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Dark #6.5
Dark Dreamers
Christine Feehan
Dark Dream
She's known him since she was fifteen. Every night, he is with her: his face, his voice. Tonight, Sara Marten will meet the man who is both angel and demon, salvation and temptation: Falcon - the Carpathian, the banished hero. Tonight, Sara will meet the dark-eyed destroyer destined to be her mate.
Dark Dream
She's known him since she was fifteen. Every night, he is with her: his face, his voice. Tonight, Sara Marten will meet the man who is both angel and demon, salvation and temptation: Falcon - the Carpathian, the banished hero. Tonight, Sara will meet the dark-eyed destroyer destined to be her mate.
Margorie M. Liu
A Dream of Stone & Shadow
There are those who do terrible things in this world, and those who simply watch. Charlie would do neither. Imprisoned, his only release is through his own destruction - or through Aggie Durand. Sweet as a kiss or a rescued child, she is the one dream he does not dare desire. As an agent of Dirk & Steele, she could be his salvation. Today, Charlie's dream is waking.
342 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 29, 2006
About the author
Christine Feehan
186 books52.1k followersChristine Feehan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author multiple times over with her portfolio including over 90 published novels, including five series; Dark Series, GhostWalker Series, Leopard Series, Drake Sisters Series, the Sisters of the Heart Series, Shadow Riders and Torpedo Ink. All of her series have hit the #1 spot on the New York Times bestselling list as well. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature (PEARL) in 1999. Since then she has been published by various publishing houses including Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards since Dark Prince.
Her series include:
The Dark Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/darkb...
The GhostWalker series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/ghost...
The Leopard Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/leopa...
The Shadow Series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/shado...
Torpedo Ink series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/torpe...
IN HER WORDS:
I've been a writer all of my life -- it is who I am. I write for myself and always have. The ability to create pictures and emotions with words is such a miracle to me. I read everything; I mean everything! All kinds of books, even encyclopedias. I am fascinated by the written word and I love storytellers. It is a great privilege to be counted one myself. (www.christinefeehan.com)
Her series include:
The Dark Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/darkb...
The GhostWalker series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/ghost...
The Leopard Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/leopa...
The Shadow Series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/shado...
Torpedo Ink series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/torpe...
IN HER WORDS:
I've been a writer all of my life -- it is who I am. I write for myself and always have. The ability to create pictures and emotions with words is such a miracle to me. I read everything; I mean everything! All kinds of books, even encyclopedias. I am fascinated by the written word and I love storytellers. It is a great privilege to be counted one myself. (www.christinefeehan.com)
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January 24, 2020
DARK DREAM by Christine Feehan - 4 STARS
Falcon and Sara
I am Falcon and I will never know you, but I have left this gift behind for you, a gift of the heart.
Sara fell in love with Falcon before she even met him. Her secret talent is to know the history of an object when she touches it. When she was a teenager, she discovered an old diary with letters of a man written for his lifemate. This man was Falcon and although Sara fell in love with him, she thought that they could never be together. Surely even if Falcon was alive, he would be too old for her.
Sara’s parents have been killed by an evil vampire and nowadays she has been in Romania helping some homeless children with psychic powers. One night they are saved from the evil vampire by a stranger, i.e. Falco who just came back to Romania.
Sara recognises her soulmate from the old diary, but she does not trust him immediately.
Sara went perfectly still beneath him, staring up into that face. For one long moment time stopped. The terror receded slowly, to be replaced by haunted wonder. "I know you," she whispered in amazement.
Their story takes place at the Carpathian mountains and it is very sweet and compact, despite the fact that it is a short novella.
Falcon and Sara
I am Falcon and I will never know you, but I have left this gift behind for you, a gift of the heart.
Sara fell in love with Falcon before she even met him. Her secret talent is to know the history of an object when she touches it. When she was a teenager, she discovered an old diary with letters of a man written for his lifemate. This man was Falcon and although Sara fell in love with him, she thought that they could never be together. Surely even if Falcon was alive, he would be too old for her.
Sara’s parents have been killed by an evil vampire and nowadays she has been in Romania helping some homeless children with psychic powers. One night they are saved from the evil vampire by a stranger, i.e. Falco who just came back to Romania.
Sara recognises her soulmate from the old diary, but she does not trust him immediately.
Sara went perfectly still beneath him, staring up into that face. For one long moment time stopped. The terror receded slowly, to be replaced by haunted wonder. "I know you," she whispered in amazement.
Their story takes place at the Carpathian mountains and it is very sweet and compact, despite the fact that it is a short novella.
May 8, 2009
I give it four stars for the Dirk & Steele story.
I am really tired of the Carpathian stories. The story lines themselves are interesting. The premise is good, although I think that the Carpathians have too many powers. Things are just too easy for them. However, the writing is what is really irritating me. I don't like all the "I cannot having you hurting yourself in any way. You cannot fight me; there is no way to do so." The way the Carpathians talk is distracting. "Her steadfast courage astounded him" and variations of it are repeated many times in the book as it is in all the books. Ugh - The inner dialogues of the characters go on and on about how the other person astounds, amazes, gives them pride, etc.
Where as the Dirk & Steele book had me very interested. I plan to read more of this series. I liked the characters, writing, and the story's world.
I am really tired of the Carpathian stories. The story lines themselves are interesting. The premise is good, although I think that the Carpathians have too many powers. Things are just too easy for them. However, the writing is what is really irritating me. I don't like all the "I cannot having you hurting yourself in any way. You cannot fight me; there is no way to do so." The way the Carpathians talk is distracting. "Her steadfast courage astounded him" and variations of it are repeated many times in the book as it is in all the books. Ugh - The inner dialogues of the characters go on and on about how the other person astounds, amazes, gives them pride, etc.
