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Christine Feehan delivers the most startling novel yet in her “must-read” series (Night Owl Reviews) as an immortal male comes to the end of a long and violent journey—to reach a far more dangerous and inescapable threat…
As brutal as the undead he hunted, executioner Zacarias De La Cruz’s savage journey is over. After a thousand years in a gray world, he has accomplished everything he set out to do. His brothers are safeguarded, and each has a woman who completes him. But with his centuries as a killing machine now left to the past, and without a hunt to define him, Zacarias wonders, for the first time in his life, who he really is.
The answer awaits him in the vengeance of an old enemy, in the consequences of a bloody family legacy and in Marguarita, a woman he once saved—his lifemate, his deliverance, and the greatest risk yet to both their lives.
Bonus: Includes Deleted Scenes—This Edition Only
“The queen of paranormal romance.”—USA Today
“After finishing [Dark Predator], I'm still in full hard swoon mode. I feel like I've run an emotional marathon…an amazing book.”—Reviews from the Heart
Anonymous
Posted Sat Sep 10 00:00:00 EDT 2011
I have waited year after year for Zacarias De La Cruz's story and who would get the HONOR of becoming his Life Mate, only to be very disappointed in the way both the characters were written.
We have been told over the years that Zacarias was one of the Greatest and Strongest Carpathian Warrior/ Hunters alive and that he was feared by vampires and Carpathians. We are also, told over and over how Carpathian Males Love, Cherish and Protect their Life Mates above all others. This didn't happen in this book. My first point is I did not fine Zac to be that great of a Warrior or Hunter. He didn't have the skill or the strength of a Gregori,a Dominic or a Lucian. He didn't have strength enough to keep his L.M. Marguarita from being savagely beaten by human vampire hunters who invaded their home. He would have died by the hands of his oldest and greatest vampire enemy, if Solange Life Mate to Dominic had not answered his call for help and return the day before to give him her Royal Blood, this is all that saved him. My second point is my beloved Zacarias was turned into an abusive monster. He abused his L.M. Marguarita both physically and mentally, on more than one occasion, he said it was to teach her a lesson. Others have justified Zac's behavior by saying he did this because he didn't recognizes her as his L.M.,he didn't feel any emotions or see in color like other Carpathians males did when they first encountered their L.M.. Now that's just strange to me because in all 21 books before this one the male immediately felt emotions and saw in color. Zacarias was different, but so was Gregori and Julian. I didn't like this new change in Zac. I was disappointed in how Zac was written all around.
My second point of disappointment was his Life Mate Marguarita, she was an abuse spouse and she acted like it, Marguarita was very submissive and fearful of what he was going to do to her if she disobeyed, But it was OK because he was the Great Zacarias De La Cruz, even when he picked her up and threw her into the wall; after DS the human vampire hunter had kicked and beaten her for hours.!! Her psychic gift was not that impressive either. I call her the horse whisperer . I wanted a Great Life Mate for a Great Warrior/Hunter and I did not get that in this book for either of them. Zac only gets a Half of his HEA, he only can see in color or feel emotions when Marguarita is with him. The possibility is out their for him to still turn vampire, if something happens to Marguarita. What a disappointment End!!
Why make devoted fans wait a year to find out Zac's L.M was Just Poor Submissive Marguarita. I SAY ADVERTIZING STUNT!!! To promote book sales!!
The story is not romantic or sensual as the other books in the Dark Series. I did not feel the love or bonding between Zacarias and Marguarita. I can only hope the next book in the series is better.
I think it must be very hard for Ms. Feehan to write 4 different series at the same time. Something is going to go lacking and Dark Predator was indeed Very Lacking all around. I can only give this book 1 star and I would suggest if you are reading this series, to get this book from the library!!
28 out of 32 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Rachel_Bruce
Posted Wed Sep 07 00:00:00 EDT 2011
As a long time fan of the Dark Series, I was exceedingly disappointed in this latest installment and wish I could get a refund for my Kindle purchase. I am accustomed to the purply Carpathian prose, the formula battles with vampires and the over the top love scenes in her series and after 22 books of the same thing, I usually skim through those parts. However, after all of the build up in anticipation that Feehan created about Zacarias' story in her previous books, this was anticlimactic at best. I was, frankly, bored. The overabundance of description and the singular lack of dialogue meant that I started flipping pages to get to what I thought was going to be good stuff. Turns out, Feehan neglected to provide the readers with the good stuff...the satisfaction of having Zac's brothers and their lifemates rally around to provide feel good moments in the story, to celebrate Zac even finding a lifemate. This story could have been told in a novella or anthology. I bought this eBook on another site based on all of the reviews here (it was cheaper), but will not be buying anymore of her books and will be checking them out at the library instead. Come to think of it...as I write this review, I realize that the De la Cruz volumes in this series left much to be desired. Lesson learned...if you really want to read this book, wait for the library or buy it in hard copy and take it back when you are done. This was a wallbanger, but my smartphone is too expensive to throw against the wall.
