Vasilisa Sidkorolyavokva (henceforth referred to as ‘Vasi’ for fear of misspelling her name) is Lycan royalty, and has known she held the other half of a Carpathian warrior’s soul almost since birth. A warrior in her own right, she regularly fights demons and other threats with her brothers. However, once she crosses paths with her lifemate Afanasiv Belan (or ‘Siv’), things get much more complicated and they must work together to combat the threat to both of their people before it’s too late.

review

Christine Feehan’s most recent release in the Dark Series, Dark Whisper, is now my favorite book in that universe. Vasi and Siv have a very unique relationship compared to the other mated pairs in the series. First of all, Siv actually asks for her consent before claiming her. He’s also more determined to make their relationship a true modern partnership rather than one person dominating the other like a caveman (I’m looking at you, de la Cruz brothers). While there have been many other warrior women in the series (Natalya, Ivory, and Solange to name a few), I don’t think I’ve ever seen a lifemate trust their partner so much so early on to take care of themselves. Siv’s confidence in his lifemate was inspiring and heart-warming to see.

how spicy?

This book was also unique in that the sex doesn’t actually happen till more than halfway through the book. The romance surprisingly doesn’t suffer though, as Vasi and Siv spend that time getting to know each other and developing emotional intimacy as they tackle all the trials set before them. Altogether, I think their relationship is one of the healthiest I’ve seen out of all the lifemates in the books. It’s been a couple years and about 10 books since we last saw Lycans (maybe around Book 26 with Dark Blood, if memory serves), so it was exciting to get to return to that mini arc of the series.

With the Lycans come many members of the Dragonseeker clan, along with some enemies old and new. The way that Ms. Feehan builds on the existing worldbuilding was awesome – my interest has been piqued by the reveal of more details surrounding the four gateways and ‘the Beast’, and I loved the return of tarot cards!

I was very surprised by some of the revelations about Siv and Vasi’s family and lineage, so it will be interesting to see how that plays into the storyline in the future. I’m curious to see where the next book will take place since this book leaves some story threads that were initially introduced in Dark Tarot unanswered (possibly back to the Carpathian mountains?) It will also be intriguing to see who features in the next book, given that many ancients (and some possible lifemates) showed up in Dark Whisper. Some of them even got a bit of direction on where to find their lifemates.

in conclusion

Overall, Dark Whisper was another fantastic addition to Christine Feehan’s Dark series. I would recommend this book to adult fans of paranormal romance who love the fated mate trope, great worldbuilding and aren’t afraid of a longer series. For the best reading experience, I would recommend reading the books in order. However, each book is written such that it stands on its own and you can start wherever you’d like if one book appeals to you more than the others.

I loved reading this book! I love the series, and this latest one continued the plot line introduced in Dark Tarot, with these ladies connected to the tarot cards, with the Carpathian male trapped in the gate that connects to the Underworld.

It was really great to watch these two, I loved their relationship. They're equals, and while he's an ancient, he's not one of the ones that needs to keep his woman safe at home, he knows she has the skills to protect herself. There is some of that protectiveness, but worrying is only natural, he doesn't try and keep her away from the action.

Vasilisa was trained differently from her siblings. Her mom knew that she had the potential to be a lifemate to a Carpathian, and so acted accordingly. Plus there's the responsibility of the gate. It's been a while since there were Lycans as a focus in this series, but having a lycan and a Carpathian together? Then you have to take into account that she's royal, it puts extra pressure on that situation, especially since the Sacred Circle, which is against the Sange rau.

This book starts off right away, and there was plenty going on, from the government people who are poking around to the fact that there's a traitor in their midst. Plus Vasilisa is part of the ongoing plot with the gate. That there seems to be a lot of Dragonseekers around, that a mage might be involved with the hatred being stirred up in the Sacred Circle, and Siv's personal history with Lilith, yeah, there was a lot going on! I loved watching everything go down, it was such an entertaining read!

This was a really great read, and I can't wait for the next installment!

Ms. Feehan has again done what drew me to her stories at the very beginning. Dark Whisper is alive with action, complex story lines and family.

Vasilisa Sidforolyavolkva and Afanasiv Belen, a royal Lycan and a Monastery Ancient are life mates. Not a very conducive situation to acceptance by Vasilisa’s family, such a combination breeds the Dreaded Sange Rau in the Lycan community. However, the two have a duty to reinforce the walls that hold the Carpathian Justice who is too dangerous to be in the world. That will require the help of his chosen monastery brethren, her family and a host of Dragonseekers!

