The Dark Ones

With a nearly five star rating from reviewers, I expected this book to be so much better than it was. Another reviewer mentioned the endless "beating around the bush without knowing what the bush is" that goes on in the book...I second that. It made for a boring read, which is too bad because with these kinds of characters, it should have been entertaining. For immortals, the characters were rather childish. The only character who seemed to have any maturity was the antagonist Cassius, which made him the only interesting one. The hero and the heroine were bland and boring, and the plot was thin and plodding. I kept reading to see if it picked up or became interesting; I quit with 60% left on my Kindle.

Like wow. Like known each other 15 minutes and then 'yay soulmates' ...oy. The descriptions were good. Heroine was strong, sometimes. It was easy to feel for cassius. Everyone else was ...iffy. No real desire to read the second.

Is there anything Rachel can't write? I have never...not ever...read a vampire story that I liked. This one...I couldn't put down. I read it in one day because I just couldn't stop. Not even of I wanted to. It was amazing, and sad, and hysterical, and mysterious, and ethereal, and happy, and well...amazing. Just freaking amazing!!!!!!

This was a very interesting book, full of twists and turns. Prophesy, free will,mates and tests, the few things this book is full of. The Dark ones are a force to be reckoned with for sure. I liked the book and all the characters.

Genesis was amazing.... This book was nothing like I thought it was going to be. Vampires, werewolves, sirens and half breads all brought this story together. This was definitely one of those hidden jewel books. A must read.

Writing is competent so no distractions from the characters and plotline, which aren't bad. But as most books that make use of Christianity, there is a lot of misuse of partially understood roles and inadvertent disrespect. If you're a Christian, you can either roll with it or be offended.

Interesting take on the supernatural. A love story with supernatural worked in. I ended up liking all the characters even though they were suppose have a bad part in the story. Lookin forward to next book.

I was skeptical at first because lately the paranormal genre has been lacking depth and good plotting. About half way through the first chapter I was hooked. I fell in love with this book and its characters and will definitely read more from this author!!!

Not Rachel’s best introductory to a series. But it still managed to get my attention with a big part of it being a free book. I will still go on with the series to see what happens, but not too excited about it as I was going into each book of her Elite Series.

The author put a good twist to vampires, weres, fairies, demons, angels, etc. that it was interesting enough. Now, I can't tell if it would be interesting enough to make it a series. I guess, I will have to wait for the second book and if by then it will still hold my interest.

I love the story and the twist on classic paranormal characters. I also enjoyed reading the story from the perspective of different characters vs the typical narrative. I can't wait to read the next one!

The dark ones is a different take on vampires, werewolves, fallen angels, etc. that we are accustomed to. I was a little confused because of it but then I remembered this is fiction so I just embraced it and enjoyed it. It was short and fast paced. The characters were likable and I would really like to read more of them all.

Halfway through the book, you are left in suspense as what she would do. Would she chose ***** or *****? Would she live through,or will it end like ***? By the time I finished the book, I was wanting more and smiling!

Great new paranormal series from Rachel Van Dyken! I loved this book so hard, the characters were all great and the story surrounding them was not like any of the paranormal stories I've read lately. The book drew me in and kept me there until the very end wanting to know more! I can't wait for the next book!

This book was so different than all the other books of Rachel's I have read in the best way possible. This was one of the best paranormal stories I have read in while. I can't want to see what the next one brings

Fantastic. Exciting. Entertaining. Romantic. Interesting. Well done.

I have never read this author before. I really enjoyed this book. It's a new take on old themes. It's really well done.