LASSITER is the twenty-first book in J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series. At this point, this is a series that must be read in order. There are too many characters and past cataclysmic events each book references, that would make it difficult for a reader new to the series to follow. J.R. doesn’t disappoint longtime fans in the end, but it’s a bumpy road to get there and it’s a good idea to keep some tissues handy.

At the book’s opening, Lassiter is contemplative and melancholy. He’s looking back on what brought him to his current circumstances and lamenting his lost love. Quite a change from the Lassiter of earlier books. As with previous books by J.R. Ward, this story is told from multiple perspectives. The reader can either read the book in order as the author intended or, as I often do, read one perspective all the way through and then go back and read the next. Either way will make for a compelling story. Seeking direction and facing whether to fight destiny or not, are themes that run throughout LASSITER. This applies to the good guys and the villains. What’s abundantly clear is that even angels have problems. Lassiter struggles with whether he should do what’s the right thing, no matter what his personal feelings are - or do what’s best for those he cares about. It’s a compelling ethical dilemma. Rahvyn is important to Lassiter in a way that nothing else ever was, but his love for her tugs at him along with his divine purpose. So many things complicate this love story and pop up as obstacles. For me, the issue is really about figuring out what your priorities are, and what you’re willing to sacrifice and what you’re not. Rahvyn is left questioning Lassiter’s motives at one point and is forced to either face her worst fears or have faith in the person she loves. It’s just as big a crisis as any involving some lunatic bent on world domination.

LASSITER is a complicated story about love and faith, while also weaving in a tale of suspense and psychos. The streets of Caldwell are perpetually rainswept and shadowed in darkness for me, and this is the backdrop for an epic good vs evil story like Lassiter. I hope to get glimpses of these familiar and beloved characters in other books in the future.