I read Dark Whisper several times to find all the hidden clues Ms. Feehan is so fond of burying in her books. Of course I had to read Dark Tarot again to refresh all the clues about Justice and those who hold him captive.

Dark Whisper blends familial ties, long held secrets on both sides, enemies from past story lines and the love story that makes Ms. Feehan’s books come alive.

I have been reading this authors books for years! Just picked one up one day out of the blue and she had me hooked! For a while there I was worried. Many started to seem repetitive,
Too much explaining of prior books in the series. I get that… I really do. Especially if someone is picking it up the new book and reading as a stand alone knowing nothing if the others, but it gets frustrating for the long time fans that know already and it’s so much.
I’ve noticed she’s not done that nearly as much as she used to and for that I am truly ecstatic!
I feel it takes away from the story and causes it to drag. For those of us that are long time fans it feels like filler and not the author we know and love.
I also think that no one can write a sex scene like Christine Feehan! However, I’ve found myself skipping many pages in the past because there were just too many that took away from the fantastic storylines that I know she’s capable of. She’s written so many books over the years, many that are on my shelf that I constantly recommend to to my fellow book lovers to read because they are that good!
I’m so happy to say that I feel like she’s back!

This book had so much action which moved the book right along! No skipping pages for me! Very fast paced! I loved the main characters Vas and Siv. Our heroine and hero!

We get some secondary characters with Vas’ brothers and without spoilers, I know we will get to read some more about them in the future. You never know, but all I have to say is the author gave a good even amount of everything in this book. Action. Romance. A hero and heroine with great chemistry and a great storyline! Going on my shelf!

This was such a mind blowing read. The word building was absolutely phenomenal. And I loved how intriguing the plot was. Along with that the Main characters were adorable too. In short, I really loved and enjoyed it

This series is one of my favorite paranormal romances and every book that’s released in it I devour and this one is no different! Christine Feehan is one of my top favorite authors ever anything she writes I read and honestly love but her Dark series there’s just nothing like it I love the characters the overall story is well written and plotted the character arcs are always amazing and her steam is absolutely deliciously hot this is one of those series that I hope never ends lol all though that’s very unrealistic but nevertheless I will keep continuing to forever be a fan of the Carpathians !

Vasilisa is one of the Lycan royals with special powers to defeat demons who come from the underworld and able to close off portals from there, too. She knows there’s trouble brewing but not sure where it’s coming from. She also knows that she protects the soul of her lifemate and he is now near.

Afanasiv is a Carapathian ancient who has fought evil for many centuries. He and Vasilisa must fight many battles as they navigate their new status as lifemates and get to know each other, But a lot of this must be put on the back burner as there is a traitor trying to capture all the royals and imprison them in the Underworld.

Vasilisa was a strong fighter, selfless in her mission to protect her people and Afanasiv is a force to be reckoned with too. They’re well matched and together make a powerful, unified front in a battle between good and evil. There’s a lot of battles! At almost 500 pages, this is a long book that took me a while to get through. I enjoyed it even though a lot of it went over my head because I hadn’t read the previous books. I will say the story had many names that tripped me up a bit. If it’s a side character it doesn’t really make a difference in my enjoyment of the story, but if it’s a main character like Afanasiv, it’s something that jars me up every time I read the name.

Dark Whisper can be read as a standalone, but I think fans of this long-running series will appreciate it more than someone just jumping in (like I did, lol). There’s a lot going on and world building that has happened. I’m still not sure exactly what a Carpathian is. The story is an exciting, action-packed adventure with plenty of chemistry and steam between Vasilisa and Afanasiv!

Absolutely incredible and mind blowing. It’s no secret that’s I’m a big time fan of Christine Feehan and love her work so much. So high expectations are bound to happen but I quite love how she comes through keep climbing and climbing and never let them down. Undoubtedly one of the best reads so far this year

They were both strong and deserving of love…

I will never get enough of this world of magic, mystery and love. With the number of books in the series well above thirty now, the author is still able to provide unique plotlines in an over-arching, intertwined story arc. Vasilisa and Siv were fated lifemates yet the support and love, the confidence in each other’s abilities, shined. There was nothing bland or blasé with the emotions they sparked in each other…

Vasilisa straddled two different worlds, hiding behind her Lycan royal title, hoping no one would see who, and what, she had become. She was honest with Siv, not knowing if he would accept her but she couldn’t hide the truth from him. Siv stepped up and was what anyone would love to have in a partner. Being semi-immortal was a bonus. Together, they would move mountains. And they may have to…

The honesty and trust saw them through this thrilling, action-packed read. There was humour and sweet emotion throughout, bring some respite to an edgy story. Loved it!

