BLOOD VOW is book two in J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Legacy
series. There are two main stories in BLOOD VOW -- the new
romance that develops between Black Dagger Brotherhood
member-in-training Axe and the cerebral vampire
aristocrat Elise, and the family drama surrounding Mary
and Rhage. Readers new to this series should at least
read THE BEAST before reading BLOOD VOW. The story
involving Mary and Rhage in BLOOD VOW centers around
their adopted daughter Bitty, and they first meet Bitty
in THE BEAST. The vignettes involving Axe's fellow new
recruits are intriguing and keep things exciting.
I love how J.R. Ward is building a universe with a strong
and more diverse group of female characters. In previous
books, we've seen female characters who have been
warriors and ones who have been more maternal and family-
focused. Elise is really neither of those. Elise is a
young woman who is doing her best to cope in a family
that has experienced a recent tragedy, and she just wants
the freedom to continue her education and live life on
her own terms. When fate throws Axe into her path, and
has him acting as her bodyguard, there is an instant red-
hot attraction. When there is a little friction at the
start of their association, I cheered when Elise changes
the dynamics of the relationship by admitting when Axe is
right as well as calling him out when he is wrong and
acting like a jerk. It's the romance between Elise and
Axe that provides most of the sizzle in BLOOD VOW. There
is just as much emotional intimacy as there is physical
intimacy between the pair -- much to Axe's surprise and
Elise's delight.
The story involving Mary, Rhage, and their adopted
daughter Bitty packs a lot of emotional punch. There are
moments between these three characters that break your
heart and ones that have you jumping for joy. This family
unit is a nice contrast to the relationship that Axe had
with his late parents, and the slightly dysfunctional one
that Elise is currently experiencing with her family.
There is so much love evident between Mary, Rhage, Bitty
and the rest of the supporting characters that live
together, and act as a deeply loyal and devoted extended
family. The Christmas backdrop for this story adds even
more emotional resonance. As a fan of this series, and
someone who loves these characters, I am wowed by the
growth exhibited by these familiar and beloved characters
in BLOOD VOW.
BLOOD VOW is a highly unique Christmas tale involving
star-crossed lovers, sexy vampires, gun fights. This
Black Dagger Legacy series continues to thrill me and
leave me eagerly awaiting the next book. The pacing in
this book is perfect, and each chapter's end and glimpse
at a story involving one set of characters builds up the
reader's anticipation. Peyton and Elise's murdered cousin
Allishon is a haunting presence in BLOOD VOW, and very
reminiscent of the film LAURA as well as the enigmatic
and tragic character Laura Palmer from the classic cult
television series TWIN PEAKS. I can't wait to see what
direction J.R. Ward takes this stimulating series, and I
look forward to reading more about other characters like
Peyton and Novo in future books.
#1 New York Times bestselling author J. R. Ward
returns with an all-new tale of paranormal passion in the
world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.
The Black Dagger Brotherhood continues to train the best
of
the best to join them in the deadly battle against the
Lessening Society. Among the new recruits, Axe proves to
be
a cunning and vicious fighter—and also a loner isolated
because of personal tragedy. When an aristocratic female
needs a bodyguard, Axe takes the job, though he’s
unprepared
for the animal attraction that flares between him and the
one he is sworn to protect.
For Elise, who lost her first cousin to a grisly murder,
Axe’s dangerous appeal is enticing—and possibly a
distraction from her grief. But as they delve deeper into
her cousin’s death, and their physical connection grows
into
so much more, Axe fears that the secrets he keeps and his
tortured conscience will tear them apart.
Rhage, the Brother with the biggest heart, knows all
about
self-punishing, and he wants to help Axe reach his full
potential. But when an unexpected arrival threatens Rhage
and Mary’s new family, he finds himself back in the
trenches
again, fighting against a destiny that will destroy all
he
holds most dear.
As Axe’s past becomes known, and fate seems to be turning
against Rhage, both males must reach deep—and pray that
love, rather than anger, will be their lantern in the
darkness.
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