Where as the Dirk & Steele book had me very interested. I plan to read more of this series. I liked the characters, writing, and the story's world.
February 4, 2019
I LIKED THIS.
this was so good.
this had orginal falcon and sara
but it also had returning players shea and jaques
and mikhail and raven
and had a little prequel with mikhails father
this was really good, enjoyed alot.
easy quick read
this was so good.
this had orginal falcon and sara
but it also had returning players shea and jaques
and mikhail and raven
and had a little prequel with mikhails father
this was really good, enjoyed alot.
easy quick read
July 14, 2007
I picked this book up while waiting for my prescription to get filled and ended up reading the first chapter and was loving it. I bought it and read it in only a few days. The book is separated into 2 different books.
The book tells of a Carpathian race that is immortal yet can be killed. They drink blood for nourishment, yet share among each other through transfusions, not killing for it... If after 1500 or so years a male Carpathian does not find a human life mate then he becomes dark and evil, moving into the human cities and killing for his blood. The Prince of the good Carpathians sent out single men to different parts of the world to battle their own brothers, that just chose the wrong path and had to be destroyed. Book follows this one Carpathian who had been sent out and had been hunting vampires (the bad Carpathians ) for over 2000 years old... He already was feeling the darkness engulfing him. On his way back to the homeland to destroy himself in Honor for his thousands of years of work, he runs into something that changes his life completely... READ IT! ITS AWESOME
The book tells of a Carpathian race that is immortal yet can be killed. They drink blood for nourishment, yet share among each other through transfusions, not killing for it... If after 1500 or so years a male Carpathian does not find a human life mate then he becomes dark and evil, moving into the human cities and killing for his blood. The Prince of the good Carpathians sent out single men to different parts of the world to battle their own brothers, that just chose the wrong path and had to be destroyed. Book follows this one Carpathian who had been sent out and had been hunting vampires (the bad Carpathians ) for over 2000 years old... He already was feeling the darkness engulfing him. On his way back to the homeland to destroy himself in Honor for his thousands of years of work, he runs into something that changes his life completely... READ IT! ITS AWESOME
January 9, 2011
I must say I'm extremely impressed (once again) with Feehan. I rarely read anthologies because they never seem to be able to capture both the characters and a cognizant storyline in so little time. Not so Feehan! "Dark Dream" held everything her much longer Carpathian novels boast, just in compact form.
The second story, "A Dream of Sone and Shadow" while OK, was a little too dark and depressing for me. Child porn rings, witches who repeatedly cut out peoples hearts to feed on, ick.
The second story, "A Dream of Sone and Shadow" while OK, was a little too dark and depressing for me. Child porn rings, witches who repeatedly cut out peoples hearts to feed on, ick.
June 30, 2008
I'm sick of these books in this series. They are all the same thing. Time after time. Same words. Same scenarios. Blech. Dog poo!
October 8, 2014
Marjorie M. Liu's Dream of Stone & Shadow was a twist. I do like the compassion and tolerance promoted by the Dirk & Steele series.
January 3, 2020
“Dark Dream” by Christine Feehan
In book 6.5 of the Dark/Carpathian series, Sara Marten lives her life on the run, trying to stay one step ahead of the vampire who killed her family. Her psychic gift allows her to sense the history of an object when touching it, so she knows the fifteen-hundred-year-old diary she found as a teenager was written specifically for her. By touching the book, she can see the author’s face and translating his words over the years has kept her sane. She’s now living in Romania, trying to help a small group of psychic homeless children when the vampire once again finds her.
Falcon left his homeland a thousand years ago to protect the humans from vampires and to safeguard the Carpathian race from afar. By leaving his home, he never expected to find his lifemate, so he left behind his diary, knowing the woman he was destined for was out there somewhere. After so many years alone, he decides to end his life, but finally finds Sara as she attempts to save his life from a gang of human thieves.
I absolutely loved this book. Sara and Falcon fit perfectly together. He respects Sara and her ability to fight, knowing she can handle herself. He’s protective, of course, but not controlling like most of the other heroes are in this series.
It was great to see the series return to Europe and to see Mikhail, Raven, Jacques, and Shea again. The pacing was fast and tight. Even though this book is a novella, it told a full story with a strong, solid plot.
5 Stars
“A Dream of Stone and Shadow” by Marjorie M. Liu
In this Dirk and Steele novella, Agatha Durand works as an agent for a private paranormal detective agency and is tracking down people involved in a child porn ring. Though she finds the bad guys and saves a child, she and her partner feel as though they aren’t doing enough to help people.
Charlie is the prisoner of a witch and only finds solace after she kills him. As his body regenerates and heals, he can travel in spirit-form all around the world and eventually connects with Emma, a little girl held captive by child molesters. Desperate to help Emma, he seeks out someone tough enough to take on the girl’s captors, and he finds Aggie. As they work together to save Emma, their unlikely partnership quickly evolves into something more.
Aggie and Charlie are wonderful characters. She is a strong, kickass woman. He is just as strong and willing to sacrifice himself for others. They have instant chemistry and often bantered and joked with one another, which served to ease the tension and darkness of the overall plot.
I really liked the secondary characters. Roland (the boss), Quinn (Aggie’s partner), and Amiri (a fellow agent) were great. There’s definitely a strong sense of friendship, respect, and unity between them.
The story is realistic about child abuse, but also tastefully written. I love Ms. Liu’s crisp, flowing writing style. This story kept my attention, and I’m interested in reading more books in the series.
