Dark Legend (Dark Series)

I am usually not one for reading books that are in a series but something drew me to read several of the books in this series. I can say Dark Legend was one of my favorites in the series, probably my favorite as far as lifemates go. It was unique with how the male lead, Gabriel, wasnt like a typically possesive lifemate. He tried to understand his lifemate and let her come to terms with what was happpening in her own time and also allowed her to continue friendships with other males, although he really didnt approve of it. I love how each book is differnet and doesnt seem to repeat like I have found in some series (reason why I dont read bi=ooks in a series anymore). I recomment this book to anyone looking for a good read. Also these books dont have to be read in order.

I have been sampling books in this series, starting with DARK PRINCE (bk 1), and then the books about the twin vampire hunters - DARK LEGEND and DARK GUARDIAN. This paranormal romance is both addictive (a bit like chocolate!) and yet frustrating. Why? I will let know you know at the end.
A brief summary for those with no experience of Christine Feehan: she writes books about a society of beings who are not quite vampires. The Carpathians, in Feehan's world, are supernatural beings who can live very long lives and have remarkable powers. They have their own laws (physical, spiritual as well as social/legal). One of these laws forces them to drink blood, although they are *not* vampires. [Vampires are long-lived Carpathians gone bad, to put it briefly. Vampires kill humans, and derive pleasure and other feelings from pain. Carpathians don't kill in that way].
Their numbers are shrinking rapidly, partly due to a massive battle in the 1400s (referred to briefly in two books), and partly due to the fact that there are virtually no female Carpathians left. Few children are born, and those who survive are fewer. No female children are being born.
Adult male Carpathians need a life-mate however; mere sex with a human or a Carpathian female will not do. Those who fail to find a lifemate and have lived far too long either choose to face the dawn (the sun will kill them) or to become vampires (i.e. they go bad). Carpathians have tried in the past to convert human females without success, and they are now having greater success with full-blown psychic human females.
The typical Carpathian male is not only drop-dead gorgeous but also what I would call "super-alpha". Completely unable to take a no from his partner (or would-be partner). The idea of Carpathian society is that women (being so few) and children (also so few) are to be protected. When a Carpathian male finds his lifemate, he is not willing to take no for an answer. Sounds a bit like a Stephanie Laurens hero, right? Somewhat magnified of course.
I was fortunate enough to pick up three of the more interesting books in the series, with no objectionable heroines. In the first book DARK PRINCE, the head of Carpathian society is about to seek the sun when he finds his lifemate. The fact that she was a human psychic terrified of being enclosed in earth (part of the Carpathian sleep and healing rituals) and also a vegetarian made that book interesting. Unfortunately, things went downhill from the middle.
This book DARK LEGEND (and its twin book DARK GUARDIAN) showcase the strenghts and weaknesses of Feehan's world. In this book, the legendary vampire hunter Gabriel has been asleep for centuries, resting after having sealed his twin Lucien who has apparently turned into a vampire. Gabriel awakens in 20th century Paris to discover that his twin has disappeared (woken before him) and that he himself is perilously close to turning (becoming a vampire). He is taken for a vagrant when he is provided food and shelter by a young woman Francesca who offers him her own blood to replenish him. Francesca is not your typical heroine in more ways than one. She is firstly remarkably gifted, in that she can heal patients from within. She is also not quite who she appears to be. Suffice to say, that Gabriel makes her his lifemate without her consent.
Gabriel's relationship with Lucien and a subplot involving a talented but abused child Skylar are the two best parts of this novel. Throughout the novel, we see the tension gripping Gabriel as he tries to find his vampire twin. Can Gabriel kill Lucien when he finds him this time? But if Lucien is a vampire, why is he behaving so strangely? Why, especially, is he protecting and comforting Skylar?
My problems with the novel were that two marvellous components were wasted. Firstly, Francesca's powers and her unusual self-education should have meant that she would react differently to Gabriel's claim on her. Apart from some mild irritation, she seems to placidly accept Gabriel's claim, as is his right. There is no real tension between the couple once she has made this decision (and it comes early). That spoils most of the book for me.
Secondly, Francesca's friend Bryce (a medical doctor) could have been made far more nuanced, far more sympathetic. Instead, from becoming an apparently admirable character, he is made a character who is willing to sell his friend's secrets for his own advancement - and worse. It would have been so much more interesting to see him remain basically decent, or if he had to be made the pseudo-villain, to watch the change occur in him. I would have liked to see Francesca's relationship with Bryce be far more serious than it was, and to watch all three of them struggle with Gabriel's claim on her.
Finally, the story takes place in 20th century Paris, but there is almost no sense of local color, local people and history playing any part.
All this brings me back to the central problem with this series. The heroes are so alpha that they completely overwhelm the females. And with one or two rare exceptions (Dark Challenge, Dark Guardian, and a short story), the heroines become relatively passive, even when they are clearly not comfortable with the life and ideology of the Carpathians (as was Raven). The problem is that super-alpha heroes are all very fine, but every now and then, you want a heroine who will say "no" [and the hero will actually listen].
Dark Legend, with a Carpathian hero AND heroine, had so much promise going for it. I loved the beginning, and the three (four, counting Lucien) principal characters who were introduced early in the book. Pity about the rest of it.
Rating 3.3.
Recommendation = Good read, but DARK GUARDIAN is more interesting plot-wise.

