Books have been an important part of my life for as long as I can remember, and the same can be said of music. Those who have interacted with me online may have guessed that I have very eclectic tastes in music. While my current preference is metal, I love everything from classical to jazz to rock. I also have a quirky sense of humor. And both have found their way into my Immortal Guardians series. You can blame my background. I took eleven years of piano lessons. My father played multiple wind and string instruments. My grandfather played in a big band and rubbed elbows with legendary jazz performers. And teasing each other was a way of life in my family. Still is, actually.
So some of the tunes that trickle their way into my series may not be what you might expect to find in books that feature powerful immortal warriors who hunt psychotic vampires for a living. Immortal warriors who also have been drawn into battles with human mercenaries that rival something found in a Michael Bay film. But my Immortal Guardians are like one big family. They laugh and tease and prank each other as siblings often do. And that can sometimes inspire odd musical mentions. How odd, you may ask? Here’s a sample:
Down With the Sickness -Disturbed
Squirrels in My Pants – 2 Guys in the Park
Perfect Drug – Nine Inch Nails
I Feel Pretty – West Side Story
Before I’m Dead – Kidney Thieves
I Wanna be a Cowboy – Boys Don’t Cry
At Last – Etta James
Spiders and Snakes – Jim Stafford
Droppin’ Plates – Disturbed
[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tCcoFpmOSZw/UlPymreWFnI/AAAAAAAAJBE/rjbmtvhtaGQ/s1600/DianneDuvallAuthorPicSm.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]
Dianne Duvall is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Immortal Guardians paranormal romance series. Her debut novel DARKNESS DAWNS was nominated for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Vampire Romance by RT Book Reviews, for Best Paranormal Romance – Vampire by The Romance Reviews, and for Best Book of 2011 by Long and Short Reviews. NIGHT REIGNS (Book 2 in her Immortal Guardians series) was declared an “utterly addictive” Top Pick by RT Book Reviews. PHANTOM SHADOWS (Book 3) was deemed a Top Pick by both The Romance Reviews and by Night Owl Reviews. Her Immortal Guardians novella “In Still Darkness”, published in the PREDATORY anthology, was praised by Publishers Weekly for its “rich characterizations and kick-butt action.” DARKNESS RISES (Book 4) has been nominated for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Vampire Romance by RT Book Reviews and chosen as a Top Pick by both The Romance Reviews and Night Owl Reviews.
Dianne loves all things creative. When she isn’t writing, Dianne is active in the independent film industry and once even appeared onscreen as a machete-wielding maniac not unlike the vampires she so loves to create in her novels.
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Night Unbound by Dianne Duvall
Series: Immortal Guardians #5
Published by Zebra
Published on: September 2, 2014
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 433
Format: ARC
Source: Author
Dianne Duvall's Immortal Guardians protect humanity from unspeakable horrors--but their hearts are as fragile as any mortal's. . .
For centuries, Lisette d'Alençon has been a warrior against the dark. She fights alongside her brothers and comrades. But when the dreams start coming, she can't bear to confess them to the Immortal Guardians' command. Dreams of a dark-haired man with soft eyes and brutal wounds, a man her heart aches for--and a man she knows has been declared a traitor.
Zach is an exile, a loner. He won't defend himself against false accusations or grovel to those who should have faith in him. But he'll damn sure defend the woman who kept him sane against a plague of super-vamps that seems to have appeared from nowhere. The Guardians will blame him, and that will make Lisette suspect, too. With life, death and eternity on the line, who can they really trust?
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NIGHT UNBOUND is the first installment in Dianne Duvall’s IMMORTAL GUARDIANS series that revolved around a female character, and although Lisette & Zach’s tale was undoubtedly passionate, it didn’t quite measure up to its male counterparts. Some major questions get answered with regards to the main story arc, and there’s no shortage of action or romance, but I failed to connect with the protagonists which caused the love scenes to lack chemistry. After four amazing books, I have no problem with giving the author a mulligan because we’re all allowed one, that’s the rule!
Throughout this series, Duvall has been torturing readers with the origins of the IMMORTAL GUARDIANS, and finally some of my suspicions were confirmed. No big surprises on that front, but it was nice to have my hunches validated, especially the ones about Seth. Speaking of which, I did feel like this story was more about him than Lisette, albeit without the romantic aspects. I am getting a little tired of the supersoldiers plot line; the memory wipe / restore trick is getting old even though it does make sense for the author’s eventual end game. I enjoyed meeting the new characters, Ethan and Aidan, and Cliff is quickly becoming one of my favourite underdogs. I also LOVED the shout out to Québec!