19 out of 26 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Tue Sep 06 00:00:00 EDT 2011
Predictable... no mystery here. Amazon bloggers guessed the lifemate right away. So hoping not true! Hoping for a bigger surprise. Dark Peril hit you in the face with the answer. One of the Aunts would have been great. Male and female ancients and female loving modern female roles. Not a hit this time. Rather read dark prince for the 10th time.
15 out of 20 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.theReader278
Posted Wed Sep 07 00:00:00 EDT 2011
I Also Recommend:
I loved reading this wonderful dark but interesting book .It's the perfect sequel in the series. As always can't wait again to read the next one.
12 out of 21 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Sun Sep 11 00:00:00 EDT 2011
I usually enjoy these for a fun read. But this book had several negatives, it was hard to get into, no mystery, and the characters weren't that likable. Additionally, there was no furtherance of the overall plot line that more recent books have been exposing. This just rehashed memories of old plot lines. It appeared just put together with old stories and nothing new. You can skip this one and not miss it. If you must read, please save your money and wait until it is in paperback and the ebook price goes down..
11 out of 13 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Fri Sep 09 00:00:00 EDT 2011
I finally finished Dark Predator yesterday. After waiting so long, the desire to devour it was overwhelming. I'm so glad I read it slowly, to savor it, to not rush through Zacarius and Marguarita's story. It was compelling, to say the least. The story, which focuses primarily on their relationship, took us on an emotional journey that provided a true understanding of who Zacarius really is. Who could possibly save Zacarius ... this earth and cave dwelling predator with a shattered soul and darkened spirit. Only Marguarita could, a slip of a woman, an independent free spirit, raised in the male dominant Peruvian culture, and a "beautiful lunatic". Unable to speak, she is the bright light and driving force that, bit by bit, weakens his steel encased heart to save him. Predator is different from the other books in Christine's series because Zacarius is "DIFFERENT". His life experience is different, his relationships with family and humans is different, even his decision to not search for his lifemate is different. I've come to think of the Dark Series old world Carpathian males as "superheroes". Powerful, passionate, invincible, with strength beyond measure. Strength comes in many forms, and Predator proves just how strong Zacarius can be. It also shows, that like humans, Carpathians can have their weaknesses too. For those of you that complain about the "cookie cutter" book formula, Predator definitely scored out of the box. Christine has stirred the pot, added a new flavor, and enhanced the layer to our multi-dimensional heroes. This is a different kind of love story and Zacarius does get his "happily ever after" .... just differently
11 out of 14 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Fri Sep 09 00:00:00 EDT 2011
Zacarias was a horrible character, still didn't beat Rafael. The story would have been nice, if she got her voice back after the change and he heard for the first time and was brought fully into the light. Also would have been nice to include his brothers and their lifemates.
11 out of 16 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Sat Sep 10 00:00:00 EDT 2011
This is the long awaited book of Zacarias and Marguarita. The beginning is very exciting and sad when Zacarias says goodbye to his brothers. The book goes downhill from there and stays there. Zacarias is abusive to Marguarita throughout the book and for that reason I do not consider it a love story. There is little action. The fight scene at the end of the book between Zacarias and Ruslan is ho hum, and Zacarias is unable to defeat him, but after he drinks Solange's royal blood, he carries Ruslan's body into the sun to fry. So, Solange defeats the most powerful master vampire and Zacarias looks like a fool. Very disappointing book in a series that I love.
9 out of 12 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Sat Sep 17 00:00:00 EDT 2011
This book is NOT for anyone who has ever been in an abusive relationship. It is written as if they are valid reasons for such abuse. That said... Book begins well and quickly slides downhill. It strays away from normal Dark Series books - Carpathians cherish their women. Not big brother, Zac. In previous books, the brothers are all in tune with each other and ask mentally if help is needed. None of his brothers FELT his turmoil? None of his brothers were overly concerned when their eldest brother declared his plan to walk into the sun? This book is so off track for the Dark Series. He is abusive and a bully, she is pathetic. I could not relate to either character. The spiders were very well written though. Perhaps Ms. Feehan is writing too many books at once and has others writing her Dark series for her?
8 out of 10 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Sun Sep 11 00:00:00 EDT 2011
Horrible. I can't believe she wrote this dribble. Boring. stale. He was abusive mentally & physically. His brothers never make an appearance after the beginning. I mean, whats up with that? It didn't keep with the series. I think she rushed through this and I'm more than a little irritated that I spent over $12 on it. What a rip off.