*I happily reviewed this story
**Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley

Nice addition to the latest storyarc in this series, the focus is still on the Ancients. This time around it is Afanasiv Belan who will find his mate in a woman who is not what she seems. Whilst the Carpathian males are more or less interchangeable now, the females they find as mates are a bit different. Vasilisa is a Russian spy... just kidding. She's a Royal in a country that forbids any type of royalty or they would be killed. Her special talents are a surprise to both Afanasiv and her many brothers.

This is an easy book to relax into with its familiar world-building and plots. I consider this part 2 of 4 in the current story arc. I am eager to see the Carpathian who is a "demon" caged in Hell. Bringing demons into this world-building was unexpected. It seems there are more and more authors incorporating demons into their stories lately. I kind of like it here and want to see where Ms. Feehan goes with it. Is it possible as we grow older and we see our mortality that we start pondering about Heaven and Hell? Perhaps that is why some of my favourite authors for the past few decades are now adding demons into their worlds?

The fight between good and evil is a painful one here as it becomes personal on a level our characters did not expect. Vasilisa and her brothers are generous and protective caretakers of their land. When they face betrayal from loved ones and friends, it is a punch to the gut. Or I guess a shot to the heart. It is a terrible world we live in where greed and malicious envy turn people into irrational traitors.

There are few surprises in this story as the events unfold in a predictable and tortuous manner. Not painful for the reader; but devastating for Vasilisa and her brothers. Fortunately for her, Afanasiv's newfound connection with her balances out the brutal blows she is dealt. His steadfast manner and calming attitude help her work through the anguish and recall the fond memories. The taint of the demons may stain her and her brethren a bit, but it does not stick.

This paranormal romance is recommended to readers who enjoy angst, betrayal, and fated mates.

✦Review: DARK WHISPER by Christine Feehan https://53mq.short.gy/KzPY3Q
Publication Date: October 11, 2022
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 4 Stars

This book involved so many character groups and back histories. Carpathians, traitors, vampires, mages, dragonseekers, puppets, lycans, demons, Lilith, etc. Despite some areas being a bit convoluted, other parts of the book dragged for me. A lot of repetition on the who and what. This was not one of my favorite Carpathian novels due to the lack of a real romance. Vasi and Siv each accepted that they were fated mates and went with it – although a romantic story never really developed. The book was more information and fights. I did score this a 4 because it had a lot of interesting information that will no doubt help in the next installment, and I had no trouble reading the whole thing.

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review

Kindle https://amzn.to/3OO90Fx

Action Packed, Family, Friendships, Romance, Plot Twist

Vasilisa Sidkorolyavolkva, a Lycan Princess and Demon Hunter realizes that there's a hint of conspiracy against the Royal House of Lycans. The Monarchy is under attack from their own kind and those above and below ground. While investigating a dangerous shift that has opened a fissure deep within the earth, demons are escaping and terrorizing the countryside. Vasi has the job of stopping them. While on the hunt she feels the danger of a trap being set as well as the pull of her lifemate who's injured nearby along with her brother.

Afansiv Belen meets his lifemate and see's Vasi as a partner in battle, a fellow warrior and lifemate while battling demons and vampires. As secrets are revealed by Vasi as gatekeeper to keep the demons and the "Beast" trapped, Siv is worried that he's broken his code of honor and Vasi may refuse to be his lifemate. As they both get to know each other and Siv realizes he hasn't broken his code of honor it's time for him to embrace his lineage. With understanding on both sides this couple embrace who they are and who they'll become. Old and new characters prepare to fight against those that still want war between the Carpathians and Lycans. A 3-fold plan is revealed that could still succeed in destroying both species if it isn't stop.

the 36th book of a series.
Vasilisa Sidkorolyavolkva is a Lycan of royal blood. She knows what is expected of her, but all she wants is to be out from under her family’s watchful eyes.
Afanasiv Belan is a Carpathian, an ancient one. In all the centuries of his existence, no one has ever affected him like Vasilisa.
But if they claim each other as lifemates, it will change them down to the bone.
I really enjoyed getting to know these 2 and even though a lot was going on in the book and a lotm of other characters I didn't get lost. I thought with it being the 36th book of the series and not reading them all that I would have a hard time but it felt like a standalone.
You could feel that there was something there between these 2 right from the beginning when they met.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the book to review.

