DARK WHISPER is the thirty-sixth instalment (or thirty-second depending upon where you look) in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult DARK /CARPATHIANS erotic, paranormal, romance series. This is ancient Carpathian warrior Afansiv Belan, and Royal Lycan Vasilisa Sidkorolyavolkva’s story line. DARK WHISPER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: All Carpathian males must find their lifemates before they turn vampire or greet the dawn. Without a lifemate, the males no longer see in color, feel pain or experience emotions. A lifemate is the light to their dark. She is the keeper of his heart and the keeper of his soul. As the unmated Carpathian male ages, the darkness begins to envelope his soul, eventually turning the male vampire or forcing him to greet the dawn.

Told in five parts, leaning strongly on the belief of the Tarot, using third person perspectives DARK WHISPER follows another ancient Carpathian warrior as he finds his lifemate. Afansiv ‘Siv’ Belan is much more than an ancient Carpathian, and it is his heritage that makes him a target of Lilith and the Underworld but meeting his fated lifemate brings Siv into a world of color, sounds and emotions, a world in which he is about to come face to face with his tormented path. Vasilisa Sidkorolyavolkva is a Lycan of Royal blood, and with it comes the powers bestowed by DNA and prestige but through the years, Vasilisa has had the opportunity to share blood with a female Carpathian, and in doing so, makes Vasilisa a Sange rau-a hybrid of mixed blood, no longer pureblood, a Lycan often discriminated against by their own kind. Vasilisa has always known she carries the other half of a Carpathian soul, and with it, readily accepts our hero as her Carpathian lifemate but all is not well in the world of the Lycan, when her brothers are trapped in the Underworld, becoming something or someone Vasilisa no longer recognizes. Along with several ancients, as well as Dimitri and Skyler, Razvan and Ivory, and the few remaining Dragonseekers in the area, Afansiv must undertake a spiritual and psychic journey into the depths of H*ll, in an effort to save the Royal Lycan bloodlines, and stop the master vampires from killing them all.

DARK WHISPER continues to focus on a new enemy, Lilith and the demons of H*ll, an enemy controlled by a former foe who is alive yet not, whose existence was once thought dead and gone. The four portals to H*ll continue to be guarded by four ancient Carpathian females, females who have yet to find their lifemates but powerful woman whose job it is to protect and defend.

The relationship between Siv and Vasi is one of fated mates. Vasilisa is a warrior unto herself, trained to fight and to kill the vampire, with most of the same abilities as the Carpathian people. Afansiv Belan is an ancient but has accepted, to some degree, the modern women’s need for independence but like all lifemates, his duty is to protect and defend the woman he loves.The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including many of the Dragonseeker lineage and their mates-Dimitri and Skyler, Razvan and Ivory; Ancients Petru Cioban, Nicu Dalca, and Benedek Kovac; as well as the introduction of Vasilisa’s brothers: twins Garald and Grigor, and their ruler Andros Sidkorolyavolkva, their Aunt Olga, and several members of various Lycan families including Andros’ girlfriend Lada, the rogue Sacred Circle, and Gaia, a young Carpathian woman kidnapped and forced into H*ll, a woman who refuses to leave behind the ‘demon’ that saved her life.

DARK WHISPER reveals a new concept in the world of the Carpathian-ancients with tattered souls, thickened with dark scars through years of battling the vampires, and the fear of turning demon, not only vampire, but a demon meant to serve in the Underworld. The entertaining premise is detailed and complex- awash in numerous action-packed fight scenes with both vampires and demons, Carpathians and Lycans, magic and power. The romance is limited, not the main focus on the story line, almost an afterthought to the overall premise-I didn’t feel the attraction, it was a relationship based on fate. The characters are powerful and charismatic.

Love Love Love the cover !



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Amazing book, has everything you could ask for, drama, suspense, action, conflict, throw in betrayal and heartache. Watch these lifemates work together and succeed. Oh wait….. it definitely has romance .

Dark Whisper is an exciting addition to the Dark Series, specifically focused on one of the Ancients (Afansiv or Siv) and a Royal Lycan (Vasillisa or Vasi). I really loved returning to the Carpathian Mountains. the Lycans and the Dragonseekers - this book gave us an update on many of our friends from the past. Dark Whisper is very action-packed and fast paced, with all parties coming to the table already in the know for current circumstances. It allowed the story to move quickly, making it hard to put down. Vasi is a true warrior heroine, and I loved seeing her shine, as well as an Ancient like Siv let her shine. Any reader of the Dark Series will love this inclusion!

