A Darker Shade of Dead: Guardians of the Dark Series, Book 1
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Product Description
Product Description
Intrigue, terrifying betrayals, and a dangerously commanding hero make Bianca D'Arc's newest paranormal romance an irresistible temptation...Tapped for a classified military program, Dr. Eileen McCormick has nothing left to lose. Bad enough her genetic experiments were used to turn innocent victims into zombies; worse still, a ruthless ex-colleague is threatening to expose her unless she joins his sinister research project. Now the only way she can set things right is to develop an antidote under the watchful blue eyes of Commander Matt Sykes. And the last thing Eileen needs is Matt's penetrating gaze, easy understanding, and compelling kiss uncovering all her deepest secrets...Matt has a sixth-sense for lies as well as danger, and Eileen promises plenty of both. She's the only person who can eradicate the zombie virus before it reaches epidemic proportions, but he still can't let her passionate determination affect his steely cool...or keep him from discovering where her true loyalties lie. But as the clock ticks down, Matt and Eileen's uneasy trust may be their only way to avert catastrophe - if it doesn't get them killed first...
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Format:Kindle Edition
I spotted this first-in-series novel as a Kindle recommendation - I'd bought (amongst others Ilona Andrews, Charlaine Harris, Jeaniene Frost, Kresley Cole, Gena Showalter, Jennifer Estep, Eileen Wilks, J.D. Robb, Allyson James, Patricia Briggs, Devon Monk, Lisa Shearin, and Richelle Mead. Frankly, I'm not thrilled by this book from Bianca D'Arc.
Oddly, the female protagonist seems to have acquired a whole other name. In the book I bought, the heroine is Sandra/ 'Sandy' ... but seems to have become 'Eileen' in print descriptions. I'm not thrilled by 'Sandy's' supposed scientific methods. 'Experiment X might have caused Y to happen, so it must work again' as characterisations go is diabolical science!
Although a zombie-attack novel is slightly different amongst UF novels, this entry into the genre really leaves me cold. The entire book feels TOO much like it's being set-up for a series with underdeveloped characters/ relationships which seem ripe for future expansion.
The writing style is a repetitive: almost along the lines of:
"I think we should do XYZ!"
"Why, yes, let's do XYZ!"
The sexual tension between the leads is nonexistent: they're going with 'I wanna do YOU' (=each other) from the word 'go', and the resolution of interim conflicts is cursory to say the least.
Book One feels like a tired Christine Feehan series. I won't be buying more: especially since there are no resale rights for electronic versions. For me, this is one of the occasions when having a Kindle isn't so advantageous as if this were a print book it would certainly NOT be a keeper.
Oddly, the female protagonist seems to have acquired a whole other name. In the book I bought, the heroine is Sandra/ 'Sandy' ... but seems to have become 'Eileen' in print descriptions. I'm not thrilled by 'Sandy's' supposed scientific methods. 'Experiment X might have caused Y to happen, so it must work again' as characterisations go is diabolical science!
Although a zombie-attack novel is slightly different amongst UF novels, this entry into the genre really leaves me cold. The entire book feels TOO much like it's being set-up for a series with underdeveloped characters/ relationships which seem ripe for future expansion.
The writing style is a repetitive: almost along the lines of:
"I think we should do XYZ!"
"Why, yes, let's do XYZ!"
The sexual tension between the leads is nonexistent: they're going with 'I wanna do YOU' (=each other) from the word 'go', and the resolution of interim conflicts is cursory to say the least.
Book One feels like a tired Christine Feehan series. I won't be buying more: especially since there are no resale rights for electronic versions. For me, this is one of the occasions when having a Kindle isn't so advantageous as if this were a print book it would certainly NOT be a keeper.
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
An elite bunch of military, CIA and civilians are on a mission to eliminate zombies. This book is an excellent fast paced thriller but what makes it really stand out is the it has an intense love angle; zombies and love really do go together! Macho Commander Matt Sykes can't help his caveman tendencies when he's around the Doctor, despite the fact that she has secrets which he's intent on uncovering, whatever the cost.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
9 reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Interesting Paranormal Series
11 April 2011
Format:Paperback
With A Darker Shade of Dead, you are jumping into book three of the Guardians of the Dark Series. I will admit, I was a bit confused for the first few pages with not having read the previous installments. There is a larger cast of characters and if you are not familiar with them from the previous novels, you will have a little catching up to do. Mainly because all the characters have an intricate part in the groups objective...to rid the world of dangerous zombies and their creators.