Christine Feehan is definitely the queen of the fated mate trope! I love this couple and how regardless of being lifemates they have their doubts whether they would be disappointed in each other. If who they are, choices they’d made would satisfy each others expectations. If the universe hadn’t made her the keeper of the light Part of his soul, would they have been each other’s choice. And now as they come to know each other would they be able to find love, a connection beyond lifemates.
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Afanasiv, a hero who spent centuries fighting the vampire, protecting his people, all species. Then he secluded himself away for his own reasons in the Monastery with his Brethren, the Ancients. All determined to hold on to his honor, to remain strong, awaiting the one who could bring him his light, complete his soul. And now returning to the world to help his people yet again and with the hope his lifemate may be within reach…his doubts in his honor, choices he’s made begin to surface…choices that made him feel unworthy of his own bloodline. Would she accept him?
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Vasilisa is a Lycan princess, she knows she carries a part of a Carpathian Soul, her fated mate. She follows the message of her Tarot cards. Yet even if her destiny is tied to his, it is part of her journey as well, her responsibility to her people as well as all species. She is a warrior, a hunter in her own right. How will he be part of it...will he accept all she has become. Respect the warrior she is and loyalty to her people? Would he want to completely change who she is. Take her over.
.
Before any discussion or confessions can take place, before they even lay eyes on each other, treachery, enemies, Danger emerge and the only way to possibly defeat it, save those she loves, her people they need to accept each other as lifemates.
Will they see the person, understand the choices made and the journey that forged them? Will they be able to accept what the cards say? Or will Whispers of the past, dangers of the present, overcome the whispers of hope for their future?
.
The revelations about each other takes place in an action packed, edge of seat battles between good and evil. There are fanatical factions, traitors easily corrupted for greed and power, control. Ppwerful enemies endanger her people, are used to carry out the plans of the underworld with new and old enemies to Carpathian and Lycan alike…Memories and confessions actually provide them with knowledge to make them partners, able to face and defeat enemies and save others…seeing each other act with courage and loyalty, build emotions and trust between them. Seeing how those they love and serve, who are family and friends, old and new, come together to fight by their sides gives them insight into themselves and each other. Watching the love and the strength it gives them build. Acceptance and Belonging becoming a solid force as we learn more about the Ancients’ Saga where the threat of the beast behind the guarded gates, many revelations about them and where the Ancients belong and where the journey takes them next…awesome addition to the Ancients Saga and the series as a whole

DARK WHISPER is one of Ms. Feehan's best offerings in this series. The action begins with the opening of the book and only ends when you let your imagination quit.

Reviewed by Annetta Sweetko for Fresh Fiction

https://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=79667

Dark Whisper is here! I adore this series, but I have missed a few along the way. I am always afraid I won't be able to jump back in, but Feehan does a great job of making it feel like I didn't miss anything. The lycans are prominent in this one and I was excited for that.

Vasi is a lycan but her life mate, Siv, is a Carpathian. While these two groups aren't enemies, they aren't besties either. So there is that tension. But, Vasi and Siv know they are life mates and that bond is unbreakable. Vasi has trained to be a warrior and this is a little difficult for the "traditional" Siv to accept but he tries. You also have the other men at the monastery who provide wonderful supporting characters. Overall, I enjoyed every character in the story!

My only issue is a strange one for me. Normally, I LOVE the fated mates trope. But, I didn't feel like these two LOVED each other so much as just accepted they were life mates. It oddly took the romance out of it for me. Honestly, there is romance-they do care for one another, but it just didn't really sell me. Maybe I getting too cynical in my old age!

I haven't read a book by Feehan in a while. Like so many of the authors, I really enjoy a few fell through the cracks and I got behind on them. The second I started Dark Whisper I remembered why I like reading her so much. Feehan is wonderful and pulling you into a story and making you remember her characters.

There are times when I remember something one of her characters did and think to myself that I need to get caught up on her. Well after reading Dark Whisper I pulled out a bunch of her books to do just that.

Since I've gotten behind on her book I thought I might have trouble just picking up this one and reading it and knowing what has happened in this world. But I'm happy to say that wasn't the case. I was able to pick up on a few key things that made me feel like I was still part of the series and not lost as I read the book.

I always love her characters and Dark Whisper was no different. I love how these two come together and stand with each other. There is a conflict between them at times but I think you'll like how they deal with it and move on.