Vasilisa Sidkorolyavolkva is being pushed by her family and people to take a mate soon. She is one of the royal lycans and she knows her duty but she also knows that she cannot mate just yet. She holds a secret inside her that even her family doesn't know. She holds the other half of a Carpathian male's soul. She knows she is destined to be his mate but she also knows that because of her friendship with a female Carpathian, she is different from her family and no longer fully Lycan. If her family were to find out, there might be big trouble for her because her family and her people already don't trust the Carpathians.

When Vasilisa comes across a Carpathian male that needs her help, she knows that he's her mate and so does he. She doesn't think that she's ready to be a mate to someone yet but the pull between them is strong. Afanasiv Belan is an ancient Carpathian who had been staying at the monastery with some of the other ancient Carpathian males. They are very old, and very dangerous because they have lived so long without their mates. Some of them are close to turning vampire or meeting the sun so they don't turn into vampires. Vampires are Carpathians that have lived too long and chosen to turn into evil vampires. Carpathian males hunt these evil creatures and kill them. Afanasiv has killed too many to count and with each new kill they are pushed to the edge without their mates.

I liked Afanasiv because he knew right away that Vasilisa was a warrior, an equal to himself and he didn't try to stop her from being what she is. If you've been reading this series you know how dominant and alpha some of these Carpathian males can be, always telling their mates what is best for them. It gets old, at least to me so it was nice to see this male being proud of the warrior Vasilisa was. The action scenes were great. The romance between Afanasiv and Vasilisa took a backseat to the story of how the evil has infiltrated her family, how it got there and who was behind it though. I was really kind of hoping for more romance between these two but we don't really get that until towards the end of the book because there was so many other things going on getting in the way of that.

This book for me was a little slow though with all the rehashing of some of the backstory of some of villains that we already know. I also think some of the names of these characters are starting to get ridiculous. Yes, they are unique but in my head while reading I know I'm not pronouncing them right and just shorten them for myself.

The twists and turns this story took made it interesting though. There were so many times I thought I knew where this story was going or who was behind the curtain pulling the strings, only to find out I was wrong. If you've been reading this series from the beginning like I have, you'll like this installment but this series is really best to be read in order because of all of the characters who have a habit of showing up unexpectedly in some books throughout the series. Not that I'm complaining about this, I like seeing old couples and finding out how they are. But because there are so many couples, so many characters and more characters popping up in each new book, it's best to read in order to get the full effect. The ancients from the monastery and their mates are really adding new facets to this series which I like and there are still many ancients who haven't found their mates yet so it'll be interesting to see finds their mate next.

Disclosure: I received an e-cook copy via NetGalley but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I fell in love with Vasilisa and her strength.
I love that the author goes back to the way the beginning of this series felt. This was old-school Carpathians and I enjoyed every word.
Vasilia is a Royal Lycan, however much to her brother's dismay she is also an incredible warrior in her own right. She is so much more...
She knows by her own mother's words to her that she is intended for the Ancient Warrior Guard Afanasiv. He unlike many of the males doesn't wish to change a thing about his lifemate.
They are in for one heck of a battle and I was so tickled to see so many from previous books. Demetri, the Dragonseekers, and so many more are all joined together to fight one greedy beast. Add in the vampires and this story just blows you away. Vasi and Siv make one powerful couple.
Fantastic story and I can't wait to see who is next.

Dark Whisper is the thirty-second book in the paranormal series by Christine Feehan. A dark fantasy with vampires and demons that is sure to pull you in and hold your attention until the very end. I was pulled in from the beginning and could not put this down. It’s a complex story that kept me on my toes, and I found myself immersed in the world and wondering if they would ever be able to find peace with each other.

This is actually a great entry point into the later Carpathian novels, if you are wanting to try to get in.
Vasilisa is a woman who has known since she was a child, that she held the soul of a Carpathian hunter. It has been passed down from generation to generation, and these women have all been trained to help hunt the vampires and demons of this world.
Siv knew his lifemate was alive, and found her unexpectedly when protecting her brother. He had never seen anything so beautiful in his life.
These two both have deep scars in their life. Some recent, some old. Seeing them work through them together is truly a joy.
This particular installment is heavier on the overarching story than the physical romance of the couple, but I feel like this one went a little more slow burn, and I really enjoyed it. Another solid entry into the series! Can't wait to see who's romance is next!

