Shades of Darkness

3.75 stars--SHADES OF DARKNESS is the sixteen full-length instalment in Alexandra Ivy’s contemporary, adult GUARDIANS OF ETERNITY paranormal/fantasy romance series. This is vampire Basq, and Chaaya’s story line. SHADES OF DARKNESS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary. Told from a number of third person perspective following several intersecting paths SHADES OF DARKNESS focuses on Chaaya, a not quite human female, whose recent release from hundreds of years in a supernatural prison, sets out to wreak havoc on the world in which she now lives. Having been sacrificed by her mother years before, in an effort to save the world and mankind, Chaaya finds herself a ‘virtual prisoner’ at vampire Chiron’s Dreamscape Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada with her assigned security vampire Basq. The darkness that all but consumed our story line heroine has returned in the form of one-time were shifter Brigette, whose ‘escape’ from the underwater mer prison has started an investigation into betrayal and vengeance. Chaaya is determined to destroy Brigette before she consumes the world, but in doing so, finds herself with an unlikely partner in the man with whom Chaaya will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship between Chaaya and Basq, and the potential fall-out as the past comes back to claim our story line heroine. The relationship between Chaaya and Basq begins as an assignment as Basq is tasked with ‘keeping an eye’ on our story line heroine. Chaaya is a bit of a trouble maker at the casinos and bars in Las Vegas, Nevada but there is a price on Chaaya’s head, and Basq must ensure that the woman that calls to his heart, is safe and remains alive. The lone $ex scene is intimate but barely touches the surface of a fated romance. There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters many of whom have been introduced in previous instalments: vampire and owner of Dreamscapes Resort Chiron; gargoyle Levet; mer queen Inga; Prince of Imps Troy; were Brigitte; numerous mer people including Jord, Riza, Rimm; and Greta. SHADES OF DARKNESS is a detailed story line that follows several intersecting and connected paths. As Levet sticks close to Brigette in an effort to ensure the darkness doesn’t escape, Chaaya continues her search for Brigette, determined to destroy the darkness within. The premise is engaging and captivating; characters are colorful and energetic; the romance struggles with a lack of emotion or any palpable sexual energy-there was no discernible chemistry or heat.

Chaya spent centuries in captivity, a sacrifice to evil to protect her people. Finally free, she's determined to make up for lost time and enjoy her freedom. She spends her days having fun, playing games and generally causing trouble. Basque has the unenviable task of body guard to Chaya. He prides himself on his unflappable demeanor. Only Chaya is able to break through. Her independent spirit calls to him. When Chaya is called to chase and apprehend an escaped prisoner, one thought to carry the evil Chaya was sacrificed to, Basque isn't about to let her go off on her own. Together, often just one step behind, they chase their quarry though the dimensions. When push comes to shove, will their new found bond be enough to see them through the danger. The story was fun, with lots of adventure and sarcasm (I'm a sucker for characters with a sarcastic tongue). The story is a part of the Guardians of Eternity series. It has been a while since I've read the series and while I was able to connect with the characters and get lost in the story, there were references to back stories that left me a little lost. I would recommend reading the earlier books in the series before reading this book. I know I'm going to go back and pick up the stories I've missed.

I’m a long time fan of the Guardians of Eternity series. This is another great edition. Chaaya was sacrificed by her Druid mother. She finally escaped now she is much more than a ghost. She is a unstoppable mess. Basq has know for a while that Chaaya is his mate. She drives him batty with all her antics. There was a teeny tiny chance she’d outstayed her welcome. “I told you not to cause trouble,” Basq chided, his expression tight with disapproval. Levit is my favorite character he always finds himself in the thick of trouble. This time attached to a escaped were. “He’s in a poopy mood,” Levet groused. “It’s better than always being a gloomy butt.” He dropped his arms, studying the tight line of her jaw as she struggled to contain her temper. “Does nothing make you happy?” You always go on a a great adventure when you read these books. Hunky vampires, tiny gargoyle and lots of others make for a great read.