This is a wonderful story that made me want to go back to the books I haven't read and pick them up. I will say that if you haven't yet read any books in this series I wouldn't start with this one. Not that it's not a good story on its own it's just that so much happens in this world that you need to read and learn it book by book. Plus as a whole, the series reads better if you read them in order.

Wow, did this book start off totally different than any of the other Dark series books! I love it!
Vasilisa Sidkorolyavolkva is a Lycan Royal, the only girl with overbearing brothers. She loves her brothers dearly but has over the years learned how to get around them and to do things without them knowing she has left the castle. She is very strong and had great training growing up to take care of herself. While out visiting with a friend at the local bar, she discovered that several strangers were in town, some asking about her friend Dimitri, and also some government men. One the men claimed to have served with her brother Adros in the military. She also discovered that her mate, the man she was guarding his soul for was in the area and was in a battle which was causing her pain through their connection.
Vasilisa left the Wolf’s Tavern in search of the man she was destined to be with. She knew that he was injured and that a trap had been set for her. As she traveled towards her mate, she learned even more things. She was traveling to an area where a fissure had occurred, and she knew demons were traveling through from the underworld. She also realized that there were vampires in the area and that was what her mate was fighting. And she knew that she was being betrayed by at least one of the villagers, a friend of the family, and that was breaking her heart.
Afanasive Belan or Siv for short, is an ancient Carpathian. Among the oldest group of Carpathians who had stayed in a monastery for several centuries, knowing that it was getting too hard to continue battling vampires and not give in to the thrall.
Somehow, he finds himself set as bait to attract his mate Vasilisa to the vampires. They were also holding Vasilisa’s brother to ensure her cooperations.
In order to rescue her brother, defeat the vampires and restore Siv’s soul, they found that they needed to be bound together. So with never having been face to face, having conversations and getting to know each other, Siv bound them together with the ancient Carpathian binding ritual. Guess they will get to know each other later!
Follow along on an action-packed adventure as Siv and Vasilisa learn to know each other. There are a great many twists and turns in this book! Vasilisa’s brothers are being controlled by demons, a family member has betrayed the royals! Portals are open and must be closed, only after travelling to the underworld for rescues.
If you haven’t read any of the dark series, this is a great book to get an idea of what the Carpathian’s are all about, and there are quite a few couples mentioned in the book.
After reading this book, I want to start the series all over again to refresh my memories on what each couple went though to be able to be together!

#DarkWhisper, #DarkSeries

Christine feehan continues her thrilling paranormal Carpathian novels with Dark Whisper. Vasilia, a Lycan royal, who controls the wolves, meets her lifemate, an ancient Carpathian Afanasiv. Together the fight to save the royal lycan line and their wolves from vampires and demons without and lycan traitors within. Excellent romance and intergroup relations story. One of her best.

Vasilia Sidkorolyavolkva is a Lycan royal who has been raised knowing that she's a life mate to a Carpathian male. She's a kickass heroine who has been raised to battle and vanquish demons and heal the earth. Afanasiv is an ancient Carpathian who along with a few of his unmated brethren is in search of his life mate. For an ancient Siv has a wonderfully modern attitude towards his mate and what a true partnership between mates entails.  While some things remain the same as other stories in this series there's a lot of new to keep readers intrigued and engaged.
Vasilia has been restless of late knowing that change is in the air as is a growing sense of evil.  In the midst of battle, she meets her fated life mate. Even though she's known that she holds a man's soul in her keeping, her other half she's not quite prepared when it finally goes down and she meets Siv. As for Siv, he's battled the vampire for so long and his honor is greatly tested, even as he's contemplating walking into the sun he can suddenly see in colors and feel emotions.  Despite being an ancient he realizes that he needs to adapt to modern times and forge a true partnership with his life mate if he wants love and not just a duty-bound relationship.
The two are called upon to battle demons as well as vampires and the evil mages, sons of Xavier play a role here as they seek to destroy the Lycans from the inside out. This is an intense and dark book as we get to visit the hell realm or the underground and battle demons as well as master vampires. Skyler, Dimitri, Ivory, Razvan, all make cameo appearances as do their wolves. While there is sensual promise and eroticism is this book, there is a lot of action and battle which I enjoyed as opposed to pages after pages of sex scenes between the protagonists. 
There are some of the usual elements from other Carpathian books but by and large the story feels fresh and new if a bit of dark. I can't wait to see how the other ancients who accompanied Siv fare in their search for their life mates.