(4.5) Close to perfect and that is hard to achieve so many books in. Explored in a new direction of magic and abilities along with bringing back a few old friends. The cherry on top for me is there was a relationship without instant page burning explicit loving. I realize that Christine's books are known for the level of erotica and I truly believe so many miss out on her talented imaginative worlds that she builds and that each one always, always has hope and family. Vasilia (Lycan royal) just hits all the spots, her gifts her openness to always do right by her family and the light she holds within for her Carpathian (the prophecy) who happens to be from the Monastery and is an ancient, Afanasiv, or Siv. I did think for being such an ancient Siv had a lot more willingness to accept the new world and that was a win for me also. Such a page turner. Action with short stops to catch your breath. Vasilia's family dynamics with her brothers was so relatable. There were a few holes poked in my heart when we were down in demon land so to speak, or hell. When it all comes to ripping conclusion and all the teams that had to show up to fight evil in their land I held my breath that we would not lose anyone from the past. I realize this will be considered slow to some as there truly is limited steam, this was just a refresher for me to see the creativity, the plot and fell in to more a paranormal thriller with spots of love. Thank you for the arc! I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions. #Darkwhisper #Christinefeehan #berkleypublishing #netgalley

While this is book thirty-two of the Carpathian series in reality it's almost a sub-series within this series surrounding the gates to the otherworld (underworld? - might have that terminology wrong). Dark Tarot introduced a new plotline surrounding gates that are being guarded by Carpathian females and targeted by demons. Dark Whisper takes us to the second gate in the remote regions of Russia.

The best part is that this region is inhabited by a thriving clan of Lycans! I've been waiting for more on the Lycans since they started being teased here and there in Dark Possession (I think) and Dark Lycan. This is the first surviving clan and also a peak into the ruling class of the Lycan world. Vasilisa is many things: princess, warrior, demon hunter, other half of a Carpathian soul...all of which will be tested when multiple plots come to fruition and she finds herself confronted with Afansiv Belan.

As they navigate to survive themselves and save those around them, they must also confront Afanasiv's past, battle demons, avoid the slaughter of the Lycan people, convince the Russian government that they're good little, normal citizens and learn each other. No big. Such a fun, attention holding fast read!

Dark Whisper by Christine Feehan is the 32nd book in her wonderful Dark/Carpathian series. We meet at the start, Vasilisa (Vasi) Sidkorolyavolkva, our heroine, a Russian Royal Lycan, who is an important member of this family of Lycan’s, with three brothers; as they take care of their people, both human and wolf. Vasilisa is a very powerful warrior, having been trained to use her supernatural skills, by her mother as a child; she is also a demon hunter. Vasi has been sensing her soulmate, who is in deep danger, fighting vampires; she begins to have mental contact with him, trying to help him.

Afanasiv (Siv) Belan, is an ancient Carpathian, who spend many years at the monastery, with other ancients; protecting the innocent as they fight demons and vampires. Siv has almost given up in finding his lifemate, until he feels the connection to his fated mate; as the world changes when he begins to see colors again.
I loved meeting Vasi and Siv, as they were so good together. Vasi accepted her bond to Siv, and he was absolutely awesome respecting her wonderful powers. Siv will constantly keep her close and safe throughout the danger they must face in the coming war of the Russian terrorists, as well as the demons from the underworld. Vasi’s brother, Andros is the oldest brother who is the leader of their family and their people. She has two other brothers (twins), Garald and Grigor, who are always there for both Andros and Vasi. They are under assault from evil enemies who want to take over her brothers and their village. Siv’s cohort of other Ancients comes to help as well as Lycans and Dragonseekers.

Dark Whisper begins the story of the remaining 4 ancients to find their Lifemates, with Siv being the first one. We can expect the remaining three men (Benedek, Petru, and Nicu ), to have stories upcoming, as they played a major part in this story. I loved seeing so many of our previous favorites, who were there to help when the danger escalates. It was so great to see Dimitri, Skyler, Ivory, Razvan, Fen, Tatijana, Branislava, just to name a few. Loved seeing them all. We learn that the underworld and mages, desperately want a Dragonseeker, which Siv is also one.

Dark Whisper was an exciting, tense and fun story, with a fantastic couple in Vasi and Siv, as well as all the wonderful secondary characters. The action was non-stop, with battles throughout against the demons, as well as the Russian group trying to destroy the royal family. Dark Whisper was very well written by Christine Feehan. If you are a Dark/Carpathian fan, you need to read this book.