5 Stars
Book Overall – 5 Stars
In book 6.5 of the Dark/Carpathian series, Sara Marten lives her life on the run, trying to stay one step ahead of the vampire who killed her family. Her psychic gift allows her to sense the history of an object when touching it, so she knows the fifteen-hundred-year-old diary she found as a teenager was written specifically for her. By touching the book, she can see the author’s face and translating his words over the years has kept her sane. She’s now living in Romania, trying to help a small group of psychic homeless children when the vampire once again finds her.
Falcon left his homeland a thousand years ago to protect the humans from vampires and to safeguard the Carpathian race from afar. By leaving his home, he never expected to find his lifemate, so he left behind his diary, knowing the woman he was destined for was out there somewhere. After so many years alone, he decides to end his life, but finally finds Sara as she attempts to save his life from a gang of human thieves.
I absolutely loved this book. Sara and Falcon fit perfectly together. He respects Sara and her ability to fight, knowing she can handle herself. He’s protective, of course, but not controlling like most of the other heroes are in this series.
It was great to see the series return to Europe and to see Mikhail, Raven, Jacques, and Shea again. The pacing was fast and tight. Even though this book is a novella, it told a full story with a strong, solid plot.
5 Stars
“A Dream of Stone and Shadow” by Marjorie M. Liu
In this Dirk and Steele novella, Agatha Durand works as an agent for a private paranormal detective agency and is tracking down people involved in a child porn ring. Though she finds the bad guys and saves a child, she and her partner feel as though they aren’t doing enough to help people.
Charlie is the prisoner of a witch and only finds solace after she kills him. As his body regenerates and heals, he can travel in spirit-form all around the world and eventually connects with Emma, a little girl held captive by child molesters. Desperate to help Emma, he seeks out someone tough enough to take on the girl’s captors, and he finds Aggie. As they work together to save Emma, their unlikely partnership quickly evolves into something more.
Aggie and Charlie are wonderful characters. She is a strong, kickass woman. He is just as strong and willing to sacrifice himself for others. They have instant chemistry and often bantered and joked with one another, which served to ease the tension and darkness of the overall plot.
I really liked the secondary characters. Roland (the boss), Quinn (Aggie’s partner), and Amiri (a fellow agent) were great. There’s definitely a strong sense of friendship, respect, and unity between them.
The story is realistic about child abuse, but also tastefully written. I love Ms. Liu’s crisp, flowing writing style. This story kept my attention, and I’m interested in reading more books in the series.
5 Stars
Book Overall – 5 Stars
August 17, 2024
*Warning: This will contain spoilers*
If you'd like to read the rest of my review, please visit my blog!
If you'd like to read the rest of my review, please visit my blog!
July 26, 2017
This was a really good book. I enjoyed reading both stories and will most likely read this again. I loved the characters and their personalities. This was faster paced and the pages flew under my fingers. There were emotions, courage, strength (every kind), a dash of humor, and great HEAs. Definitely something that would go on my shelf. Great for reading anytime, although better when it's not interrupted. Totally enjoy!
September 12, 2020
I've tried a few times to get into the Carpathian series and it just doesn't work for me. I might come back to it again in the future but don't hold your breath.
I did enjoy the Dirk & Steele story. I was able to follow it quite easily despite the fact that it's the first in that series I've read and I usually don't jump around in a series.
I did enjoy the Dirk & Steele story. I was able to follow it quite easily despite the fact that it's the first in that series I've read and I usually don't jump around in a series.
December 11, 2023
A 💯💯💯💯💯 negative ⭐️ rating. Legit hate how Christian writers her stories & characters. I would have though a good 15yrs would have maybe seen it differently, but it seems w/age, it just comes off way worse than I originally hated her.
October 15, 2018
The carpathian series never disappoints me.
I love this series. It's my go-to when I am in a slump. This also completes my challenge for spookathon (book with a purple cover)
I love this series. It's my go-to when I am in a slump. This also completes my challenge for spookathon (book with a purple cover)
October 23, 2018
I read this quit some time ago, and don't really remember that much about it. I will be releasing it at Burt's Cafe in Forum Les Halles, place de la Rotonde, 75001 Paris France
November 4, 2022
2 books in one. Good but too short.
February 16, 2022
Interesting.
November 20, 2015
This gets 4 stars for the Liu story.
This contains two stories (novellas), one by Christine Feehan, and one by Marjorie M. Liu. First, I was less than impressed with the Feehan story.
What should have taken me a morning to finish took almost two days. I know her Carpathians are loved, and she’s hugely popular, but this is this first I’ve read from her. I can’t say I’ll be rushing out to buy another.
I found the story and the characters beyond cheesy. I actually chuckled when not once, but twice, someone bit their fist in fear/anxiety (I believe there was another instance of the poor girl shoving her fist into her mouth, which gave a picture I’m sure is different than what the author intended).
And the mind control. How many times did the girl need to be “nudged” into bending to his will? And all the talk of marking her as his. I thought that at any second he would just go ahead and urinate on her. When he went to bite her, she pulled away in fear. His response? He informed her it was silly to be afraid, that she would have found it erotic. But, hey, it’s nothing a little “nudging” didn’t cure. All this only a few hours after they met.
Alright, I was also thrown off by the sleeping deal. He had to “go to ground” to sleep, and while she was out and about, heading into known danger (at his command), she managed to send a psychic signal that she was in trouble. He does come to her aid, but while noting that he hadn’t had enough sleep.
Really? Because even mere mortals suck it up.
The moral of the story is that I found the girl to be a twit, the guy downright laughable, the dialogue groan-inducing, and the plot fairly boring.
Now, on to A Dream of Stone & Shadow, Liu's story...
This story was the second half of the Dark Dreamers book, and it more than made up for the disappointing Feehan.
