Dark Legend

Gabriel, one of the legendary twins, awakes in a Paris cemetary after a couple of centuries of sleep. He is starving and worried because his vampire twin, Lucien, has risen before him. A young woman stops to help Gabriel, who has to fight not to drink blood from her for fear of killing her and condemning him to life as a Vampire. Instead he discovers that she is not only a Carpathian like him, but his lifemate as well. Now he not only has to defeat his twin, but keep his mate safe while he does so. The plot is further complicated by a young human girl who has been seriously abused, and assorted vampires who come hunting Gabriel's mate. This story is even more sexually graphic than the other novels in this series, but the sex scenes don't interfere with the story -- as they have in some of the Carpathian books. The characters are well fleshed and charismatic, Feehan manages to make her people individuals when it would be very easy to let all of the couples in this series carbon copies of each other. If I had a complaint it would be that I didn't really get a sense that this story took place in Paris -- there was no French culture, no French places. It could just have easily taken place in Paris, California.

I have been hooked on the Dark series since the first book and have not been disappointed with any book. With each new one, Christine Feehan adds more and more to the stories, keeping readers enticed. This newest book tells the story of Gabriel, one of the legendary ancient twin brothers that have been mentioned in past books. I loved both Gabriel and especially Francesca, who despite everything was able to accept Gabriel and not overlook her duties as his lifemate. With Dark Legend we are introduced also to Lucian, Gabriel's twin and his seemingly dangerous foe, or is he? Lucian was captivating, and it was refreshing to see the protagonists overcome something other than vampires or human enemies. The question in the book was centered around the fact that Lucian may have turned, and if he did, how is his twin to deal with him? This dilemna added a refreshing change to the book, keeping you in suspense. Along with interesting new characters (who I hope we will see more of), Dark Legend was a great addition to the Dark Series. I cannot wait until the next book.

This is the latest in Christine Feehan's amazing Dark Series. The plot revolves around legendary Carpathian hunter, Gabriel and his evil vampiric-turned brother Lucien. The heroine, Francesca, is a carpathian woman who is Gabriels' lifemate. I was very touched by Christine's portrayal of Gabriel grieving for his lost brother, and the memories he had of Lucien. Gabriel and Lucien have an extremely close and relationship, which was heart-warming and unusual in a romance novel. Francesca's independance and self-asuredness, made her a likeable heroine. I really had a sense of these characters as individuals, with needs and desires and not just cardboard cutouts. (Please don't be offended) but, my only quibble at all with this book is that I never got the feel that I was 'in France' even though this book were set there. The characters talked and acted like American's and I would've like to seen a more European flavor to this novel. Otherwise, I give it 5 stars for Gabriel alone! I can't wait for the next books and especially, Lucien's story!!

I have read and own every single one of Christine Feehan's brilliant "Dark" series. I love Gregori and Savannah's stories in particular. But this story, of Gabriel and Francesca is, simply put, the best she's ever written. Gabriel is not your typical Carpathian, nor is Francesca.Although Carpathian, Francesca has managed to fly "under the radar" of the all-knowing Carpathian males, including Mikhail, their prince, all of her life. After escaping in childhood from her homeland, she makes a life as an artist and philanthropist in Paris, by daringly shielding herself from the powerful Carpathian males. Gabriel, half of the powerful, legendary twins, who went to ground after a terrible batter, has awakened to find his world much changed. He meets Francesca upon rising and realizes almost immediately that she is his lifemate.Their story is different from the other Carpathian tales in that Gabriel, while incredibly powerful, is not quite a domineering as some of Feehan's other characters. Also, he deeply loves his brother, Lucian, who has become a vampire, and is tormented by the idea of having to kill his brother. While I thought that Gregori was my favorite Carpathian so far, Gabriel leaves him in the dust lifemate-wise.This book also sets up several intriguing new characters, who I'm sure will have stories soon.I wholeheartedly recommend this book. I really think it's the best of the series.