Four and a Half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
Dark Whisper by Christine Feehan is the thirty-second book in her very popular Dark series. Dark Whisper can be read as a stand-alone, as the author provides a very helpful family tree at the front of the book.

Book Recap:
Vasilisa Sidkorolyavolkva is of royal blood and she is a Lycan. Her mother has passed down the traditions and told her she will soon find her lifemate. Vasilisa is restless as she knows her lifemate is near, but she knows nothing about him. Her mother told her the prophecy is that her lifemate will find her, and she must protect his soul.

Afanasiv Belan is a Carpathian and a warrior. He’s never met anyone like Vasilisa, his lifemate. He can see what’s in her mind and he knows how she feels, and he feels the bond between them. They fight in unison, each aware of each other and able to fight for and defend each other against their enemies. But, both Vasilisa and Afansiv have secrets and in order to bond completely, they must share their secrets and be able to accept each other.

My Thoughts:
Picking up a book that is #32 in an established series when I haven’t read a single one before, in a genre I’m not familiar with, wasn’t the best idea I’ve had in a while, but it turned out great. This book is full of action and the world-building is amazing.

I learned so much about the different factions, who are friends, who are enemies, and who are friends who turn into enemies. It’s a very complex world, however, if I had been reading the entire series, I’m sure I would have known most of the characters and their worlds and it would have been easier for me to understand. However, the author does take her time and explain things, plus she has an index in the back that helps explain the Carpathians and the Lycans, and that helped me a lot.
The basic story is about power, greed, and control of others. It’s a complex story that kept me on my toes, and I found myself immersed in the world and wondering if they will ever be able to find peace with each other.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

3.5 STARS

Russian royal Lycan, Vasilisa Sidkorolyavolkva has been raised duty bound to not only help her brothers care for their people both wolf and human, but being the guardian of an Ancient Carpathian’s soul as well. Vaisilisa chaffs at the responsibilities placed on her also knowing that forces are coming into play that will test all her supernatural skills because her family seems to have many enemies. While Vasilisa is expecting to meet her soulmate knowing that is happening soon, she is unprepared for the intensity and requirements of having such mental contact with her mate because that means giving up a lot of autonomy in her life.

Vasilia’s intended, Afanasiv Belan, has lived millennia as a warrior and protector from the evil forces battling vampires, demons, and assorted other evil beings. Until he connected with Vasi, Siv’s life was one of duty as well as being literally colorless with no emotions which were not restored to him until he found the fated mate. As an Ancient, Siv has fought many wars, endured much suffering and torture, and struggled to stay up with the modern world though he is determined to do everything possible to be all that Vasi needs and desires with their union. They do not actually physically meet for quite a while conducting their bonding and strategies mind to mind.

Vasi’s people are under assault from some of the Carpathians evil enemies who want to take over her brothers and their village. Siv’s cohort of other Ancients comes to help as well as Lycans and Dragonseekers, of which Siv is also one, living in the area. As lifemates, Vasi and Siv become even more powerful than their individual skills which causes issues for their friends and allies. This story focuses mostly on their fights with Vasi and Siv’s enemies including lots of action and battles so much less time is spent on their relationship development than usually occurs in the previous books. At book number 36 in the DARK series (or #32 according to Goodreads) readers will know what to expect in terms of other major characters, and their continuing search of the Ancients for their lifemates. There are some interesting underworld developments that will likely lead to future stories.

A great continuation of the 4 gates storyline. I liked how Siv and Vasilia really viewed each other as an equal partner in the relationship and in their skill set. I also like how Feehan has evolved her male characters. I distinctly remember one of the De La Cruz books made me mad and uncomfortable on behalf of the female character. It was very, “we’re fated lifemates. Even if your mouth said no, your body said yes.” And I went “.......eeeewwwwwwwww.” Her male characters have changed with the times, even the ancients, and consent is something specifically asked for and given.

I will say that the romance didn’t quite click for me. I feel like there was so much action in the book that Siv and Vasilia didn’t really get to know each other. That could also be attributed to the fact that Vasilia is a Lycan and already knows about the existence of Carpathians. When the male Carpathians are matched with human women, they make more of an effort to woo them, if that makes sense.

Super excited to see where Feehan takes Gaia, the Beast, and Sorina - all Carpathians waiting to find their lifemate. Can’t wait for her next installment!