Aggie is a pre-cog who works for the Dirk & Steele detective agency. D&S isn’t your average company: they employ psychics, shape-shifters, and all manner of “deviants”. Charlie is a ghost of sorts- he can keep dying and coming back to life. It’s when he dies that he can travel outside of his prison, where he’s kept by a witch. Charlie is very unusual as a love interest, mostly because he’s a disembodied gargoyle.
Charlie recruits Aggie to help him rescue a little girl who’s kept as a sex slave by a son and his mother, who happen to be part demon.
I loved the characters. Aggie is fantastic, original and very well written. The dialogue is absolutely top notch, and the plot moves fast and interesting. You don't get disembodied gargoyles every day.
I’m going to be searching out more of Liu’s Dirk & Steele books.
This contains two stories (novellas), one by Christine Feehan, and one by Marjorie M. Liu. First, I was less than impressed with the Feehan story.
What should have taken me a morning to finish took almost two days. I know her Carpathians are loved, and she’s hugely popular, but this is this first I’ve read from her. I can’t say I’ll be rushing out to buy another.
I found the story and the characters beyond cheesy. I actually chuckled when not once, but twice, someone bit their fist in fear/anxiety (I believe there was another instance of the poor girl shoving her fist into her mouth, which gave a picture I’m sure is different than what the author intended).
And the mind control. How many times did the girl need to be “nudged” into bending to his will? And all the talk of marking her as his. I thought that at any second he would just go ahead and urinate on her. When he went to bite her, she pulled away in fear. His response? He informed her it was silly to be afraid, that she would have found it erotic. But, hey, it’s nothing a little “nudging” didn’t cure. All this only a few hours after they met.
Alright, I was also thrown off by the sleeping deal. He had to “go to ground” to sleep, and while she was out and about, heading into known danger (at his command), she managed to send a psychic signal that she was in trouble. He does come to her aid, but while noting that he hadn’t had enough sleep.
Really? Because even mere mortals suck it up.
The moral of the story is that I found the girl to be a twit, the guy downright laughable, the dialogue groan-inducing, and the plot fairly boring.
Now, on to A Dream of Stone & Shadow, Liu's story...
This story was the second half of the Dark Dreamers book, and it more than made up for the disappointing Feehan.
Aggie is a pre-cog who works for the Dirk & Steele detective agency. D&S isn’t your average company: they employ psychics, shape-shifters, and all manner of “deviants”. Charlie is a ghost of sorts- he can keep dying and coming back to life. It’s when he dies that he can travel outside of his prison, where he’s kept by a witch. Charlie is very unusual as a love interest, mostly because he’s a disembodied gargoyle.
Charlie recruits Aggie to help him rescue a little girl who’s kept as a sex slave by a son and his mother, who happen to be part demon.
I loved the characters. Aggie is fantastic, original and very well written. The dialogue is absolutely top notch, and the plot moves fast and interesting. You don't get disembodied gargoyles every day.
I’m going to be searching out more of Liu’s Dirk & Steele books.
September 18, 2009
Dark Dream (Carpathians - Dark series) by Christine Feehan
Witnessing a vampires evil, the being hunted by that vampire for 15 years, left Sara Marten more aware than most humans of what can be. Having her own dark angel to help her through the traumatic events in her life even if it was just an image to hold in her mind, words to hold in her heart, she was able to eluded that evil. The words had been written centuries ago, Falcon never realized they had the power to help anyone but himself. Finding each other would call the ancient vampire to them both, leaving everyone around them in danger.
Book 7.…. Slightly shorter story then normal, but lacking in nothing. Nice to see a gentler Carpathian man, he let her make the chooses, she made them freely and without hesitation. Exciting to meet an ancient older than Mikhail, to revisit him, Raven, Jacques, Shea and the Carpathian Mountains.
A Dream of Stone & Shadow (Dirk & Steele series) by Marjorie M. Liu
Being a pre-cog for the Dirk & Steele agency, Aggie Durand saw some of the most evil of the world. Concentrating on saving children from the worst horrors, she found herself being drawn to a little girl that had a guardian angel of sorts. Charlie had never thought about anyone or anything but protecting his own identity, until he heard the call of the little girl trapped in a basement, even though he was trapped himself, he knew he had to find a way, a person to help the girl, even if he had to die to do it.
Book 4 …..The girls story was hard to read (physical, sexual and emotional abuse), but if you can get through that, the romance of a pre-cog and a gargoyle is interesting. I have never read anything like this story, it took me a while to understand what Charlie was, the beginning of the story was very confusing but after I started to get the concept of Charlie’s situation, I was much more able to understand the beginning section. The added mythical creatures of demons, shape-shifters as well as gargoyles and all the psychics made for a very diverse group of characters. I personally could have used a little more character development, but for a short story the main characters were enough, the link between Agatha and Charlie was great. I am really interested in finding more from this author (like maybe more of her Dirk & Steele series).
Witnessing a vampires evil, the being hunted by that vampire for 15 years, left Sara Marten more aware than most humans of what can be. Having her own dark angel to help her through the traumatic events in her life even if it was just an image to hold in her mind, words to hold in her heart, she was able to eluded that evil. The words had been written centuries ago, Falcon never realized they had the power to help anyone but himself. Finding each other would call the ancient vampire to them both, leaving everyone around them in danger.
Book 7.…. Slightly shorter story then normal, but lacking in nothing. Nice to see a gentler Carpathian man, he let her make the chooses, she made them freely and without hesitation. Exciting to meet an ancient older than Mikhail, to revisit him, Raven, Jacques, Shea and the Carpathian Mountains.
