Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Lover Enshrined [Ward]

Book: Lover Enshrined [Black Dagger Brotherhood book 6]
Author: J.R. Ward
Reason for Reading: enjoying the series
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: Self sacrificing, celibate vampire Phury, agrees to take over the Primale responsibility for Vishous so V can be with the woman he loves. Although Phury is still in love with his brother's wife, Bella, he believes will be able to complete the Primale's duties. During the Primale ceremony, he quickly realizes that Cormia, the female vampire who is to be his first mate, is tied down and crying. Freeing her, he takes her to the Brotherhood's compound where he works through a myriad of personal issues, including drug addiction, depression, his feelings for Bella, and his feelings for Cormia.

Prior to this book, Phury was my favorite brother. He is self-sacrificing, cultured, intelligent and brave. Unfortunately, the focus of this book was his drug addiction which made him appear as a complete weakling. He continually kept hearing 'the wizard' in his head, the evil voice encouraging his bad behaviors. I'm not an addict of any kind so I don't know if that is truly how addicts view their behavior, but it did not translate well on paper. More time should have been spent on his relationship with Cormia. I actually enjoyed the sections on Cormia-a female who is taken out of an extremely sheltered environment and finally learns to be herself. In terms of their relationship, it was refreshing that Phury didn't immediately 'fall in love/bond' (he couldn't..he was too high to recognize it happening) and this differentiated him from the other brothers. The subplots in this book were very strong as well.

Book Junkie's Grade: C+

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