After reading all of the Dark series, I've come to the conclusion that Feehan either hits the target on the bullseye or misses it completely. She will write a fairly intriging if somewhat repetative story or tripe. This falls into the tripe catagory with Dark Prince and Dark Gold.
Legendary Carpathian Vampire-Hunter, Gabriel is awakened from his century old slumber, weak and disorinted. This is a bad thing because his evil twin brother, Lucien, is also up and about terrorizing Paris. As he searches the series for a human blood donor, he meets Francesca, professional do-gooder. She seems to be a human but in fact she is a female Carpathian who has expiremented with herbs to make herself human so she may eventually take her good friend, Dr. Bryce as a husband and live a mortal's lifespan. She is his lifemate so that means Gabriel is going to claim her, ruin all her plans, and basically take over every aspect of her life.
Francesca is a psuedo-fiesty heroine. She says 'no' to him, but in the end she always submits becuase her resistance is only token. There's gotta be something to create tension. The tension only lasts a little while becuase by chapter four Francesca and Gabe are mating and she's forgiven him for ruining all her plans. Oh yeah, Francesca is also mad at him for 'rejecting' her centuries ago.
Another problem is Dr. Bryce. He's given faults a plenty and the only real reason to make him such a weak petty person is that he likes the heroine. Human males so like the heroines are destined to a) be killed by vampires or b) turn into psuedo-villians. Bryce becomes a drug addict whose under a vamp's control. The book could have had so many new deminsions if Bryce had actually been a nice man whom Francesca had genuine feelings.
There are vampires o' plenty that Gabe must destory, but this legendary hunter comes off as inept to emphasize that Lucien is more powerful of the two and as always the vampires are pathetic non-threatening (to Carpathians) ugly things. This is set in Paris, France but it could be Paris, CA for lack of European atmosphere or even French names. The only saving grace in the story is Skyler, a abused teenager than Fran and Gabe take in. She has a sixth sense so she'll probably be back later as a lifemate.
Feehan seems to be getting more sensual with each book, but in Legend, this is a bad thing. The prose are so purple that I laughed several times!
All I say is Dark Legend could have been much more than it was due to Feehan's clumsy handling. It needed more tension, and Feehan gave herself many oppurtunities to do just that but she chose to steer clear and stick to her tired old formula. Dark Guardian is so much better.

