PAPERBACK REVIEW

Shades of Darkness (Guardians of Eternity Book 16) by Alexandra Ivy

Description…..

The Guardians of Eternity think they’ve averted the disaster that could destroy them. But in New York Times bestselling author Alexandra Ivy’s world of temptation, lust, and secrets, one slip could change everything . . .

Chaaya endured centuries as a sacrifice, protecting her people from an evil that could destabilize all magic. At long last, her servitude is over—and she’s raring to have some fun. The baddest ghost-girl in Las Vegas has a talent for causing mayhem. And for getting under the skin of her solid, silent bodyguard, the vampire Basq . . .

Basq doesn’t let anyone close. He’s learned the costs of companionship. But reckless, disrespectful Chaaya, with her fiery temper and her fierce loneliness, isn’t like anyone else. Staying near her isn’t just a duty, it’s a hunger. When a prisoner of Chaaya’s last battle escapes, possibly seeking Chaaya’s nemesis, Basq isn’t letting her chase through a hellscape mirror London alone. But when the choice is between abandoning everything that’s kept them alive, or each other, survival will take not only desire—but trust . . .

Reading Order: 

Guardians of Eternity Series: 

When Darkness Comes

Embrace the Darkness

Darkness Everlasting

Darkness Revealed

Darkness Unleashed

Beyond The Darkness

Taken By Darkness (N)

Devoured by Darkness

Darkness Eternal

Bound By Darkness

Fear the Darkness

Levet

Darkness Avenged

Hunt the Darkness

A Very Levet Christmas

When Darkness Ends

Darkness Returns

Beware the Darkness

Conquer the Darkness

All About Levet

Sacrifice of Darkness

Shades of Darkness

Darkness Betrayed

Slayed by Darkness

Bewitched by Darkness

About the Guardians of Eternity

My Guardians of Eternity were inspired by my love for Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I was fascinated by the combination of action, comedy, and romance. And just as important to me was the friendships that developed between the characters. I was inspired to try and capture the same magic in my stories.

Each Guardian book is a separate love story filled with sexy vampires, plus a few drool-worthy werewolves, who are committed to protecting the world from a growing darkness. Along the way they each discover their mate, who are kick-ass women who bring their own special abilities to fight against evil. Oh, and there’s a stunted gargoyle with fairy wings and a big attitude named Levet. He can be counted on to bring lots of mayhem and humor to each book.

MAIN CHARACTERS:

Basq

Basq had once been a member of Tarak’s clan, but he went into hiding to avoid having his rare ability to create complete darkness used in battle. He prefers to stay in the shadows, but no female is immune to his muscular body and pale, boldly carved features. His brown hair brushes his shoulders and the top layer is kept pulled back to reveal his astonishing eyes. They’re rimmed with a deep brown and progressively lightened to a pure white center. Eyes that you never forget.

Chaaya the Gatekeeper

The daughter of a druid priestess, Chaaya was sacrificed when she was a young teenager. After endless centuries trapped in a literal hell she finally has the opportunity to live. And she’s not going to waste a single second. She has a perfect oval face with large dark eyes and a soft pink lips. Her dark hair is cut short, almost buzzed to the skull to reveal the Celtic tattoos that trail down the side of her neck. She wears leather pants and a matching leather jacket and never leaves home without her copper spear belted around her waist.

Publication Date 10/11/2020

My Review…. 

I love this series, and was very excited when I found they were doing another book. When I looked back, I’ve realised I’ve missed a few books, so after this one I need to go back …..

Chaaya was a sacrifice to keep a great evil contained. But now she’s just human, well that’s not quite true, yes she can fight like an Amazon warrior, but she’s more than that. And as we read, we find out more and more. 

Basq is a warrior not a babysitter!

But Basq is hiding something, his feelings for Chaaya, at first it was annoyance at being her babysitter, but keeping an eye on her has given him a chance to see her, the warrior, woman. And now he’s fighting crazy feelings that just won’t quit! 

The evil they thought they had contained may be loose again! So Basq and Chaaya are sent out to investigate. And are soon up to their necks in portals and trouble. 

And we have my favourite gargoyle crashing through the book. His grasp on the English language is still as bad. His ego is still large and intact. He is the comic relief we need when things get to heavy. He always manages to annoy the males, and he makes the females love him (like a puppy) 

Chaaya and Basq are great, I liked the banter these had with each other and other characters. I get the feeling Chaaya has been a pawn for a long time, and now she needs to strike out. She’s so funny, her wit is quick and her tongue sharp! Making the most of life after the hell she lived previously. 

Basq is a vampire with troubles, (like all the previous vampires in this series) there is a lot to his backstory that had me wanting to go back and read the previous couple of books. (Characters usually show up in a few books before that get their story) You can read this book without reading the others, but there a thread that connects each book, so although you don’t miss too much, it did feel like I was missing somethings!

A book I’d highly recommend, in fact the whole series is worth a look.

🦋