I was looking forward to learning more about Lisette d’Alençon, one of the only female IMMORTAL GUARDIANS, because she’s been a bit of a wallflower up until this point. Unfortunately, her role in this story seemed almost trivial at times, and her character wasn’t developed nearly as much as I would have liked. In fact, she came off as ditzy instead of ferocious which was disappointing because it made her pale in comparison to her male team mates. Zach’s another one who’s been lurking in the shadows, and the author was somewhat limited as to what she could unveil without giving too much away about the Others, so I didn’t mind his murkiness as much.
Things heated up quickly between Lisette & Zach which made NIGHT UNBOUND the hottest installment yet! The latter’s telekinetic abilities sure came in handy—no more searching for the elusive g-spot with that card in your deck! However, I did feel like the numerous sex scenes were trying to compensate for this book’s lack of relationship growth, and the result was steam without chemistry. I found myself not really caring whether Lisette & Zach got their HEA because their romance was somewhat eclipsed by this series’ plot arc, and I just wasn’t invested in their love story like I was with previous novels.
If you like a lot of motion in your ocean, then NIGHT UNBOUND is sure to satisfy.
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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!
I haven’t listened to this yet but Lissette is a character that has always intrigued me but I wondered how well she would front a book. I knew she would be next though. I am really curious how the overall story line is moving forward–dang you for not telling me out right.:)
Felicia the Geeky Blogger recently posted…Snagged @ The Library: Trying to hit my 25 YA in a Year Goal
Aaww, you poor thing! I like to keep my reviews spoiler-free for obviously reasons, but you can always DM me on Twitter if you really want to know. 😀
Love this series. I can’t wait to read this next installment of Night Unbound!
It hit shelves on Tuesday, so what are you waiting for??
I’ve only read book one of this series. I have no idea why I never tried for another book. I need to look into get another book sometime. Great review, as always.
Melanie Simmons recently posted…Unborn Audiobook by Amber Lynn Natusch (Review)
Darkness Dawns is still by far my favourite installment, and I actually listened to it in audio. Roland is just SO smexy—RAWR!
“I Feel Pretty” does sound like something a book character would sing! It’s amazing how music plays such a role in our lives. It makes sense that it would remind us of characters.
Stephanie Faris recently posted…The Worst Client Ever
I thought this playlist was such a eclectic mix, and knowing the characters the way I do, I can totally picture one of them dancing to I Feel Pretty. Hehe
This is another great series on audio that I need to catch up with. I can’t believe I’ve have fallen so far behind that there’s now a spin-off.
In any case, thanks for chance, I think I really need listen to all the books before I pick this one up.
Lupdilup recently posted…Unborn Audiobook by Amber Lynn Natusch (Review)
There’s a SPIN-OFF!? I’m on the author’s Street Team, so how did I not know this? Epic fan girl FAIL!
I had to snort when I saw “I Feel Pretty”. I can’t just picture the Immortal Guardians belting that one out as they kill vampires 😉 It’s a shame Lisette came off a bit ditzy instead of strong and badass, that’s definitely disappointing as is the fact that there was steam without genuine chemistry. I want there to be both! Still, I’m a huge fan of this series and I never miss an opportunity to spend time with the characters in this world:)
I Feel Pretty is the PERFECT song for Roland’s brooding self. LOL Yeah, I didn’t care for how the author portrayed Lisette overly much unfortunately. There were too many scenes where I was like really??
Great post! Thanks for the chance to win!
kindlemom1 recently posted…Blog Tour and Book Review: One More Chance by Abbi Glines
Anytime! I’m always one of the first in line for Duvall’s blog tours; I just LOVE this series.
I have got to start reading this series darnit. Keep seeing it featured by my blogging buddies and everyone loves it.
Rhianna recently posted…A little off-topic: a Kickstarter YOU need to back!
Yes ma’am, you do! At least book one, but you’ll be hooked after that like I was, so then you’re screwed. 😉
Woot, the intensifying of the steamy sounds great
Duvall has a real knack for making the love scenes sizzle!
A lot of motion in your ocean. LOVE THAT LINE, Carmel! And that Phineas and Ferb video = awesome post overall!
Hafsah recently posted…Jessica Verday’s Writing Process + Giveaway for OF MONSTERS AND MADNESS
Thanks! I try to make the last sentence in my reviews count!
Thank you for hosting Dianne today on her NIGHT UNBOUND blog tour, Carmel!
Anytime! I ❤ the Immortal Guardians. 🙂
Certainly an eclectic list–gotta love that!
That is it! Thanks for stopping by.
S.I.M.P. ha ha love that one. My four year old son and I watched that video clip and giggled. THis looks like another awesome series that I need to try! Happy weekend.
Heidi recently posted…Friday Forecast September 7th-13th
I’m glad that Duvall’s post was able to deliver some quality family time, however the books should probably just be reserved for you. Hehe
Very diverse music selections indeed.
Yup! Just like this author’s writing style.
I don’t think Zach will be happy with that first song… 😀 I also have eclectic tastes and I did like how the characters all have different tastes as well.