A great addition to the series. I loved the relationship between Siv and Vasilisa, the way they worked to align and give and take. Intriguing adventure and loved the cameos of previous couples. It was also fun to learn more about what separates the Carpathian and demons and the backstory. Looking forward to re-reading this!

I finished Dark Whisper a few days ago and had to really sit on it before writing my review. Overall, I was satisfied with the book, but there was just something that didn't click for me that would make this a 5 star.

The characters were well developed and likeable. Siv was the typical Carpathian (at least of more recent books) who is dedicated to finding his lifemate and fighting vampires as well as his own dark urges. Vasilisa is a royal Lycan, who has already been turned Carpathian by a friend. This takes away the need for spending a good chunk of the book on familiarizing her with the Carpathian ways. Her demon fighting skills give her strength and confidence. I liked that her skills were never questioned by herself or others.

So with likeable characters, what exactly didn't work for me? Well, Dark Whisper is one action packed fight scene after another. Siv and Vasilisa barely have time to get to know each other and there was very little relationship building outside their learning about each other's fighting ability. I wanted them to have conversations and interactions beyond those related to a planning a fight or during a fight.

I am excited to see where Feehan continues to take the series, especially some of the new Carpatian characters (such as the beast)!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
I have read every Carpathian book and always eagerly await the new one. These books have developed into a world of sensuality and danger that is mesmerizing. Dark Whisper is yet another heart-pounding adventure into the Carpathian world.

Afansiv Belan, or “Siv,” is another sexy, dark, alpha male ancient that stole my heart. Siv was a fantastic character. Vasilisa Sidkorolyavolkva has been trained since birth to battle the evil that desires her species extinct. Vasilisa always knows she holds the other half of a Carpathian male’s soul. Vasilisa is also something “more.” Siv and Vasilisa’s dynamic has much more give and take than many Carpathian mates. The couple respects each other’s abilities.

I loved both Siv and Vasilisa. Their connection felt unique. Siv and Vasilisa were very much partners and Siv, being an ancient, did an admirable job letting Vasilisa be herself. I loved the development of the couple’s relationship, and their journey was stunning. The passionate connection was palpable. Around seventy percent of this book is battles and action. I loved it, but at times I felt the paranormal outshone the romance. I would have liked more sensual and personal moments between the couple added to the plot. That is a personal preference.

This book was a page-turner. There was battle after battle. I loved seeing some fan-favorite couples from previous books help Siv and Vasilisa. Dark Whisper is the thirty-sixth book in the Carpathian series. I advise reading these books in order as they build upon one another. Christine Feehan has proven with this book why she is the queen of paranormal romance! This book is edgy, gritty, and sexy. This was a page-turner that will keep you up late! I did not want this incredible journey to end. Dark Whisper is yet another jewel in the crown of the Carpathian series. This epic saga of books creates a world I want to visit again and again. I am impatiently waiting for the next book!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Vasilisa has always known she protects the soul of a warrior. But us she ready to accept just what that means?
In Dark Whisper, the latest installment in Christine Feehan's Dark series, we find out. I loved meeting Vasilisa and Afanasiv. I loved that an ancient had somewhat of a smooth courtship but for the demons. In spite of the dangers, Afanasiv manages to calm the fears of his life mate. But getting her to trust may be the harder battle. I live seeing Afanasiv show Vasilisa that he respects her skills. I love seeing Vasilisa learn to trust in her bond. And when danger comes knocking I loved seeing friends and family stand tall.
This is a wonderful addition to this series and I can't wait to see where Ms. Feehan will take us next.

I never fail to delight in and leisurely savor the magnificent beauty and the sheer wonder that encompasses and saturates each and every story in this incredible series! Dark Whisper is yet another masterpiece that perfectly and effortlessly aligns with her other extraordinary works of art. She not only highlights the astounding nature of her characters, but she never once fails to recognize and cherish the simple humanity that they hold onto. Above all love, loyalty, and honor are treasured above all else.

Vasi knows she has a duty to fulfill, but more then, she has a people and a family to protect. When her future meets her present, she must not falter to do what is required no matter the pressure to walk away. Once her heart becomes involved, nothing can drag her away. Not even the very demons of hell itself. Siv nurtures a very small hope in his soul to find his lifemate. It is the decadent gift that he desperately wants to be given above all else. Once his soul finds Vasi, he no longer has any doubts of what his future could hold if only she chooses him. Even in the very heart of a deadly war that could spell the end of Vasi and her people, her heart refuses to let her walk away from her destiny. Will Vasi dare to choose Siv while hoping to weed out traitors in the midst of her beloved people who oppose their union above all, or will she be forced to forsake her very soul for the sake of peace and victory?

