her younger brother Ahlan from a warlord’s dungeon even if I’ts his own fault he’s there. But when she delivers what she thought was the bargain to gain her brothers freedom she’s told she needs to retrieve the warlord, Chalen’s beloved, then and only then will her brother be freed. And to help her retrieve this treasure she’s been given a weapon, only this weapon isn’t a gun, a knife or a sword. No this weapon is a male and if she’s correct another one of Chalen’s prisoners.
When Duran is unexpectedly released from Chalen’s dungeon where he’s spent the last two decades of his life by the beautiful female, his only thought is how to get away to enact the revenge on the male who imprisoned him, the male who was the ultimate cause of his mahmen’s death, the male who ruled and ruined his young life, his sire. But the more time he spends in this fascinating females presence the more important she becomes to him, the more he wants to protect her and keep her safe. Maybe even forever.

A love story in the midst of violence and payback.
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I never read any of the other books in the series so I am not sure if I was missing something or not. However, to me, this was a standalone. I had no issues following the story.

This book smacks you in the face soon as you start it. It is raw and gruesome in parts, written with such imagery that you almost want to read it in bits and pieces due to the violence. But it also compels you to never put it down!

It’s a story about vampires, but not a traditional image that we normally would expect. This is a story about the battle of good and evil. A story of right over wrong. A story of love, compassion, and understanding.

It’s a thriller and a romance with incredibly strong, fierce, and insightful characters that make you cringe on one hand and cheer for a well deserved happily ever after on the other hand.

I don’t typically read a lot of paranormal or urban fantasy books so I was intrigued to say the least. There are few authors that can write a love story in the midst of violence and payback well and J.R. Ward is one of the best!

Prisoner of Night by J.R.Ward is an all consuming read that may change the way you feel about paranormal romance. Just be prepared for the raw, gripping description.

I was excited to get lost in the newest addition to the Black Dagger Brotherhood world! I was quickly immersed in Ahmare's journey and the struggle she faced. She was not prepared for Duran. The chemistry between Ahmare and Duran was off the charts! While they were definitely not expecting each other, their chemistry was undeniable.

While we didn't see what was happening with the brothers, they were mentioned and I just liked being back in their world. I thought this book was fast paced, well-written and held my attention! Two unlikely forces have to pair up and depend on each other. The journey they took held me captivated. I couldn't read this book fast enough. I wanted to know what was going to happen and would they survive the odds?! It was a lot of a action with a little of the sassy J.R. Ward style romance. Readers, be prepared not to get anything done and not be able to put this book down. HIGHLY recommend this read!

This was an interesting novella, I really like it.It can be easily read it from people who haven't read the black dagger series.

I felt hard for both characters they have a tough life. Duran is a character I will have in my heart forever , seriously my heart was aching for him!

This was a great novella, fast paced and it has a mixed of everything, I love this world.

Whenever we get a book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood world, I am very excited. Even if these characters aren't known to us, there's more happening in the BDB world than with just the Brothers. Prisoner of Night will give us a tiny smidgen of the BDB world as we wait for The Savior to come out in April.

Druan has been imprisoned for years and biding his time to escape. But he has no idea his plans are about to take a crazy turn. When Ahmare walks into his prison something flairs up inside him and gives him the shock of his lifetime. There's something about this female that has him questioning everything.

Ahmare's brother has been captured and in order to free him she must use the "weapon" she's provided with to retrieve something of value to his captor. What she wasn't planning on was this weapon being a huge scary male with decades of pent up anger and hurt.

These two characters go on a journey to places they never imagined, into a world they wish never existed. No matter what happened to Duran, these past decades, he was still a male who's been raised to protect females, so he will do what it takes to get the job done and to find his revenge. What he doesn't plan on is falling for this female almost instantly. But in the BDB world, that's the way things happen. When they know, they KNOW.

I liked Ahmare. She kept a cool head all the while making choices that would affect her forever, all for the sake of her brother. I loved watching her discover that no matter what happened in the past, she is finally able to move forward, if she has the right male beside her.

Prisoner of Night is a shorter story filled with the darkness and excitement we've come to know from the BDB books. This is a good way to wet your feet a little in this world without having to diving head first into this epic series. But really, why wouldn't you wanna do that? The Black Dagger Brotherhood are one of my most favorite series. I wish everyone would dive into these books. I hope this series never ends.

This was the perfect little snack read while waiting for the main course, Savior, to come in April! I am a massive fan of these characters, Ahmare and Duran, and I really hope we get to visit them again in the BDB world. The absolutely creepy intro sets the tone and feel of this novella for its entirety.

You do not have to have read the previous novels to enjoy Prisoner of Night. It's a great way to get to know Ward’s writing style and a bit of the genre. A perfect way to kick off the new year, book friends!

5 Stars
~Tanja