8 out of 11 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Thu Sep 08 00:00:00 EDT 2011
I have been waiting for this book to come out for months. And was very disappointed with this book, it lack the Feehan vibe. The first two chapters were great, I was hooked. After that i was just waiting for it to end. I really wish I can get a refund. I love the series and want to know whats going to happen with the two sisters and skyler. Hopefully the next one will good.
8 out of 12 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I love all the Dark Series books except this one. Zacarias is a strong character and should have had a strong story. I understand his soul being in shreds, (we were told enough times in the book), and the "dark" shadows he lived with all his life, but I don't feel that gave him the excuse to go completely against Carpathian nature and abuse his life mate. It just doesn't fit with what I have loved about the Carpathian men. Without any other Carpathian's to interact with, many things were said over and over just to fill up pages. Not up to par. I hope the next book will be back to Miss Feehans great writing. Also, the book talks about Zacarias having long hair and the cover for the Nook version shows it short. Just an observation.
7 out of 9 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Fri Sep 09 00:00:00 EDT 2011
And it seems Ms Feehan's streak ran out with book 21 in this series. As I read the book, I felt as if the pairing of the characters was off or pushed; like trying to force a square block in a round hole. After reading the first 21 books in this series, the writing style itself was different; the characters and plot were in line with the series but the book had a different feel to it. When reading authors' works the books give off 'vibes', for lack of a better word, and this book was missing that vibe. I don't know what went wrong with this book but I don't see myself buying the next one; I'll probably wait to check it out of the library or spend my lunch hour reading it at the local bookstore.
7 out of 10 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Thu Sep 08 00:00:00 EDT 2011
I am a long time fan of the Dark Series. Zacarias and Marguarita's story is another 5 star addition. Although there is not as much action as in Dark Slayer, another of the Malinov Brothers is taken out, edging one step closer to getting rid of the major plotters against Mikhail. Marguarita, has no voice to clue Zacarias with colors and emotions that she is his lifemate which leads to interesting twists in how they come together. It was an excellent change from previous books, forcing the pair to concentrate on each other rather than knowing immediately they were lifemates. Ms. Feehan has told us in previous books that Zacarias was Seriously old school and having grown up with overbearing chauvinistic men, I thought Marguarita's handling of Zacarias' alpha tendencies was brilliant. All hunters have had to take out friends and family, however the scene where he had to kill his own father was heartbreaking. He was tortured by that as deeply as Jacques was in Dark Desire and that was the beginning of my bonding with Zacarias. Yes, Zacarias is a serious chest beating "I am the man and you will obey" alpha Carpathian, however this is normal for Carpathians and the women always learn how to make them understand who is actually in charge. Marguarita did it with just the right touch of disobedience and subtle humor. Marguarita's understanding of what made him tick was balanced with the knowledge she had from years of knowing what he was and the pure fear most of us would feel when faced with a predator like Zacarias and yet she faced her fear and picked her battles thoughout the book, a winning combination in my mind. All in all I LOVED it.
6 out of 9 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Tue Jun 07 00:00:00 EDT 2011
Everyone who reads Christine Feehan books, knows that this one will be as wonderful as the rest...BUT.....we need it in NOOK book form!!!!!!
6 out of 15 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I waited for a long time for this book and i was so upset that i wasted my time on this book..As one person said the beginning was good and after that it was DOWN HILL...CF made Z sound so cold..M seemed more like a slave than his lifemate...please dont waste your money and see if you can borrow the book from a friend....
5 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Sat Sep 10 00:00:00 EDT 2011
Dark Predator was a book that had my emotions all over the place. Love the choice of his lifemate. She is the perfect part for his dark side and a every fundamental part in his future life.
5 out of 9 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Sat Sep 10 00:00:00 EDT 2011
I am nevet disappointed in any of her books. This one very different from the rest. More time spent on help us understand Zacarias but I loved how his "little lunatic" help him understand himself and become the lifemate she needed. I will be re-reading this one again to see what i missed the first time around. Can't wait to see what is being blogged on her website.
5 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Wed Sep 07 00:00:00 EDT 2011
Best one ever!!
4 out of 12 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Fri Jun 10 00:00:00 EDT 2011
Thanks Barnes & Noble for providing Dark Predator in the e-book format. Please add the trailer that is now available:it is fantastic!
4 out of 10 people found this review helpful.
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Overview
Christine Feehan delivers the most startling novel yet in her “must-read” series (Night Owl Reviews) as an immortal male comes to the end of a long and violent journey—to reach a far more dangerous and inescapable threat…
As brutal as the undead he hunted, executioner Zacarias De La Cruz’s savage journey is over. After a thousand years in a gray world, he has accomplished everything he set out to do. His brothers are safeguarded, and each has a woman who completes him. But with ...