A Dream of Stone & Shadow (Dirk & Steele series) by Marjorie M. Liu
Being a pre-cog for the Dirk & Steele agency, Aggie Durand saw some of the most evil of the world. Concentrating on saving children from the worst horrors, she found herself being drawn to a little girl that had a guardian angel of sorts. Charlie had never thought about anyone or anything but protecting his own identity, until he heard the call of the little girl trapped in a basement, even though he was trapped himself, he knew he had to find a way, a person to help the girl, even if he had to die to do it.
Book 4 …..The girls story was hard to read (physical, sexual and emotional abuse), but if you can get through that, the romance of a pre-cog and a gargoyle is interesting. I have never read anything like this story, it took me a while to understand what Charlie was, the beginning of the story was very confusing but after I started to get the concept of Charlie’s situation, I was much more able to understand the beginning section. The added mythical creatures of demons, shape-shifters as well as gargoyles and all the psychics made for a very diverse group of characters. I personally could have used a little more character development, but for a short story the main characters were enough, the link between Agatha and Charlie was great. I am really interested in finding more from this author (like maybe more of her Dirk & Steele series).
June 6, 2012
The Feehan story was one of her better Carpathian stories. The story is of an ancient that was sent out to the far reaches by the father of the current prince, Mikhail(sp?). He doesn't know the new prince or his life mate. He is traveling back to the homeland to meet them then meet the dawn. For him the darkness is close and he has lived long enough. On his way home, he happens upon Sara and realizes he has found his life mate.
Sara has been pursued by a vampire for her whole life. She has psychic powers, one of touch. Her parents were archeologist and during a dig, they find an object that links Sara to Falco. She dreams of him for years but when they meet, he is sucking blood and looks like a deranged monster. She doesn't even recognize him.
The Majorie M. Liu book introduced me to a new series, Dirk and Steele. I already had 2 of her books on my shelf but have started to get the others too. For me, it was that good. A captured creature of a witch is only able to escape his nightmare when dead. His body regenerates. In his non-coporeal form he finds a tortured kid and then goes about finding someone who can help her escape her prison. After searching each time he is dead and giving the girl hope, he finally finds a Dirk & Steele employee, who never gives up. He connects with her and from there talks her into finding and saving the child. She not only wants to save the child but find out more about this ghost and how to save him. I loved it. I've since read the first two books; #1 is good but #2 was great. I will continue to read this series. This story was the 4th story of the series.
Sara has been pursued by a vampire for her whole life. She has psychic powers, one of touch. Her parents were archeologist and during a dig, they find an object that links Sara to Falco. She dreams of him for years but when they meet, he is sucking blood and looks like a deranged monster. She doesn't even recognize him.
The Majorie M. Liu book introduced me to a new series, Dirk and Steele. I already had 2 of her books on my shelf but have started to get the others too. For me, it was that good. A captured creature of a witch is only able to escape his nightmare when dead. His body regenerates. In his non-coporeal form he finds a tortured kid and then goes about finding someone who can help her escape her prison. After searching each time he is dead and giving the girl hope, he finally finds a Dirk & Steele employee, who never gives up. He connects with her and from there talks her into finding and saving the child. She not only wants to save the child but find out more about this ghost and how to save him. I loved it. I've since read the first two books; #1 is good but #2 was great. I will continue to read this series. This story was the 4th story of the series.
September 16, 2009
I read the Carpathian #7 story and that is what this review is of.
I actually liked this little novella better than all the previous offerings in this series, although it was only half as long. The characters were more likeable and there was more action.
Falcon is, as of this writing, now my favorite male character in this series. One of my issues with some of these guys has been their propensity to play sinful omission games with the females as a manipulative device while still insisting they can't lie to their lifemates. There's none of that from Falcon. He's straight up and forthright through and through, and he's rewarded with a mate who gives it up 100% without reservation out of the gate.
Now that's romance.
Sara is no whiner either. She's been the first female protagonist in this series so far that doesn't waste all together too much time either succumbing to their fears, whining about the injustice of it all, or petulantly avoiding reality and making matters worse just because they prefer their denial (I really hate female characters like that). Sara is no nonsense and has no time for self deception in the name of the illusion of independence, which ultimately makes her the most independent and strongest of all so far.
The action is nearly non-stop, previous characters are brought back into play, and the series has returned to the Carpathian Mountains, which has a kind of coming home feel to it.
If you're only counting #1-7, this is my favorite so far.
I actually liked this little novella better than all the previous offerings in this series, although it was only half as long. The characters were more likeable and there was more action.
Falcon is, as of this writing, now my favorite male character in this series. One of my issues with some of these guys has been their propensity to play sinful omission games with the females as a manipulative device while still insisting they can't lie to their lifemates. There's none of that from Falcon. He's straight up and forthright through and through, and he's rewarded with a mate who gives it up 100% without reservation out of the gate.
Now that's romance.
Sara is no whiner either. She's been the first female protagonist in this series so far that doesn't waste all together too much time either succumbing to their fears, whining about the injustice of it all, or petulantly avoiding reality and making matters worse just because they prefer their denial (I really hate female characters like that). Sara is no nonsense and has no time for self deception in the name of the illusion of independence, which ultimately makes her the most independent and strongest of all so far.
The action is nearly non-stop, previous characters are brought back into play, and the series has returned to the Carpathian Mountains, which has a kind of coming home feel to it.
If you're only counting #1-7, this is my favorite so far.
April 17, 2012
This is a review of Ms.Feehan's story. In this story, we see the history of the hunters & how they came to be, the ones who answered the summons by their Prince, who asked them to choose to fight and protect humans and Carpathians alike & they all volunteered. Centuries before knowing he might die before he found her, his lifemate, the light to his darkness Falcon wrote down his feelings his promise to her.