Still once you jump into this novel and go through your introductions with the other characters, you will move on to this books focus which is Sandra and Matt. Sandra McCormick is a doctor working for a secret military program which develops genetic experiments to use in the war against the new and destructive race of zombie killers. She has a past and secrets that could ultimately destroy her chances of remaining on this team if they were discovered. Her involvement in the program is her form of atonement for the devastation she feels she caused when this war began.
Matt Sykes is the commanding officer of the team. He is a strong and intelligent leader who trusts no one. Especially not the attractive new doctor whom he can't stop thinking about. He has been fighting this war for quiet some time and is determined to end it. Matt knows the greatest weapon would be the genetic concoctions Dr. McCormick is developing. When he realizes the enemy is trying to kidnap Sandra, he decides he need to keep her close in order to protect her. Matt and Sandra want each other desperately, but her secrets made be his undoing...
The attraction isn't instantaneous between these two characters, but when they do connect, the sparks fly. Their romance is sexy, steamy and most times chaotic since they have to develop their relationship amongst all the action and suspense in the story. Ultimately, the background story interrupts the romance quit often and was sometimes a hindrance to fully enjoying their relationship. Sandra and Matt are growing closer during brief moments alone because there is always some much else going on. Yet you will still be drawn into this suspenseful and sexy world D'Arc creates.
A Darker Shade of Dead was an exciting and enjoyable read. D'Arc writes an action filled and romantic story that promises danger at every corner. A large cast of resilient characters, a chilling foe and a passionate romance are just a few of the elements that make this a great paranormal read. It's really a great mixture of all the best genres. You have the zombies to make the paranormal element, the military action to make for the suspense and the relationships on this team which amp up the romance factor. A little something for every reader can be found in A Darker Shade of Dead.
Series Order:
1) Half Past Dead
2) Once Bitten, Twice Dead
3) A Darker Shade of Dead
Overall Rating: 3/5
Heat Level: 4/5
Lisa @ Once Upon A Chapter
Still once you jump into this novel and go through your introductions with the other characters, you will move on to this books focus which is Sandra and Matt. Sandra McCormick is a doctor working for a secret military program which develops genetic experiments to use in the war against the new and destructive race of zombie killers. She has a past and secrets that could ultimately destroy her chances of remaining on this team if they were discovered. Her involvement in the program is her form of atonement for the devastation she feels she caused when this war began.
Matt Sykes is the commanding officer of the team. He is a strong and intelligent leader who trusts no one. Especially not the attractive new doctor whom he can't stop thinking about. He has been fighting this war for quiet some time and is determined to end it. Matt knows the greatest weapon would be the genetic concoctions Dr. McCormick is developing. When he realizes the enemy is trying to kidnap Sandra, he decides he need to keep her close in order to protect her. Matt and Sandra want each other desperately, but her secrets made be his undoing...
The attraction isn't instantaneous between these two characters, but when they do connect, the sparks fly. Their romance is sexy, steamy and most times chaotic since they have to develop their relationship amongst all the action and suspense in the story. Ultimately, the background story interrupts the romance quit often and was sometimes a hindrance to fully enjoying their relationship. Sandra and Matt are growing closer during brief moments alone because there is always some much else going on. Yet you will still be drawn into this suspenseful and sexy world D'Arc creates.
A Darker Shade of Dead was an exciting and enjoyable read. D'Arc writes an action filled and romantic story that promises danger at every corner. A large cast of resilient characters, a chilling foe and a passionate romance are just a few of the elements that make this a great paranormal read. It's really a great mixture of all the best genres. You have the zombies to make the paranormal element, the military action to make for the suspense and the relationships on this team which amp up the romance factor. A little something for every reader can be found in A Darker Shade of Dead.