Yet again, I find myself in awe of these extraordinary Carpathian warriors who through Hell itself refuse to back down from doing what they know is right. Sacrificing everything, they continue to serve those who no longer understand what honor and loyalty are. They will never waver no matter how much their heart and soul yearns for their other half. Siv is no exception to this as he is one of the amazing Ancients who has given all to fight against and defeat evil in countless battles and through unthinkable horrors. Once his soul touches the stalwart yet gentle spirit of his lifemate, he finally knows what Heaven truly is. He will stop at nothing to keep her close, safe, and protected from the evil plotting her demise. Vasi has her own ideas about how she intends to fight the coming war. She will never back down, and she will fight at her lifemate's side no matter what. She is his heart, and he will defeat every enemy in order to keep her his and in his arms. He will not lose his love before he can shower her with the passion and devotion that has been tightly locked inside him.

Few authors can hope to measure up to the astounding genius and depth of heart that Christine Feehan allows to flow from her very soul like life-saving rain on a dried up and desperate land. My devotion as a reader only grows with each fascinating story and wickedly, delicious couple that she gifts to us to savor and learn from. I just wish I had more hours in the day to discover all of the precious jewels in her exhilarating collection. Until then, I will savor the ones that I am fortunate enough to experience and enjoy.

First Impressions
Dark Whisper is the latest in the Carpathian/Dark Series. I have had so much fun with these books, and I know its a LONG series, but the world building is so fascinating. And we are in a new serial arch of the world building so its so fascinating to see what Christine Feehan is building here. I was so curious to see what she would deliver with Dark Whisper, it does have some unique elements and we get back to the Lycan’s and their society. I loved the Lycan books about ten books ago, so I was so pleased that Christine Feehan returned back to them. This story was so intriguing as the heroine is royalty and there is plenty of action and thriller feel to the story, so if you are a fan of romantic thrillers or romantic suspense mix in with paranormal aspects then this is going to be a book for you.

What I Loved
I will say that there were so many aspects to this story that I truly ended up loving. The first is the characters that I want to discuss first. We have our hero, who is one of the ancient Carpathians but is also a bit more modernized as well. So if that type of hero works for you, then you will really end up loving that. He is so respectful of the heroine all the way through and understands what she needs from him and gives that to her. I love his steady faith in her and has his own abilities but isn’t super dominant unless she is in danger, but even in those scenes, it’s so well done and he is a healthy hero for sure. He is so encouraging and protective of those under his care and that is such an attractive quality. Then we have our heroine, who is a fighter but also royalty. Her mother trained her to fight because she knew that her path would be different from her siblings and that she would be lifemated to a Carpathian. I like the heroine, she is feisty and strong-willed but also has a level of grace about her. I did like that she didn’t get too offended by certain things from the hero, but took time to think through things. The world-building is superb and we go on an adventure with our couple that I have NEVER seen this author do, and wow what an adventure this book ended up being. I didn’t know what to make of it, to be honest, because there was something so different in the plot and the aspects of the world-building. I am becoming more and more intrigued by the four gateways and the tarot card reading. Christine Feehan never ceases to surprise me with her wit and talent of penning such remarkable growth in her world-building that literally stuns me with every serial arch.

What I Struggled With
I will say that what I struggled with the most was the romance unfortunately with this one and is the reason that it didn’t quite make it to five stars like I was expecting it to. After the last two previous books got to five stars, I was expecting this one to do the same. However, it didn’t quite make it. Not saying that I didn’t enjoy my reading with this one, because it’s a definite solid 4-star! However, I feel like the plot working and the world-building made it so that the actual romance actually suffered the most from it. I wanted so much to feel the connection that these two had, but I just wasn’t quite feeling it as I was expecting to. And side note, the heroine drove me nuts at times. I wanted to love her so much, but she was a bit too much of a modern woman for my tastes. She can fight and everything but I wanted to feel her more feminine side that we only received small glimpses of.

Overall View
I found Dark Whisper to be a powerful read that kept me hooked from beginning to end. It’s a story of unique storytelling, a plot with its challenging archs that will leave the reader breathless, and a romance that will intrigue and fascinate the reader in such a way that you will be charmed by their story and keep you yearning for more!