Over 1500 years pass before the writings are found by archaeologists, Sara Marten & her family are on a dig & she feels compelled to of down deeper with the bowels of the cave to find what compels her there. Within the cave she found the treasure she was seeking, but her presence draws to her and her family a vampire who was watching the cave for the one he knew would come.
I personally truly enjoyed this story Falcon is an awesome hunter, he was never meant be a warrior, but choose to rise to the occasion to protect his people. He is one of the few who are actually 'honorable", he makes the De La Cruz clan with the exception of Riordan, & Nicholas, appear like savages. Here we also learn more about the jaguars and that were-wolves exist in this world as well.
I don't understand why Ms. Feehan wrote the earlier books with such great heroes the make the De La Cruz brothers such anti heroes and not the kind of men you would want to love. I personally love Falcon & Sara together & all they try to accomplish as a couple. I loved seeing Mikhail & having the others mentioned again.
Over 1500 years pass before the writings are found by archaeologists, Sara Marten & her family are on a dig & she feels compelled to of down deeper with the bowels of the cave to find what compels her there. Within the cave she found the treasure she was seeking, but her presence draws to her and her family a vampire who was watching the cave for the one he knew would come.
I personally truly enjoyed this story Falcon is an awesome hunter, he was never meant be a warrior, but choose to rise to the occasion to protect his people. He is one of the few who are actually 'honorable", he makes the De La Cruz clan with the exception of Riordan, & Nicholas, appear like savages. Here we also learn more about the jaguars and that were-wolves exist in this world as well.
I don't understand why Ms. Feehan wrote the earlier books with such great heroes the make the De La Cruz brothers such anti heroes and not the kind of men you would want to love. I personally love Falcon & Sara together & all they try to accomplish as a couple. I loved seeing Mikhail & having the others mentioned again.
April 29, 2009
Two novels for the price of one:
Dark Dream by Feehan was great. Sara Marten found a diary written in an unknown language at age 15 while on an archaelogical dig with her parents. Shortly thereafter, a vampire breaks in an kills her whole family. Sara escapes because she is hiding in a closet, translating the diary which fascinates her. She spends the next 9 years, running from the vampire. Sara has the ability to get images from objects she touches and she forms a bond with the writer of the diary. One day, Falcon, the Carpathian author of her diary, comes into her life as muggers attack her. Unfortunately, Sara mistakes the Carpathian feeding for being the same as a vampires murdering. Still, she is Falcon's soul mate and he must solve the problem of getting past her fears.
A Dream of Stone and Shadow: Aggie Durand is a psychic. She is prompted to try to save a young girl being held hostage by child pornographers. Charlie is a Gargoyle who is able to communicate with her and assist when he is killed and his soul is able to travel from France to Washington State before his body heals and pulls him back. He pushes the witch who holds him captive into repeatedly murdering him until she figures out Charlie has a reason to want to die so frequently. Can Angie save the girl without Charlie's help?
The book has great characters, fast action and a good plot.
Dark Dream by Feehan was great. Sara Marten found a diary written in an unknown language at age 15 while on an archaelogical dig with her parents. Shortly thereafter, a vampire breaks in an kills her whole family. Sara escapes because she is hiding in a closet, translating the diary which fascinates her. She spends the next 9 years, running from the vampire. Sara has the ability to get images from objects she touches and she forms a bond with the writer of the diary. One day, Falcon, the Carpathian author of her diary, comes into her life as muggers attack her. Unfortunately, Sara mistakes the Carpathian feeding for being the same as a vampires murdering. Still, she is Falcon's soul mate and he must solve the problem of getting past her fears.
A Dream of Stone and Shadow: Aggie Durand is a psychic. She is prompted to try to save a young girl being held hostage by child pornographers. Charlie is a Gargoyle who is able to communicate with her and assist when he is killed and his soul is able to travel from France to Washington State before his body heals and pulls him back. He pushes the witch who holds him captive into repeatedly murdering him until she figures out Charlie has a reason to want to die so frequently. Can Angie save the girl without Charlie's help?
The book has great characters, fast action and a good plot.
January 9, 2014
What a pair of wonderful fantasy novellas. The first is actually book 7 in the Carpathian series from Christine Feehan's and although I have not read any of Marjorie Liu's books before, hers is book number 4 in her Dirk and Steele series.
Firstly Dark Dream by Christine Feehan's, as usual this lady does not disappoint. It was her usual amazing well written world, with carpathian male near turning, who finds his lifemate and after an exciting time of fighting a master vampire, they live happily ever after. Like Feehan's books, it is a must read!
Secondly, A Dream of Stone and Shadows by Marjorie M. Liu. As mentioned I have not read any of her books before, but definately be on the look out now. I have never read a book with a Gargoyle in it before and again, was not disappointing. The baddies were disgusting, but the story with Aggie and Charlie was lovely.
The basic plot is around Aggie, who is a precog, and a member of Dirk and Steele. She is working on a child porn/abduction case when she meets, what looks like a ghost aka Charlie. Charlie needs Aggie to help him save a little girl who has been suffering the same abuse and of course she is determined to find the girl. On the way Aggie and Charlie get close. They rescue Emma and fall in love. Not telling any more...... Read it to find out!
A very addictive worthwhile read for fantasy lovers.
Firstly Dark Dream by Christine Feehan's, as usual this lady does not disappoint. It was her usual amazing well written world, with carpathian male near turning, who finds his lifemate and after an exciting time of fighting a master vampire, they live happily ever after. Like Feehan's books, it is a must read!
Secondly, A Dream of Stone and Shadows by Marjorie M. Liu. As mentioned I have not read any of her books before, but definately be on the look out now. I have never read a book with a Gargoyle in it before and again, was not disappointing. The baddies were disgusting, but the story with Aggie and Charlie was lovely.