Series Order:
1) Half Past Dead
2) Once Bitten, Twice Dead
3) A Darker Shade of Dead
Overall Rating: 3/5
Heat Level: 4/5
Lisa @ Once Upon A Chapter
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
entertaining romantic urban fantasy
7 Nov 2010
Format:Paperback
Dr. Sandra McCormick knows she will go to her grave seeing the marines brutally murdered eight months ago by the zombies created by her peers led by Dr. Rodriguez who used her genetic experiments on innocent people (see Once Bitten, Twice Dead). She hopes to at least find an antidote, but has little chance of doing so under current conditions as being persona non grata except by Rodriguez, who demands she return to the zombie project or he will expose her to the world as the creator.
Still she obtains a top secret government assignment to work with the military and civilian agencies on creating the antidote under the direction of Commander Matt Sykes before the virus goes pandemic. He distrusts her as he senses she conceals something critical from him. She fears his reaction if he learns her research led to the zombie plague that killed the marines and others. Then there is Rodriguez threatening to destroy her unless she hands over her research to him.
Zombie fever fans will enjoy this entertaining romantic urban fantasy in which, as she did in Once Bitten, Twice Dead (whose leads support this tale), Bianca D'Arc refreshingly (and shockingly) has two humans fall in love. The story line is fast-paced for the most part as the stars battle zombies and Rodriquez and their attraction; however it slows down when Sandra turns lecturer explaining the zombie virus and her efforts for an antidote. Readers will want to join the scientist and the soldier at the front trying to prevent a zombie pandemic even as they fall in love.
Harriet Klausner
Still she obtains a top secret government assignment to work with the military and civilian agencies on creating the antidote under the direction of Commander Matt Sykes before the virus goes pandemic. He distrusts her as he senses she conceals something critical from him. She fears his reaction if he learns her research led to the zombie plague that killed the marines and others. Then there is Rodriguez threatening to destroy her unless she hands over her research to him.
Zombie fever fans will enjoy this entertaining romantic urban fantasy in which, as she did in Once Bitten, Twice Dead (whose leads support this tale), Bianca D'Arc refreshingly (and shockingly) has two humans fall in love. The story line is fast-paced for the most part as the stars battle zombies and Rodriquez and their attraction; however it slows down when Sandra turns lecturer explaining the zombie virus and her efforts for an antidote. Readers will want to join the scientist and the soldier at the front trying to prevent a zombie pandemic even as they fall in love.
Harriet Klausner
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Light, sexy read - Good continuation of the series
11 May 2011
Format:Paperback
In this installment of the series, Matt Sykes is the leader of a unique military team cobbled together to combat a number of scientists who accidentally created a zombie virus and are now using it as a weapon. Dr. Sandra McCormick is one of those original scientists who unknowingly created the original virus and is now trying to make amends. In the midst of fighting against this enemy in the shadows sparks fly between the two and they have to decide whether they should get involved and if they trust each other enough to make it work.
I'd forgotten the appeal of this series since I read the previous book. It's a fun, light and very sexy read. The men are Alphas but the women have all very successfully held their own in the series as cops, scientists, etc. They're not pushovers by any means which makes the story more appealing to me. We also get to see a lot of scenes with the main characters from previous books in the series which gives some nice continuity. There's definite chemistry between Matt and Sandra right off the bat. My only real criticism of the series overall is that the chemistry develops into true and lasting love within just days. Sure, it can happen but it's all just a little too quick for me. They don't really have to work for it. That being said, there's plenty of steaminess and zombies in the novel which makes for an action-packed story. I'll happily read the wrap-up novel when it comes out this summer.
I'd forgotten the appeal of this series since I read the previous book. It's a fun, light and very sexy read. The men are Alphas but the women have all very successfully held their own in the series as cops, scientists, etc. They're not pushovers by any means which makes the story more appealing to me. We also get to see a lot of scenes with the main characters from previous books in the series which gives some nice continuity. There's definite chemistry between Matt and Sandra right off the bat. My only real criticism of the series overall is that the chemistry develops into true and lasting love within just days. Sure, it can happen but it's all just a little too quick for me. They don't really have to work for it. That being said, there's plenty of steaminess and zombies in the novel which makes for an action-packed story. I'll happily read the wrap-up novel when it comes out this summer.
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