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Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 6) Review

Complex characters and even more complex situations, and probably only J.R. Ward could've pulled it off. Tension between the vampires and lessers amps up with the introduction of an old villain in a new and much bigger role. This book shouldn't be missed for the way it moves the entire series forward.

I have to say that she's extremely courageous for going where no author has dared gone. (Or maybe some have, but I just haven't read them.) Phury's drug addiction and downward spiral is almost painful to read, and the only thing that's keeping me going is that I'm sure there's light at the end of the tunnel. As it was, it took me over two weeks to finish the book. (I was also very busy with the DJ, so the OT's could have eaten into my reading time.)

So many things happened in this book it's hard to begin where. To that end, Phury's and Cormia's relationship development seemd almost overshadowed, and with this, I think the series is heading more toward urban fantasy, but I do hope not! I love me a good romance like any other woman.

First off, our main couple, Phury and Cormia. Phury's story is heartbreaking, with his drug addiction and his tormented past. Something is seriously wrong with that guy's mental and emotional health, brought about by a combination of his parents' neglect, his birth order, his race's culture and beliefs, and his upbringing. Then, it was exacerbated by what had happened to Zsadist and discovering that his twin was tortured and served as both blood and sex slave didn't help Phury at all. If ever, it helped send him further on his mental decline. No, Phury is not crazy in the sense that he should be admitted, but he suffers from the worst inferiority complex I've ever seen that left him emotionally crippled in the sense that he relies on the drugs to take away the pain and his sense of failure.

I'm not a fan of drug addiction, because I've seen how it could ruin lives, but I could understand how Phury turned to drugs in the first place as a way to cope or to escape, and it's probably how people got into it in the first place. To get free? One has to have the will to decide he's going to stop and stick to it. I like that Phury got to this stage and that Cormia's helping him with her calming presence. Yes, that's the essence that I got about Cormia's personality--her ability to calm people (Bella, Phury, maybe even Zsadist once). And because she's one of the Chosen (one of a collective whole), her entire arc is about breaking free and being herself, an individual with her own wants and needs, not as part of some group.

And, I didn't get much sense of a romance between the two as I'd have liked, aside from the hot sexxing. Phury woke to the realization one day that he loved Cormia, but aside from having the instincts of a bonded male, what did he know about her? That her scent is that of jasmine and that she liked lavender roses? Did he know how she liked to build things? Or that she didn't want to be one of a whole? Even Cormia herself. She always thought of Phury, as Primale, to be the strength of the race, but Phury could barely hold himself above the water as it was. I don't think she even knew about drugs or that Phury is an addict.

I found Rehvenge's situation to be more interesting that the romance. I can hardly wait to devour his book, which I'm happy to say is next and that I already have the book at home waiting for me to dive into it.

Lash's addition to the Lessening Society is poised to make the ongoing war with the vampires even more exciting. He's got imagination where the other Fore-lessers didn't, and he's Brother-trained, so it would be interesting to see him fight the Brothers with the knowledge he gained from them. Plus, he has his own powers as gifted to him by the Omega. He's so evil that I shudder. At the same time, you have to wonder about that touch of conscience that had him burying his parents because he didn't want the lessers to touch/desecrate them as they ransacked the house.

I'm giving 2 stars for the romance, but overall, the book is 4 stars. If you're new to the series, don't start with this book, and anyway, you wouldn't want to miss all the action-packed, earthshaking romances that has gone in the previous books. Start with Dark Lover, you won't regret it.

Reviewed by Silver
for The Romance Reviews

Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 6) Feature

ISBN13: 9780451222725
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Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 6) Overview

As Primale of the Chosen, the fiercely loyal Phury has sacrificed himself for the good of his race. But his first mate, the Chosen Cormia, wants not only his body but his heart for herself. As tragedy looms over the Brotherhood’s mansion, Phury must decide between duty and love…

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Customer Reviews

KINDA DISAPPOINTING - Kari M. Layne - Las Vegas, NV
There was so much potential for Phury's story and I feel like JR Ward really dropped the ball on this one. As many others have said, she seems to have switched genres mid series here. This one is more urban fantasy instead of paranormal romance. Which is a shame because I read this series because I love the romance part. And frankly, Phury's romance is seriously lacking!! There were so many set ups in previous books that could have played a part in an epic romance... like the virgin factor. Instead JR Ward takes those great lead in's and turns them into something dirty and disgusting instead of beautiful. And Phury's story is so insignificant in this book. Barely a few chapters are dedicated to his and Cormia's story. Instead the books focus is more on John Matthew & his boys, Rehvenge, and the Lessers.

Don't get me wrong... there were parts of this book I really liked. Like I loved the twist with Lash and the Omega. And I've always been a fan of John Matthew and Rehvenge! I just wish the star of the book, Phury, actually had been the star instead of a seemingly insignificant side story to all the drama with everyone else.

Anyways... John Matthew and Rehvenge have been 2 of my favorites for a while... so I will for sure continue on with the series. At least for the next 2 books to hear their stories. But if things don't shift back towards the romance side soon... I may be moving on from the Black Dagger Brotherhood.

Tough to get through - Bonnie C. -
It took me a long time to get through this book because I knew Phury was going to break my heart. So much went on in this book that really got to me. In the end, though, my faith was restored in Phury.

Frustrating, but glad I got through it! - Ezinwanyi - Dallas, TX USA
First, I want to say that I LOVE this series, but this book was just subpar to the other stories. I have been looking forward to getting to know Zsadist's twin since I read of his heroic rescue of his brother.

Issue 1: There was almost as much John Matthew as there was Phury, the main focus. At one point I thought John would end up with Cormia.
Issue 2: I didn't really see a real connection between Cormia and Phury. I would have liked to see their love developed more.
Issue 3: Instead of trying to help him with his addiction, they kicked him out of the Brotherhood--WHAT?. This is the Phury who tried to protect Z and save Bella. The same one who became Primale to save Vishous from a life that V didn't want.
Now I realize that Z couldn't focus on Phury due to Bella's pregnancy issues but I don't think Thank you would have killed him.
Issue 4: A lot of focus on the new trainees...and not enough brothers
Issue 5: The story didn't flow that well for me. Writing kept jumping around from story to story.

Okay, It wasn't all bad. There were some nice parts such as the baby delivery, Phury kicking his drug habit etc. I do think Ward set up Rehvenge and John well for their upcoming stories, but it was at the expense of Phury.
You have to read this book to continue with the storyline, but just know it was not as good as the previous ones.

I have read Lover Avenged, and it was much better. So I know the series picks up again. It is worth reading, just go in with your eyes open. Knowing the next books are way better and you will get back to the Brothers and action.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Nov 06, 2010 05:00:06

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Saturday, November 6, 2010