I've been awaiting Gabriel's story for ages, little realising that he would be upstaged by his lifemate, Francesca.
Gabriel is tired. He is awakened from a rest which lasted for a few centuries and immediately knows, that Lucian, his twin is also at large. Lucian, the twin who has apparently let the darkness win but who still maintains a strong connection to his brother and who, strangely enough, is still strongly protective of him.
Francesca is probably the most interesting Carpathian female to date. She has reached the full potential which a Carpathian woman can and is every bit as strong as any Carpathian male. Her power is not "diluted" in the manner in which Desari and Syndil's was, maybe because she has had to fend for herself for centuries. And, as a healer, she seems to be stronger even than Grigori!
The story is fascinating, as gripping as Dark Prince and Dark Desire were, the interrelationship between the main characters interesting. There is also a dark edge, both due to Gabriel's heartbreaking mission (destroying Lucian who behaves very atypically as a vampire) and due to Skyler's history of abuse.

I know there are several novels before this one, but alas, the 'bodice-ripper-clench' covers totally turned me off. This is the first one I've read, and it was pretty enjoyable.
Except...it seemed to me that Francesca's first experience with Gabriel was forced. I enjoy power plays between men and women, but this appeared to me a throwback to the old 'rape me and I'll love you forever' scenarios so prevalent in the early 80's.
Francesca was a character I liked, though I wish she'd a bit more spirit where Gabriel was concerned.
Gabriel wasn't too far from the typical romantic hero trope, but he was likeable just the same. His concern for his twin Lucian was believable.
Basically, the Carpathian males are just the way romance readers for the most part like their men--strong, silent and protective.

Christine Feehan has once again created a fantastic world of the paranormal and romance. Fans of the series will be very, very satisfied with the portrayal of a pair of legendary twins that have been alluded to in previous books. Lucien and Gabriel are vampire hunters of mythical status in the Carpathian community but they both disappeared in the mid-1700's and were presumed to be dead. It was also suspected that Lucien had turned vampire and that Gabriel was hunting his twin brother when the two vanished. Modern technology wakes both brothers when heavy machinery disturbs the earth in which they are resting. Gabriel is desperate to feed when he is found by a beautiful young woman who attempts to help him. Horrified that he will probably kill her in his need, Gabriel is then stunned to discover that upon taking her blood that he's found his lifemate. Francesca is the most interesting female character that Feehan has created to date. She is strong, independent, and like Desari (another ancient female in Dark Challenge) she has her own powers and most importantly has developed away from the Carpathian culture and vampires. Francesca knew as a young woman that Gabriel was her lifemate but believed that he had rejected her in order to fight to save their people. She has accomplished a great deal in her life and is looking to find affection if not love, age and then die. Naturally, Gabriel is having none of that and sets forces in motion to see that Francesca is bound to him in such a way that she won't seek the relief of the next life. This book is by far the best written with fewer repetitions of phrases, a more varied vocabulary, and the most powerful female lead to date. It should be noted that the Dark Series is for the strong of heart, the love scenes, battle scenes, and situations are intense without the extreme violence of Laurel Hamilton's characters. All in all, a very entertaining read.

This was a great rebound for Ms. Feehan. She started to come back, in my eyes, with "Dark Fire" but this completed it.
Gabriel is an ancient who was sent out by Mikhail's, "Dark Prince", father to rid to world of vampires. He and his twin brother, Lucien, left together but his twin turned to the dark side..or did he? The brothers are finding it hard, still after hundreds of years, to break the bond between them even though one is the hunter and the other is the hunted. After a horrible fight together, Gabriel wakes and is looking to feed when he runs into a woman, Francesca Del Ponce, who offers her assistance. What comes from the chance meeting sets her life out of kilter and gives his a whole new meaning.
I cant wait for Lucien's story!! *kicks the publishers in the pants* HURRY UP!

I saw that Dark Fire & Dark Legend have gotten better reviews than the other Feehan "Dark" series, so I purchased Dark Legend to give the series another chance.
I recently read Dark Fire and that is my second favorite book in the series after Dark Prince. However, Dark Legend reminds me of all the things I dislike about this series. If I hadn't have read Dark Fire, my disgust would be total. The plotline for Dark Legend returns to the same type of Stephanie Laurens-like cookie cutter plotline and conflict as the other "Dark" books.
This time around, I was struck by the hypocrisy of exalting the Carpathian race. Carpathians suck humans' blood against their will and an extremely high percentage of the males become murderous vampires. The Carpathian hunter cult started to look appealing.
I saw the movie Kate & Leopold over Christmas and the secretary in it was reading "Dark Challenge". I recognized it and laughed and then I thought, "Why that book? Why didn't they product place a more creative romance like a Jennifer Crusie or Laurell K. Hamilton?" I see how the romance genre comes by its sometimes deserved reputation.

