The Beast (Black Dagger Brotherhood #14) by J.R. Ward
Nothing is as it used to be for the Black Dagger Brotherhood. After avoiding war with the Shadows, alliances have shifted and lines have been drawn. The slayers of the Lessening Society are stronger than ever, preying on human weakness to acquire more money, more weapons, more power. But as the Brotherhood readies for an all-out attack on them, one of their own fights a battle within himself…
For Rhage, the Brother with the biggest appetites, but also the biggest heart, life was supposed to be perfect—or at the very least, perfectly enjoyable. Mary, his beloved shellan, is by his side and his King and his brothers are thriving. But Rhage can’t understand—or control—the panic and insecurity that plague him…
And that terrifies him—as well as distances him from his mate. After suffering mortal injury in battle, Rhage must reassess his priorities—and the answer, when it comes to him, rocks his world...and Mary’s. But Mary is on a journey of her own, one that will either bring them closer together or cause a split that neither will recover from.
My Review:
I'm going to get the initial gripes out of the way since they're minor and a regular occurrence with Wards books. A. The sub-plots really have to go. Ward, you're writing about the brothers. Write about them. Knock the other shit off. B. The backwards Ebonics and now digital slang # everything in your book - isn't cute. Stop it.
That being said I am thrilled. I repeat. Thrilled. That Ward has finally gotten over her hysteria of personal emotional turmoil and has allowed us readers a book of reprieve from the not so goodness she's carried over in her last few works. Regulars will know what I mean.
The Beast was totally worth reading because we get some actual intimate brother time on these pages for the first time in a long time. The brothers also are "growing up" which is nice to see because this loll that's had them stuck in neutral has been driving me bat shit.
We also get a surprise ending which I have to confess I already have bids on who's going to be the runner up.
Now I will admit that Ward may be playing fool until the big reveal which probably won't be for awhile (ugh) unless she does something to speed it up (most likely not) or drop hints OR come up with someone entirely new (too many Or's) which means that the BDB will probably be continuing for quite awhile. (yay?)
The reason behind my early assumption? The eye mention. Yeah... I'm fairly sure its her. If you don't get my drift re-read the earlier books.. That's all I'm saying. (For those of you who get it, let me know what you think who will take her place when you get the chance to read the book. I'd like to know your thoughts.)
I do want to say that I expected more 'beast' time but it was... "interesting" to get what we did. Don't have a whole lot to say about that half.
Thank you Ward for finally giving us a worth while investment this time around. I would have given the book 4 stars but I was just so happy to actually get a book I liked all the way through without having to toss it across the room that I'm rating it 5.
P.S. I still hate Layla... the scandalous bitch.
My Rating:
Reviewed By:
Note: I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley Publishing
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