The basic plot is around Aggie, who is a precog, and a member of Dirk and Steele. She is working on a child porn/abduction case when she meets, what looks like a ghost aka Charlie. Charlie needs Aggie to help him save a little girl who has been suffering the same abuse and of course she is determined to find the girl. On the way Aggie and Charlie get close. They rescue Emma and fall in love. Not telling any more...... Read it to find out!
A very addictive worthwhile read for fantasy lovers.
August 9, 2010
Compilations are not my favourite style of novel, but in this book brings two of the best stories from both of the authors - Christine Feehan and Marjorie M Liu.
This first, Dark Dream by Christine Feehan brings us the srory of Falcon and Sara and is one of the most enjoyable of the Dark series in my opinion. Possibly due to shorter form of novel, many of the things that can annoy Feehan's readers, including the excess of arrogance of the Carpathian male, the coyness of the woman and the sometimes excessive sex scenes are not in this book.
This is a story of two souls who meet after years of loneliness where, in Sara's case, his spirit is the only thing that's kept her going. Their meeting, therefore, has less of the horror and rejection of other books and instead, explores the growing trust. Another pleasure is meeting up with characters from other books and, once again, enjoying their stories.
Marjorie M Liu also excells in A Dream of Stone and Shadow introduces us to a new type of paranormal character, a gargoyle who allows himself to be killed so that his spirit can be free whilst his organs regrow and a clairvoyant who works for Dirk and Steel.
Once again, one of the most engaging of this delightful series with wonderful characters.
This first, Dark Dream by Christine Feehan brings us the srory of Falcon and Sara and is one of the most enjoyable of the Dark series in my opinion. Possibly due to shorter form of novel, many of the things that can annoy Feehan's readers, including the excess of arrogance of the Carpathian male, the coyness of the woman and the sometimes excessive sex scenes are not in this book.
This is a story of two souls who meet after years of loneliness where, in Sara's case, his spirit is the only thing that's kept her going. Their meeting, therefore, has less of the horror and rejection of other books and instead, explores the growing trust. Another pleasure is meeting up with characters from other books and, once again, enjoying their stories.
Marjorie M Liu also excells in A Dream of Stone and Shadow introduces us to a new type of paranormal character, a gargoyle who allows himself to be killed so that his spirit can be free whilst his organs regrow and a clairvoyant who works for Dirk and Steel.
Once again, one of the most engaging of this delightful series with wonderful characters.
November 5, 2012
A DREAM OF STONE AND SHADOWS by Marjorie M. Liu
I bought this book for the Marjorie Liu story, "A Dream of Stone and Shadow", which is the only one I've read. (I already have the Feehan story in another anthology and read it long ago.)
This is a lovely little story. Well, the baddies are totally icky and deserve everything they get, but the main characters are great.
I like Aggie and I love Charlie. For such a short story, his character and strength come through clearly (can I have a Charlie of my own, please?). Aggie is a little less complete a character, but not by much.
There's a tiny glimpse of just how big the supernatural world in Liu's universe and Charlie introduces us to a new race that I hope we'll hear more about.
There's not room for much more than that in a short story, but this one is full and satisfying.
A warning that the bad guys - makers of child porn - are nasty. Liu is never graphic, but it is clear these are evil people and if child abuse is a particularly hot button for you, this may not be your story. I found I could be appropriately angry and take heart in the fact they are stopped and in the beauty of the relationship between Aggie and Charlie.
[Copied across from Library Thing; 5 November 2012]
I bought this book for the Marjorie Liu story, "A Dream of Stone and Shadow", which is the only one I've read. (I already have the Feehan story in another anthology and read it long ago.)
This is a lovely little story. Well, the baddies are totally icky and deserve everything they get, but the main characters are great.
I like Aggie and I love Charlie. For such a short story, his character and strength come through clearly (can I have a Charlie of my own, please?). Aggie is a little less complete a character, but not by much.
There's a tiny glimpse of just how big the supernatural world in Liu's universe and Charlie introduces us to a new race that I hope we'll hear more about.
There's not room for much more than that in a short story, but this one is full and satisfying.
A warning that the bad guys - makers of child porn - are nasty. Liu is never graphic, but it is clear these are evil people and if child abuse is a particularly hot button for you, this may not be your story. I found I could be appropriately angry and take heart in the fact they are stopped and in the beauty of the relationship between Aggie and Charlie.
[Copied across from Library Thing; 5 November 2012]
August 10, 2019
Two stories of finding love with a twist.
in Dark Dream, we have Falcon on his way to do the honorable thing. Go to the dawn before he gives in to the darkness on his soul and becomes what he hates and hunts. A vampire. A final chance to visit his home and people in the Carpathian mountains, leads him to his light and salvation. Sara.
Sara Marten has been fighting evil, and running from it, since the death of her family at the hands of a vampire. Always unsure if she will live thru the next encounter, but holding tight to the ancient book written by Falcon. Then, the man of her dreams is not even a man. Can she find her way past the trauma of her family's death and love Falcon for himself.
In A Dream of Stone and Shadow, Aggie Durand uses her precognition to battle the evil in the world. And then she finds something even more. Charlie. A feeling, a shadow, a warmth hat surrounds her, but no body to hold.
Charlie is a gargoyle held captive with his brothers by an evil witch. One that kills him daily. The witch unknowingly freeing his soul to search the world. A world where he finds Emma, a little girl in the hands of evil. and then Agatha. His champion and warrior. A physical being able to do what he can not while trapped by the witch.
Two great stories.
in Dark Dream, we have Falcon on his way to do the honorable thing. Go to the dawn before he gives in to the darkness on his soul and becomes what he hates and hunts. A vampire. A final chance to visit his home and people in the Carpathian mountains, leads him to his light and salvation. Sara.