I have been hooked on the Dark series since the first book and have not been disappointed with any book. With each new one, Christine Feehan adds more and more to the stories, keeping readers enticed. This newest book tells the story of Gabriel, one of the legendary ancient twin brothers that have been mentioned in past books. I loved both Gabriel and especially Francesca, who despite everything was able to accept Gabriel and not overlook her duties as his lifemate. With Dark Legend we are introduced also to Lucian, Gabriel's twin and his seemingly dangerous foe, or is he? Lucian was captivating, and it was refreshing to see the protagonists overcome something other than vampires or human enemies. The question in the book was centered around the fact that Lucian may have turned, and if he did, how is his twin to deal with him? This dilemna added a refreshing change to the book, keeping you in suspense. Along with interesting new characters (who I hope we will see more of), Dark Legend was a great addition to the Dark Series. I cannot wait until the next book.

At long last we meet one of the legendary twins Gabriel. After reading about them in earlier books I couldn't wait to read their stories.
Gabriel is awakened after spending a few hundred years in the ground. So has his dark twin Lucian. He knows that soon Lucian will start his killing spree again & that he must, at all costs destroy his beloved brother. Especially now that he has found his lifemate Francesca & is caring for a very badly scared young girl, Skyler. He knows Lucian will bring them into their game.
Their final battle is one of the most heart-rending passages I have ever read. It brings tears to your eyes. Thank you Chris for giving us all the most magnificent series I have ever read.

Move over Gregori and step out of the spotlight. A new Carpathian is taking your place as my favorite of you domineering, slightly Neanderthalish immortals.

Wow. To say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book is an understatement, and giving it 5 stars is not enough. In 'Dark Legend' readers are introduced to the legendary Carpathian twins, Gabriel and Lucian. Their story left off hundreds of years ago after Gabriel, fighting the turned-vampire Lucian, and his twin brother disappear from their people. Many concluded that Gabriel died destroying his beloved brother Lucian.

Now the story picks up in modern day Paris when Gabriel is awakened after placing himself and his brother in a deep slumber to save the world from Lucian's dark powers. After rising and in desperate need for blood, Gabriel finds himself in the prescence of a beautiful, gentle, worldly woman named Francesca del Ponce.

I'd like to state now that although I enjoy reading about the psychic women turned Carpathian fledglings, I love it even more when we are told the story of ancient Carpathian women who have managed to elude their domineering male counterparts. Just as strong and just as alluring, this book would not have been the same without Francesca and her indominable personality and strength.

I don't want to give out anything else, since I think anyone reading Feehan's Dark series should read this installment and find out for themselves. And although I knew immediately that Lucian was not what he seemed (Have only one of the beautiful twins survive? Christine, you would not be so cruel), it didn't take away from the book.

However, as a closing, I sincerely hope that Feehan will create a book for Skyler and her potential lifemate, whoever that may be. Skyler is just as courageous and indominable as her adopted mother, and deserves a telling and love of her own.

"Dark Legend" by Christine Feehan was great! Gabriel and Francesca are wonderful. I started to write a brief summary of the book, but I don't want to ruin anything for anybody. I'll just say that it is great. The main characters are a great match and Feehan introduces several secondary characters and the suggestion of one ļ that leaves me anxious for the next two books in the series.
After her last book, "Dark Fire" which I thought was a bit predictable and poorly written compared to previous books in her series, I was worried that she was writing this series too fast, and had lost the magic of the series. It was just a small blip though and "Dark Legend" is everything that I could have hoped for from Feehan, dark, sexy and mysterious. I'm back to anxiously waiting for the next installment in this fun series.

