Against the Dawn by Amanda Bonilla
Series: Shaede Assassin #4
Published by NYLA
Published on: May 20, 2014
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Format: eARC
Source: Author
| GoodReads
Six months can feel like just a couple of weeks when you’ve been away in another realm. Literally.
Now that Darian is back in Seattle, she’s ready to face the life—and the man—she left behind. But it’s not going to be easy when a ghost from her past shows up looking to wreak havoc on Seattle’s supernatural crime scene.
Darian isn’t as careless as she used to be, though. She and Tyler, her sexy Jinn protector, have come a long way in the trust department. And it’s a good thing too—because when Ty contracts her to assassinate a wickedly powerful supernatural who goes by the name of Mithras, it will take all her faith in Ty, and herself, to get the job done.
While Darian does whatever it takes to get to her mark, Xander, the Shaede King is busy making plans of his own. With Darian’s attention divided between Lorik’s secrets and her mission she might not be able to stop Xander from doing anything in his power to separate Darian from her sworn protector and in the process, destroy his own kingdom…
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The previous book ended with Darian’s life in shambles, and now in AGAINST THE DAWN, she’s back from her stint in O Anel and trying to pick-up the pieces. The opening chapters were very emotional, both for me and the heroine, because not only do readers get to reconnect with their favourite characters after the long wait between installments, but getting to do so through Darian’s eyes was extra poignant. There’s a lot going on in Amanda Bonilla’s latest novel with multiple plot threads, romances, a new supe or two, and of course, Tyler never disappoints.
I’ve been DYING to learn more about the Jinn ever since I first started reading this series and was introduced to the mysterious Ty. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that all is revealed, but enough details are shared that I don’t feel quite as in the dark as I did before. Unfortunately, most of these juicy morsels are spoilers so, moving on… Some light is also shed on the inner workings of Xander’s court, and oddly enough the center of the Shaede Kingdom is in Alberta, Canada! I KNEW there was more to Banff’s freakishly blue water than glaciers (i.e. magic). And, Bonilla’s fab world-building doesn’t end there with the addition of reapers, werewolves, and even a Minotaur to her supernatural hodgepodge. The author really pulled out all of the stops with this one!
The love triangle continues in this installment even though Darian made her choice in book 3 because some guys just can’t take no for an answer. On top of neglecting his kingdom in favour of his romantic pursuit, Xander also decides to get the PNT involved in his rivalry with Tyler. Needless to say, the whole thing gets rather ugly, but as much as I love the sexy Jinn, I can’t help but wonder if the Fae King’s selfless intentions will have an impact on Darian’s decision. Xander proves that he’s more than just a pretty face in this novel, and as much as I hate to admit it, I’m starting to feel some sympathy for the bugger. Only one love scene makes an appearance, but after a year of pent up sexual frustration, quality more than makes up for quantity in this instance.
There’s no shortage of action in AGAINST THE DAWN with Mithras, the Synod and Lorik stirring up trouble. I was kind of peeved at Darian for falling for the latter’s ploy so easily, especially given their history and that she never fully trusted him to begin with. Every SHAEDE ASSASSIN book needs at least one good brawl, and the roman god of warriors certainly delivers on that front. I was happy to see Asher play a more active role in this series after having enjoyed his character in the previous novel, and Raif was great too even though he’s struggling with his loyalties a bit. I thought we’d kissed the Azriel related problems goodbye several installments ago, but apparently not because the Rakshasa are back and out for blood. Poor Darian.
AGAINST THE DAWN takes the SHAEDE ASSASSIN series to a whole new level with more mayhem, more action, and more romance—heck just plain more everything!
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Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
How have I not even heard of this series before, how is that possible? Thanks for bringing this one to my attention. I think I would really like it.
It’s a wonderful series, so I’m more than happy to share!
5–wow! I might just have to pick up this series if a book this far along is worth a 5 🙂
I’ve almost given this series 5-star across the board, so yeah, it’s good. 😀
I haven’t read this series!!!! I think I really need to check it out. Love the “Don’t f with me, I’ve got a big sword” look on the cover girl’s face.
You won’t be disappointed with Amanda Bonilla’s writing. I <3 her!
I haven’t read this series but I’ve added it to Goodreads. Gotta love a great UF!
You are going to LOVE Darian and Ty!
Oh Carmel, this is a series I’ve always been interested in. You’ve made me excited to get to it soon! Great review! 🙂
Yes, YES! You need to bump these books up your ‘to-read’ list ASAP.
I haven’t seen this series before, but I like the sound of it, and it is nice to see a five star rating that far in, that is the sign of a good series, I will be looking this up for sure.
I’m surprised so many peeps haven’t heard about this series. I’ve been hooked since book 1.
