Dark Illusion
Dark Series, Book #29
By Christine Feehan
ISBN: 9781984803467
Author Website: christinefeehan(.)com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Caro
Synopsis:
At any other time, Julija Brennan would find solace in the quiet of the Sierra Mountains, but now the mage is in the race of her life. Having broken free from her controlling family, Julija’s attempts to warn the Carpathians of the coming threat has failed and put a target on her back—and those who hunt her are close behind…
After centuries locked away in a monastery in the Carpathian Mountains, Isai Florea can’t believe he’s finally found his lifemate—the missing half of his soul. The second he sees Julija his world blazes with color. But despite their explosive connection Julija rebels against what she sees as Isai’s intent to control her and rejects the bond that would prevent him from becoming a monster.
As their unfulfilled bond continues to call to them both, Julija and Isai aim to complete the task that brought them together. They are used to facing danger alone, but now the mage and the ancient warrior must learn how to rely on each other in order to stop a plot that threatens all Carpathians. (Goodreads)
Review:
Carpathian Elisabeta and Mage Julija were able to escape their captors during the events of Dark Sentinel, and now both are on the road to recover both physically and mentally. But Julija has a mission to complete and that is finding Xavior’s spell book, a powerful book mages can use to destroy Carphathians. Julija isn’t sure of the book’s location but she is drawn to the person who took it to protect it. In order to find the book, Julija has to leave Elisabeta behind knowing that her friend needs all the support she can get at this moment.
During Julija’s journey she encounters Isai, one of the ancient Carpathians from the monastery who has come to the United States to help hunt the vampires. Isai finds in Julija his life mate and although they don’t have the same perspective of what a life mate means to them at first, they soon come to understand each other while on the search for the book.
I was really curious about Julija during the previous book, she had been taken and was a prisoner along with Elisabeta, but unlike her, Julija was a mage. Julija’s background story turned out to be a really interesting one, so much that I had to draw a family tree to keep track of her lineage. Julija is trying her best to show herself as more than just a mage to the Carpathians. She is going against her mage family because she knows that what they are doing is wrong, such as torturing animals and other living creatures. I was really surprised to know where she comes from and who her parents are, not to mention the other family she is related to. I still have questions about her and I can’t wait to see her interaction with the rest of the Carpathians in the following books.
I was also very excited to hear the mention of our fierce Dragonseeker women Skyler, Branislava, and Tatijana and how they defeated Xaviero a powerful mage. I am still waiting for more Carpathians from overseas to come and help solve the current problem with the Vampires. My hope is that Josef shows up to help 🙂
Although Isai is the other half of this book’s couple, I was very much pleased with the story focusing on Julija more than him. She has a tormenting childhood and what she needs now is Isai’s support to overcome her demons. As the story progresses, Isai becomes more understanding of Julija and the modern woman she is, which helps fortify their relationship.
The carpathians still have several enemies lurking in the shadows not just vampires but powerful mages as well. The last chapters of the books reveal great information, which fans can’t miss along with cool battle scenes. If you’re a long time fan of the Dark series you can’t miss this book! It has romance, vampires, action, magic and revealing secrets!