Sara Marten has been fighting evil, and running from it, since the death of her family at the hands of a vampire. Always unsure if she will live thru the next encounter, but holding tight to the ancient book written by Falcon. Then, the man of her dreams is not even a man. Can she find her way past the trauma of her family's death and love Falcon for himself.
In A Dream of Stone and Shadow, Aggie Durand uses her precognition to battle the evil in the world. And then she finds something even more. Charlie. A feeling, a shadow, a warmth hat surrounds her, but no body to hold.
Charlie is a gargoyle held captive with his brothers by an evil witch. One that kills him daily. The witch unknowingly freeing his soul to search the world. A world where he finds Emma, a little girl in the hands of evil. and then Agatha. His champion and warrior. A physical being able to do what he can not while trapped by the witch.
Two great stories.
February 7, 2009
This book is actually two different stories--a Carpathian tale by Christine Feehan and a Dirk & Steele tale by Marjorie M. Liu. The Carpathian tale is primarily the story of Falcon and Sara Marten. Falcon is one of the ancient Carpathians sent out by the previous Prince to fight the vampires in foreign lands. Sara Marten has seen her entire family killed by a vampire and has been running from it for the last 15 years. After more than a 1000 years, Falcon is returning to his beloved Carpathian mountains for the last time before greeting the dawn. When he chances across Sara in Romania, his whole life is changed.
The Dirk & Steele story is the first one in this series that I've read. The world is even stranger than we think, containing shape-shifters, telepaths, gargoyles and more. The detective agency of Dirk & Steele gives those who aren't quite ordinary a common purpose and a place where they can fit in. This is a pretty entertaining story and I will definitely be looking for more books in this series.
The Dirk & Steele story is the first one in this series that I've read. The world is even stranger than we think, containing shape-shifters, telepaths, gargoyles and more. The detective agency of Dirk & Steele gives those who aren't quite ordinary a common purpose and a place where they can fit in. This is a pretty entertaining story and I will definitely be looking for more books in this series.
March 13, 2012
These novellas are Book 7 in Christine Feehan's Carpathian series and Book 4 in Marjorie Liu's Dirk & Steele series. Wow, if you've never read anything by either author then this is a great introduction to them and their hit series. If you are already reading either series then you can't forget about these two stories. The whole book is a one day read, albeit a very intense one day!
Out of all of the Carpathian novels, this is my favorite - they were already a couple before they ever met in person so there was no "fighting the undeniable force pulling them together" stuff going on which gets old to me after a while. I think I secretly wish that all of the Carpathian novels were this short. Oh,there's plenty of the hot sex that the Carpathian novels are known for.
The Dirk & Steele series is an intriguing one where everyone works for the same company but everyone has a different skill set (for lack of a better word) so each book is NOT like the others. This novella is amazing with both the action and the sex.
Out of all of the Carpathian novels, this is my favorite - they were already a couple before they ever met in person so there was no "fighting the undeniable force pulling them together" stuff going on which gets old to me after a while. I think I secretly wish that all of the Carpathian novels were this short. Oh,there's plenty of the hot sex that the Carpathian novels are known for.
The Dirk & Steele series is an intriguing one where everyone works for the same company but everyone has a different skill set (for lack of a better word) so each book is NOT like the others. This novella is amazing with both the action and the sex.
March 29, 2008
Eh. Just one more throwaway supernatural romance. Just making notes so as to not accidentally read it again:
Carpathian Series #7 - Sara Marten has been pursued since she was 15 by a vampire who has killed everyone she's ever loved... now she's met someone else supernatural. A lot of cute talk about nobility and bravery, etc. The storyline of the Carpathians is signifigantly more compelling than Sara and Falcon are.
Dirk & Steele #4 - Same kind of deal. One does want to know a litte more about the PI agency... The description of violence feels like Dean Koontz. All very formulaic, but I found the gargoyle angle fairly unique.
Is there anything else comparable to reading this kind of thing? It's fine, but afterward you feel a little gross... maybe binge eating junkfood... Not because of the sex, because all the women are vulnerable virgins with hearts of gold. Yeah, and what's wrong with women who strong and slutty and complete all by themselves?
Carpathian Series #7 - Sara Marten has been pursued since she was 15 by a vampire who has killed everyone she's ever loved... now she's met someone else supernatural. A lot of cute talk about nobility and bravery, etc. The storyline of the Carpathians is signifigantly more compelling than Sara and Falcon are.
Dirk & Steele #4 - Same kind of deal. One does want to know a litte more about the PI agency... The description of violence feels like Dean Koontz. All very formulaic, but I found the gargoyle angle fairly unique.
Is there anything else comparable to reading this kind of thing? It's fine, but afterward you feel a little gross... maybe binge eating junkfood... Not because of the sex, because all the women are vulnerable virgins with hearts of gold. Yeah, and what's wrong with women who strong and slutty and complete all by themselves?
February 19, 2010
Best one so far and it was the shortest. I think that Falcon had the potential to be the most overpowering and domineering carpathian yet and he surprised me with his compassion and ability to "get with the times". I think that Sara was a great heroine. She was accepting of the Carpathian way of life and Falcon's journal was an excellent twist. I think it was what let the book seem so robust without being long. The story was good and the fighting/struggle between the lifemates that was prevalent in the previous stories was at a minimum which was refreshing. Also, this was the first one that actually brought a tear to my eyes and pulled some real emotion out of me. I do think that the vampire could have posed a bit more of a problem in the end and been a bit more calculating especially for one so ancient. I would have liked to know what the vampires name was as well. Overall, very good. I enjoyed this one the best so far!
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