I did like the romance between Lisette and Zach but I do think that the romance was eclipsed by the other goings on. I still can’t wait for the next installment. 🙂
Melissa (Books and Things) recently posted…Season of Storms by Susanna Kearsley
I agree about song #1, hopefully Dianne didn’t share her playlist with Zach. And yes, in spite of my issues with this installment, I still won’t hesitate to snatch up the next one!
I got book 1 waiting for me 🙂
blodeuedd recently posted…Gleam – Tom Fletcher
That’s the best one. READ IT NOW. 😛
That is a very diverse playlist – the kind I like! God, I remember I was like in love with the song The Perfect Drug when I was in school…
Mogsy recently posted…Book Review: The Mirror Empire by Kameron Hurley
Do you feel old now? 😉
I love Disturbed and the Queen of the Damned soundtrack. Did you know that the lead singer for Disturbed now sings for a band called Device while Disturbed in on Hiatus?
The story sounds wonderful and that cover, gotta love that.
Mary Kirkland recently posted…Review: Must Love Vampires by Heidi Betts
No, I did not know that, Mary, but thanks for the tip! I’ve been missing my Disturbed fix, so this is GREAT news.
I’ve heard of most of those songs, but not Squirrels in My Pants hahaha had to listen to it 🙂
With a title like that, how could you not??
Sorry that the first female character to be featured didn’t quite live up to the males – that’s always a bit disappointing. But like you say, you have to give every author a pass on one book that you didn’t love as much as the others. Hopefully the next one will make up for it!
Nicole recently posted…Review – Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
4/5 is still a pretty good track records IMO. I have no doubt that Duvall will hit the next installment out of the park.
funny song title for Squirrels in My Pants
That one’s definitely a winner. LOL
I liked Lissette, and while admittedly I have only read this and the previous I am now a fan of the author/series.
kimbacaffeinate recently posted…Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy by Karen Abbott
I was really looking forward to her story, so I am sad that it didn’t live up to its full potential, but this book still wasn’t a bad read overall.
I have heard about this series but haven’t read it. I may have to check it out.
Thank you for the giveaway.
BookaholicCat recently posted…Movie Trailer: This Is Where I Leave You
Sounds like a plan. Good luck!
Love, love this series can’t wait to read Night Unbound!
Well, that makes two of us! Minus the reading Night Unbound thing. Hehe
i really loved book 1 but book 2 tampered my interest because i couldn’t understand Seth attitude i think.. so now i’m behind in teh series but learning we finally have some confirmation is really a good news.
miki recently posted…Fantasy Lover (The Dark Hunterverse1) by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Duvall has been torturing readers for WAY too many installments, but that’s usually the way it goes. It’s good to have answers—finally!
What an eclectic song mix, I do have to admit I love the Squirrel one, I’m a Phineas and Ferb fan. LOL
Anyway, I feel you about “formulas” in series’, where the usual thing happens but with minor differences in the detail. I hope she takes your feedback into consideration and switch it up in the next book. Reading the same thing again and again gets old real quick.
Braine Talk Supe recently posted…It’s The Brazen Babes!
I find that this happens a lot in PNR because the romance is usually the focus, but I need a good plot too. I had no idea who Phineas and Ferb were ’til this post. Heh
WOW! I really haven’t heard of any of the songs listed there. That’s surprising. But I have heard of this book and I have heard amazing things only. So yeah! Great post, Carmel 🙂
Tanja recently posted…ARC Review: Kiss of Broken Glass by Medaline Kuderick
You obviously need to listen to the radio more. j/k! 😉
LOL that’s quite the playlist. Made me smile 🙂 I’ve not tried hers yet but she’s on my author tbr pile. One day hopefully (man I feel like I say that ALL the time!)
anna (herding cats & burning soup) recently posted…Uncivilized by Sawyer Bennett
You’re definitely not the only blogger who keeps repeating that TBR line. I feel your pain!
Oh man – I’m sorry your expectations weren’t met in this installment, Carmel. I’ve heard good things about Duvall’s series but haven’t read it yet myself. I am glad that some of your suspicions were validated and some of your questions were answered. I’m just sorry Lisette was sort of a weak heroine. At least Zach wasn’t too bad. 🙂
Thanks for sharing Ms. Duvall’s playlist – there is some great music on it. Love me some Nine Inch Nails…and Etta James…oh, and Boys Don’t Cry. 🙂
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…**New Release Review ~ Girl Nevermore ~ R.A. Desilets**
There were a few scenes that made me go heuh? I dunno, she just came off as a bit of an airhead. Zach on the other hand was absolutely hunk-tastic! Hehe
I have read a few in this series, my mom and I used to share books a lot before she passed last year. Been kinda hard to continue series that we read together, but I am working on it.
I’m sorry to hear about you mother. Mine’s been gone five years this month, hopefully you’ll be able to get back to this series eventually.