Dark Alpha’s Claim
Reaper, Book #1
By Donna Grant
ISBN# 9781466883383
Author’s Website: http://www.donnagrant.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi
Fae children grow up hearing stories of a mythical group of Fae called the Reapers. These stories are meant to scare children and to keep them on the straight and narrow, scaring them to keep them from straying from doing right in their lives. The Reapers are the boogeymen of Fae society and most believe they are just that, stories, but Baylon knows differently. After he was killed, by those he thought were his friends, he was visited by Death herself. Death enlisted him in her army of Reapers to eliminate the Fae that she has deemed guilty, those that deserve to die. She gave Baylon a boost in his magical powers, but they live by strict rules. They must remain anonymous, no Fae can know their identities, they must follow Death’s orders without question, and they are not allowed to have relationships of any kind. Baylon is fine with all that, until he meets a half-Fae that he can’t resist.
The leader of the Reapers, Cael, has given his men the latest order from Death, and none of them agree with it, to kill all half-Fae. They have never before killed mortals and they don’t understand why Death would want to start killing them off now, most don’t even know about the Fae, let alone that they have Fae blood. When Cael goes to question Death, he discovers that the order didn’t come from her, and now they must discover who sent the order. Had the Reapers followed the order, it would have meant their deaths for killing innocents.
While doing his usual rounds through the city, Baylon happens upon a half-Fae that is being cornered by the Dark. He quickly dispatches the Dark and sees the woman home safely. He knows it’s against the rules to form relationships and that he should walk away from Jordyn, as one time would never be enough, but once he kisses her and has her taste on his lips, there is no going back. If he must die, it’s worth it to be with her.
“One night. That’s all Baylon was allowed, but it wasn’t enough. Forever would never be enough.”
Baylon quickly realizes that the Dark aren’t going to quit attempting to kill Jordyn until she is dead, so not only can he not stay away, but now he’s the only one that can truly protect her. But what will his fellow Reapers say when they discover the pickle he’s gotten himself into?
This is the first book in a new spin-off series by Donna Grant, set in the world of her Warriors and Dragon Kings. I’ve honestly grown rather bored of the Dark Kings series, and wasn’t expecting much from this one either. I actually approached this book with a bit of dread if I’m being completely honest. But I’m happy to say that I actually really enjoyed this novella! The Fae have been the most interesting thing going on with the last several Dragon Kings novels, so maybe I shouldn’t be so surprised how much I liked this one, but I really am.
Baylon. I don’t think my words to describe him can really do him justice. I absolutely loved him. He was a force to be reckoned with in his role as Reaper, one of Death’s most promising servants. He knew the dangers that Jordyn posed to him, but once he jumped into that forbidden love, he jumped in all the way, with both feet.
“I know being with you means my death, but after the night I spent thinking you were dying, I don’t care. I need you. Do you understand that? I need you.”
It made me love him that much more. And, who doesn’t enjoy a forbidden love story? Baylon is everything you want in a hero: brave, protective, loyal, sexy, and talented between the sheets!
Jordyn came across as a sensible girl, despite her addiction to the Fae, and her desire to meet one in the flesh! Once she was with Baylon, she was willing to risk it all, if only so he could continue to live!
This was a pretty steamy read as well with all that hot Fae sex, I mean humans are throwing themselves at the Fae for some death by sex after all …. and let’s face it, if you’re going to go that’s got to be a pretty fun way to die!
This was a really enjoyable read, and that is saying a lot coming from me since not only were the Dragon Kings losing my interest, but I don’t usually like novellas. However, this one read like a full-length novel and I’m really happy I took the chance on it! I can’t wait to read more about these interesting and dangerous Fae in this new and promising series!
“If I’d known you were out there, I would’ve begun searching for you thousands of years ago.”
