Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 3)
J.R. Ward establishes herself as one of the leading authors in vampire romances with her third entry in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, LOVER AWAKENED.
Lover Awakened: Black Dagger Brotherhood book 3
Zsadist suffered horrible abuse as a blood slave for many years and is now unable to bear the touch of anyone. He equates pain with sexual arousal and avoids all the complications involved in any type of relationship or friendship. Bearing permanent physical scars from his past, Zsadist’s mere physical presence scares all who know him- except the lovely Bella who reached out to him in the previous novel, LOVER ETERNAL. The novel opens with Bella imprisoned by one of the lessers. The lessers are the enemies of the Black Dagger Brotherhood as they are de-souled humans who sole purpose is to exterminate the entire vampire race. Zsadist is determined to rescue Bella, but his own emotions regarding her are conflicted. Will Zsadist be able to overcome his sordid past? Or will Bella choose to settle for his twin brother, Phury, instead? And what other diabolical plans do the lessers have in store for the Black Dagger Brotherhood?
J.R. Ward has cleverly crafted the ideal storyline for Zsadist. LOVER AWAKENED is perhaps one of the most gut-wrenching books this reviewer has ever read. Only Zsadist’s story could take the reader to such low depths only to arise to such touching, heart-warming moments. LOVER AWAKENED is a poignant tale of one man’s victory over the evils of physical and sexual abuse.
Zsadist’s character is the most controversial of all of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. His name alone speaks volumes about the despair and anger that has filled his soul. Bella is a complete contrast to him, as she is openly caring and affectionate. As a member of the glymera (the vampire aristocracy), Bella’s social station is far different from that of Zsadist, a former blood slave. The relationship between Zsadist and Bella is so powerful it will leave the reader in tears, both of joy and of sadness, as each character learns what a relationship between them will involve. Zsadist’s relationship with his brother, Phury, also evolves throughout the novel as Zsadist begins to examine the demons that have driven him for so long.
LOVER AWAKENED, like the two previous books in the series, is a multilayered novel. While the focus is on the relationship between Zsadist and Bella, the reader is given further insights into the world of the lessers and their leader, the Omega. In addition, John’s story is beginning to unfold and one can only hope he will have his own book one day soon!
LOVER AWAKENED packs a powerful emotional punch! While it can be read as a stand alone novel, this reviewer strongly encourages one to read the books in order as only then will the true impact of Zsadist’s growth fully emerge. The world building of J.R. Ward is to be commended as her characters and world appear very real and readers are quickly recognizing her talent as an author. The Black Dagger Brotherhood series epitomizes what a vampire romance series is all about and LOVER AWAKENED is sure to become an instant classic!
COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES – Deborah Wiley (Go get this title…)
Other posts in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series:
Father Mine (a novella),
Lover Revealed, Lover Unbound,
Lover Enshrined, Lover Unleashed
Other titles by J.R. Ward posted:
