Review: Dark Alpha's Awakening

Dark Alpha's Awakening by Donna Grant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

No one escapes Death, even when they try to steal her power. This book is fantastic! The Reapers lead by Erith have been mysterious and lethal. Just the kind of sexy dangerous which lures an adrenal junkie in! This final showdown between Death aka Erith and Bran is a long time coming.

The focus of this book is battling Bran, Death's first reaper who is wreaking havoc. There is so much more in this book. Ms. Grant weaves a rich tale of jealousy, betrayal, rage, sacrifice and loyalty. It is an epic fantasy tied together with love.

Cael is a fae warrior whom Erith sees years before her first reaper creation. His loyalty, intellect and dedication is what captures her attention. Watching him over the centuries she grows more and more fond of him, even after she's created her reapers. Cael's addition to the group is late in coming which is a good thing in that he was not betrayed until very late. A bad thing because Bran becomes envious of Cael's attention. Most of this back story is explained rather than experienced. What is happening now, is the final confrontation between Erith and Bran. Or really, Cael and Bran. When it comes to love turned into hatred, cruelty springs to the forefront. Bran is sadistic and hot headed as he destroys and tears down everything and everyone Erith holds dear to her.

I loved Erith. In my mind, she looks like Death from Neil Gaiman's Sandman series. Erith is a female of unknown orgins with immense power. When she throttles herself back, I feel for her. Because as a woman, many times we have to hold ourselves back to prevent people from either turning on us or from freaking out about our power. What is different in this story is that Erith family she's created doesn't want to her to hold back and revels in both her past and present. Erith may have been a bringer of chaos and bloodbaths, but she's grown up from it and she is now in a different place. Shall we say, enlightened? Her growth and searching for her meaning is a universal path that speaks to all.

To find a male who can appreciate Erith and also be able to be a partner is difficult. Ms. Grant does a lovely job of creating the situation to allow for this to happen. This romance is sweet and at long last here. I thought it would never happen for Erith. The action is nonstop starting from the very first page. The alliances are tricky and the tie ins from Dragon King series weave a complex tapestry filled with subplots. I love it.

This paranormal romance is thoroughly enjoyable conclusion to the Reaper Series. Recommended to romance lovers who enjoy drawn out love affairs that end in happily ever after.

*provided by Netgalley