Dark Watcher

New view of the magic world with a blooming love.

*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Two narrators for one book. I always love when we have a blend of male and female voices for a book. Rayna voices the chapters from Theodora's (Theo) POV. Jack voices the chapters from Dante's POV. I've enjoyed Rayna's voice previously, and do again. She has a calm about her tones that make me feel relaxed, which fits the character of Theo. Jack is new for me, but while listening it didn't feel that way. He voiced Dante's view with the feelings as the character would. I had to stop and think about the two voices after three chapters to realize they were voicing two different views of people. This is cool because we also get a feel for the POV's view of those they are talking to. The tones and innuendos from those around them and how they treat each other come out through the two different people. When Theo hears a voice or remembers hearing it, we get that voice from when Jack spoke it in Dante's chapter. This is a nice extra to get in audio.

Theo has a feeling something is off and when she sees a man who's following her, she acts with caution. She's anxious and worried. This is how she should be. But she's smart too. She thinks on what she's seen and felt. Her mind is always pondering and she asks questions, learning along with us about the creatures after her and The Circle Lightfall. This is a smart character. There's more to learn, I'm sure, but we get a strong feel of things here. Theo does have an insecurity though with relationships, like many people. But Theo is determined in life and will go where she's called to help others.

Lilith is great at lacing actions and characters with details that tell us of the world and why things are as they are. We gradually learn about the world through Dante's actions, the reason he's watching over Theo. The world and characters are formed as one as they are action and reaction to what's around.

This is the blooming of a love between Theo and Dante. It's intertwined with the action of the story and why Dante is here. We have the sweet moments where we can see there could be more between them. But they have to live through much more to get there, getting to know each other. We also have our action and fights as Dante protects Theo and the other witches.

I'm liking Dante. He's a big strong man who kills bad things for a living. Yet he's such a gentleman as well. He's like the bad guy girls love rolled together with the good guy you should be with. He's not perfect, but he's a great combo. But, Dante's had his share of trouble in the past, something he has to live with.

Such a great story. It's known what the characters want or don't want, and what they fight for. Then ultimately what the sacrifice is. But, what they get in the end feels as though it's more than what they wanted to begin with. It's going to be a difficult life, and I'm ready to follow them through the rest of the series.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Nice start to the series

I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

I really liked how this author created their magic system. I also thought the author did a great job of world building. The characters are believable and, for the most part, engaging. I enjoyed how the narration between Jack Wayne and Rayna Cole. I've really only encountered a handful of books narrated by multiple people that I enjoyed. There is definitely a heavy romance aspect to this book but it is balanced with a good amount of paranormal content. All in all, this was very enjoyable and I'd be open to continuing the series.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Different take on the 'magic'

As a Christian, I kept finding myself cringing here and there during the book. That tells me that this author made the world of magic, witches, watchers, and 'demons' (my word) way too believable. This is a good thing. I like books of fantasy that feel like it could happen is another time and place. The characters are believable. I like how she explains how finding the right partner comforts the pain inside of the hurting.
I listened to the audiobook version and I am conflicted in this part of the review. Both Jack Wayne and Rayna Cole does a good job of their part of the story. However, even though they were telling it from the 'male or female' point of view, it wasn't necessary. I felt that when Rayna Cole was telling from Theo's point of view, Theo sounded too 'weak' during the narration, but when Jack Wayne was telling from Dante's point of view, she was soft, but not weak. Simply my opinion, and definitely does not take away from either of their fantastic work.
I enjoyed the story enough that I would love to read/listen to book 2.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Okay Start of Series

I have read other books by this author that are much better. This one is okay. I would have liked more action, magic and character development. The narration was good and probably what kept me in it until the end - if I were reading I would have skimmed alot. Hopefully the series improves since I know the author is capable of more

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A+++

action packed , witches , watchers , and magic . I'll be looking FWD to more books in this series

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

An Awesome Listen

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher and found it very entertaining. I've always enjoy books about witches being hunted. This one has a slight twist, the witches have watcher to look after them. I wasn't sure if I'd like the fact that there was two narrators one for each main character. I found that it added to the experience and really enjoyed it. This is the first book in this series, with its interesting characters and suspenseful plot, I'll be listening to the next book. An exciting tale to listen to while travelling.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

More of a Romantic Fantasy

I would recommend this book to anyone and especially young adults who likes romantic fantasy. I did like the characters of Theo (a lightbringer) and Dante (a watcher and protector for the lightbringers). It was intriguing with the witches’ aspect and the action with the monsters but wanted more paranormal. I enjoyed The Society Series more. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Thank you

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great!

One of my all time favorite series! Narrators were great! They made a great book even better! Please make audiobooks of the rest of the series!

The Dark Versus The Light

Author Lilith Saintcrow has an amazing imagination. In this urban paranormal fantasy, witches can be Lightbringers who battle the Dark, bringing peace and healing. The Watchers, themselves imbued with darkness, nonetheless try to protect the light. The dual narration by Jack Wayne and Rayna Cole is so well handled that action flowed seamlessly and characters came fully to life. The immediate story is completed within the novel, but as you will have guessed from the title, there will be more! And I, for one, will be looking for volume 2 in this series.

Dark Watcher

Dante and Theo needed more depth and strength.

In a Paranormal / UF I expect the female characters to be especially kick ass, but it want the case in this book.

That said, I enjoyed the dynamics between Dante and Theo and the world building was well done.


Decent narration by Jack Wayne & Rayna Cole