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Book Review of Embraced By Darkness (Riley Jenson, Guardian, Bk 5)

Embraced By Darkness (Riley Jenson, Guardian, Bk 5)
PengQueen avatar reviewed on + 114 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1


In general I find this series enjoyable despite what I see as some major issues. It's not that the entire book is ever bad, or even entire subplots. But for some reason I have these moments of frustration and boredom when I read these. A big example for this book was every scene when Riley entered the club, Mirror Image. I'm sick to death of those clubs and the role they play in these books. I think that the author need to diversify settings and situations a bit.

The plot of this particular book was fairly interesting to me. First, Riley is pursuing men who have been kidnapping werewolves and other shapeshifters--most often beautiful females. Additionally, Riley is called upon by the Directorate to investigate what appears to be the serial murders of unfaithful women. I thought it was clever that the plots surrounding fidelity and emotion so closely mirrored what was going on in Riley's personal life. Her lover Kellen, is pressuring her to go solo with him, a major step for her. Unlike some of the previous books, this one showed Riley go through significant self realization as she matures as a character. She has an independent spirit, is tough as nails, but still manages to show heart.

I feel like with this book, Keri Arthur is finally pushing the series toward its potential. Based on that potential alone, I recommend this series to urban fantasy fans.