27 April 2013

J.R. Ward's Lover Awakened (The Black Dagger Brotherhood Book 3) - Review

I'm taking part in the Goodreads group SOS: Serious Overload of Series 'Black Dagger Brotherhood Series Read'. The challenge is to read or J.R.Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series in prep for the 2013 release of Lover At Last.

So on to Book 3...!


What they say: In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there’s a deadly war raging between vampires and their slayers. And there exists a secret band of brothers like no other - six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Of these, Zsadist is the most terrifying member of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.

A former blood slave, the vampire Zsadist still bears the scars from a past filled with suffering and humiliation. Renowned for his unquenchable fury and sinister deeds, he is a savage feared by humans and vampires alike. Anger is his only companion, and terror is his only passion—until he rescues a beautiful aristocrat from the evil Lessening Society.


Bella is instantly entranced by the seething power Zsadist possesses. But even as their desire for one another begins to overtake them both, Zsadist’s thirst for vengeance against Bella’s tormentors drives him to the brink of madness. Now, Bella must help her lover overcome the wounds of his tortured past, and find a future with her


What I say: Lover Awakened is my favourite book in the series so far. I think it's quite clear how obsessed I'm becoming with The Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Now, before this book, I'd always been intrigued by the dark and scary Zsadist 'Z', but had never been sure why. Well Lover Awakened explains a lot!

In book 2 (Lover Eternal), Z meets the beautiful aristocratic vampire Bella, who was kidnapped by the lesser 'O'. This book focuses on Zsadist's mission to find Bella (as expected he goes completely 'dark-side' mad) and their ensuing relationship.

Former blood (and sex) slave, Z is tattooed, damaged and violent. For 100 years his twin, Phury has been trying to help him cope with his long life in captivity. It seems that nobody can save Z from his self destructive and viscous tendencies. Until Bella!

The sex scenes were different from in the other books quite simply because Z has a lot of issues. Throw in a 'needing' = crazy times!

Bella puts up with a lot of crap from Z, including his harsh attitude, intimacy issues, extreme violence (although never to her) and his constant belief that she should be with his twin Phury.

The scene with Zsadist's eyes was so sweet. It was one of those moments when a character really changes and develops. His life has been horrific and Lover Awakened was a traumatic and fab read.

As is the status quo with this series, there are numerous POV's and flashbacks. Reading both Z and Phury's memories was really poignant and sad. I feel for both of them. And poor Torh, where is he?

5 Stars in my Sky!

My fav non-spoilery quotes:
  • Well, not throwing up after he'd found out she was aroused by him would have been a good fricking start.
  • "I'm not hurt. I'm pissed off and sexually frustrated."
  • "You are the male I might have been. You are the potential I had and lost. You are the honor and the strength and the kindness she needs."
  • "God, Z, I keep thinking this tragedy of ours is going to be over. But it just keeps going, doesn't it?"
  • That heroic motherfucker... God. He was going to kill his twin for this, he really was.
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