This series sounds like a lot of fun and I actually like how compelling the triangle sounds overall. I’m not hugely against triangles like so many, I like a good compelling triangle that is not just there for drama’s sake you know.
I’m not a big fan of love triangles either, but some authors do make ’em work, and Bonilla is definitely one of them.
Wow, this sounds amazing, where have I been for this series?! I’m definitely going to go and check out this series more. So, glad that Against the Dawn was such an amazing read and continuation of the series, Carmel 🙂
I’m always happy to add to others’ TBR piles. Hehe
I mean to read book 2 some day
Get a move on!! What are you waiting for?
Fab review, Carmel! I never read beyond book #1 but I’m glad this series is getting stronger by the book 🙂
Thanks Karina! And, now the wait for book 5 begins…
Yay! 5 Stars! I only skimmed your review since I just started this one last night but I’m glad to see you loved it so much. Bonilla is a great author.
She sure is! I’m sure that you’ll love this one as much as I did because, well, Ty never disappoints!
Wow, it’s rare that you get this enthusiastic so this is a definite must read series! I love diversity in UF, well in general, and all the paranormal elements sound totally awesome. Plus there’s enough reading material out to not have me stressing out about waiting a year for the next fix, lol.
I’m getting this series for sure.
Are you telling me that I need to go all fangirl more often? 😉
A love triangle even after decision made? well, I guess he really doesn’t give up.
Nope, Xander just doesn’t know when to quit!
I loved Against the Dawn!!!! I’ve got my review scheduled for this week. I got to meet Amanda at RT and she is just the sweetest!
Suuuure, way to rub it in Traci! I’ve been DYING to meet her, but she didn’t go to RT last year. *cries*
Love Asher!
He’s so mysterious & unpredictable!
I remember seeing the first book a couple years again but not really sure if it was something I wanted to read or not. Now it’s four books in and getting 5 stars … maybe I should have started it in the beginning!
Euuh, YEAH you should have! :p
I don’t remember hearing much about this series. I love that it takes place in Seattle since it’s a familiar city and I can picture everything. It sounds like a series I might need to consider reading!
The more the merrier! But, Ty is MINE! 😉
I skipped a little bit your review because I haven’t read it yet but I so can’t wait! I love the series. I’m just so behind my ebooks, it’s terrible. I’m glad it’s still that good!
Hopefully you manage to squeeze it in soon, but I hear ya on being behind. It’s an uphill battle for sure.
I still need to read this series. I don’t know why I am putting it off. Obvi it’s amazeballs.
Amazeballs is an apt description. 😀
Oh wow Carmel! This book sounds amazing… heck, the whole series! I want to get to know Darian more, and learn about the Jinn.. Fae kings, action galore! yes please!!
Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
You’re going to LOVE this series! It has all of those things in spades, and more.
I love books about Jinn (the Weather Warden series I loved) so this sounds really fascinating. Thanks for the review Carmel!
Maybe I’ll have to check-out this Weather Warden series you speak of, because I think these are the only books I’ve read that have featured Jinn.
ARRRRRGGGGHHH… I own the first book of this series and, well… you know…
This series just sounds like it’s getting better and better!!! Awesome review!!!! Now I have to hunting for that book in my bookshelf 🙂
I LOVED the first book. Read it! Read it NOW!!
This sounds like quite a good series, I will have to check it out sometime (and your review). thanks for introducing me to yet another awesome series that is adding to my TBR mountain 😉
Chanzie @ Mean Who You Are.
I think “TBR mountain” is an understatement. At least in my case. LOL
Oh wow, apparently I need to add this series and see if I can find it and soon. Sounds reeeeealy good. Great review!!
Thanks! Amanda Bonilla is awesome; I hope you enjoy her writing. 🙂
Well, well, well, I haven’t heard of this series before so thanks for bringing it to my attention. I love assassins a lot, and this sounds like it has a lot of action, so I want to start it soon! 😀
Faye at The Social Potato Reviews
Nice! Darian definitely isn’t your typical assassin.
I read the first book in this series a while ago and when I realized that there would be a love triangle I decided to take a break. I remember having such a huge crush on Tyler though. I am sad to hear that the love triangle kind of continues in this one? I hope the next installment will take care of that because I DO NOT LIKE Xander (well I only have one book to base that on but still! :P).
I am so glad to see you liked this installment though!!
Lovely review, Carmel!! 🙂
Xander grows on you after a while, especially in this book. I never thought I’d be saying that, but it’s true.
I need Asher’s novella and… did you call Xander a bugger!? My poor misunderstood Xander. :'(
Is there going to be an Asher novella? I’m going to have to re-read the last pages of my ARC now. LOL But, that would be awesome!