Rating~ 5 stars.

The books should be read in order to completely understand and enjoy it, especially since the protagonists are introduced or are part of the supporting cast in the other books.

It getting so much interesting. I really hope the Cassie and Caine gets free.

I'd read the first book in the series; this is the 8th, and ugh! If you've read the others leading up to this, you may love it, but it does NOT work as a stand alone, even having read the first book, just prior.

The lead romance is was about Jaelyn, a vampire assassin( called a Hunter), and her prey, Ariyal, a Sylvermyst (that's a kind of fairy), but there are other couples, and a twin baby in stasis they're trying to find - or is it a kidnapped werewolf who's also a prophet?

I did really like the way Jaelyn and Ariyal continually insulted each other: Leech! Fairy! And that did help me keep straight what kinds of beings *they* were.

There were also dead mages and werewolves and curs (??) and cur-mages and live mages and witches and imps and demons and gargoyles and probably a dozen more creatures. And a B storyline with Santiago (cannot remember what kind of being he was) and Nefri, who's a super-duper Vampire.

But beside the settings in London and Chicago and St. Louis, there was also a world behind the Veil, and Avalon, and... there was a King of the Vampires, who was Jaelyn's boss, except there was the Ruah, who was her boss, too, except he had to kowtow to the Oracles... I think at least 30-40 named characters. Too many, for my taste.

2.5 Stars

I actually really liked that for a vampire Jaelyn was still considered quite young with from what I guessed was maybe a hundred years or less under her belt if not less. It was hard to say with what was mentioned but that was my assumption. So far most of the vampires in this series have been very old and all male. So having a female vampire as the heroine was a nice change and with her added youth playing a factor no matter her skill and strengths. I especially loved Ariyal. He was a lovely hero and was completely delish. I thought him and Jaelyn made for a good pairing.

What I didn't enjoy was the ever changing POVs. Yes, this has happened in every book where we get thrust inside the villain's head or in Salvatore's case anti-hero at the time. And mostly they've all bored me with a few exceptions but obviously they provide certain details needed to continue the story and sometimes the inside look into their thoughts enriches the story. In this books case I was just plain bored. Tearloch was not interesting in the least and I personally didn't care for his issues or wellbeing.

One thing that left me scratching my head was that Jaelyn mated Ariyal in the classic way all the vampires have done in the previous books but not once was there mention of the red scroll tattoo/mark that appears after the mating. Seriously, not once was it mentioned to have shown up on Ariyal's forearm or Jaelyn's so I was left confused! Are female vampires not worthy of a marking their soulmate when they mate? Was it because he was a dark fey even though the male vampires had mated other species too and still had the marks of mating them? Enquiring minds wanna know!

And honestly it was hard to care about the almighty Dark Lord returns part deux storyline either. It seems it's neverending with these creatures. Nearly every book almost seems to be centered around this story. I would think it could be wrapped up by now. But alas it isn't, and doesn't seem to be either. It did get a little interesting there at the end but ultimately this plot is just tired to me by now.

I am looking forward to Santiago and Nefri's book though.

It is always a delight to return to this series and all of its familiar faces. Levet is always good for numerous laughs. Can't wait for the next installment coming in September. :)

~ 4 Bound By Darkness Stars ~

Bound By Darkness is book eight in the Guardians of Eternity series by Alexandra Ivy. I am slowly making my way through this wonderful series. We get surprises, twist and turns, great characters, adventure, and more.

Jaelyn, a Hunter and a vampire. I loved how strong and independent she is. She is dedicated to her task as a Hunter. I like to read about women who don’t need a man, but that they would like one to want them and acknowledge what they are and can do.

Ariyal, a Sylvermyst Fae, warrior, and Prince of his people. I loved him and especially how he acknowledges that Jaelyn is a fierce fighter and can kick ass or take care of herself. Yes he struggles with wanting to keep her safe and letting her be the strong independent women she is.

Ms. Ivy has created a unique and fun series. I enjoy how strong, independent, and well-developed all the characters are in these books. Oh course I can not forget about Levet he always brings a smile to my face and humor to whatever situation is going on. Jaelyn and Ariyal have some great banter and even though they feel the attraction their is great sexual tension and pursuit before these two become a couple. I also love when an author brings previous characters back into the books. We get that here and the characters have some significant roles. We are also brought deeper into the plot of The Dark Lords return and impending apocalypse.

I am enjoying this series and look forward to continuing the Guardians of Eternity. I like the characters, direction of the plot and world. If you have not tried out this series I recommend giving it a shot. Each book builds on the other and are best read in order.

Review to come

I'm going to be mad when I get to the end of this series. Good blend of characters and good plots. This is no exception.

This story started in the books before it. The romance between Ariyal & Jaelyn goes right into sex, just like the other books, so then we follow the plot, which here, I thought, was getting the female baby. Well it was more an over arc to the Dark Lord and was just drawn out. The romance drags and is, 'let's do this and mate', more than anything. So we are mostly bored by each conflict and there are a lot of them with this complicated over arc that just doesn't end and is pretty damn boring. We are also introduce to another couple that obviously will have their own book. They were not particularly interesting.

I was interested in getting to Caine's book but I almost don't want to go on, and for certain not right now as I cannot stand this plot any longer right now. I'll have to wait until I'm more in the mood and want to go on to Caine and Cassandra. I do understand that it is the end of the Dark Lord according to reviews so that might be a push.