This is one of the best "Dark" books in the series. It flowed smoothly from scene to scene. My emotions rollercoasted. Gabriel, alone for so long, wanting and not wanting to end his brother's existence, finally meets his lifemate. Of course, typical man that he is, he meets her a few centuries after she knew he was her lifemate. She has done the impossible and hidden herself away from ALL Carpathians and vampires for a thousand years. I like the fact that she is strong and independent and tells Gabriel to his face that though he may have said the ritual words, she is still planning on leaving him, something no Capathian man can allow. This was truly one of the best of the series. Can't wait for Lucien's story.

I have been addicted to the doc series from the beginning. Own all of them and every other series from this author. She wants again did it again by this book and the characters were wonderful excellent read

I have been a voracious reader since I was old enough to read and Ive read thousands & thousands of books through the years, some good, some not-so-good. Christine Feehan's books ---- EVERY ONE of them --- are unique, fascinating, filled with the beautiful concept of love-everlasting and soul mates (life mates). DARK LEGEND is the newest in Christine's DARK SERIES and just as special as the previous ones. Christine has this wonderful talent of writing strong emotions that come sizzling right off the pages.
The story of the legendary twins Gabriel (and Lucien) has been long awaited. Francesca is Gabriel's lifemate, and a unique woman. She is a Carpathian and a healer. She and Gabriel are well matched.
This story keeps you turning those pages, anxious to get to the end to see what happens, yet reluctant to finish because it means you'll have another long wait for the next one!
ANOTHER FANTASTIC BOOK IN CHRISTINE'S DARK SERIES, AND A DEFINITE KEEPER AS ALL HER OTHERS ARE!

A powerful Carpathian who bound himself to his evil brother rises from the earth after 200 years, desperate to feed. Lucky for him, his lifemate just happens to be lingering nearby. They're both supposedly in Paris, although the book lacks any real "flavor" of France.
I had a difficult time believing Francesca would be so close at hand, even with the brother's machinations of drawing him to Paris. According to the author, lifemates are difficult to find, and women are born only infrequently to the Carpathian race. It was one of many "coincidences" that seemed difficult to buy into.
The passion and tension between the characters was well-done, as was their personal conflicts. I liked both characters very well, and many of the secondary characters too.
This was the first of the Dark series I read, and probably the last. This was my second experience with Christine Feehan, and I just don't like her writing style. I liked the premise of this book--and the Carpathian series in general--but it was difficult to make it all the way through to the end.

I have read a few of Feehan's Dark Series books (I have 6 of them now) and I must say that I find this Dark Legend really irritating at times. The book kept saying/repeating how handsome, how great, how whatever Gabriel looks all the time that I was getting sick of it towards the middle of the book. Also goes for the heroine Fran; she's always fragile, slim, etc., etc. And the book didn't have much story other than the how these 2 react to each other. I had to skip many pages of lengthy and boring love scenes just to get to the good stuffs about helping the humans and fighting the vampires, which were not much anyway. And scenes about the vampire hunting and killing were also so pathetic. No action, no drama. I find the book spent a lot of time on lengthy boring sex scenes and not enough on how these 2 Carparthians interract with others and things around them. There was just not enough substance.
I have read Dark Challenge and I find this book to be better, with the heroine having equal strength and powers with the hero, Julian. And the self-glorification and bad love-scenes were kept at minimum. At least, this Dark Challenge has more substances and more people (human & Carparthians) and places.
. . .

I swore after Dark Fire that I would never read another Carpathian story, but kept hearing this one was different. It's not. Big tough he-man sees girl, takes her against her will and forces her to be his regardless of what she wants (and it's for her own good. Thanks, Dad). Same old bodice-ripping garbage that I thought this genre had shed.
Repitious writing and escalating violence make this book hard to endure. The rules of the world are ever changing (meaning the writer needs to to start writing down what she tells us because in every book she seems to forget what laws she made about her world in the previous book) while the characters are not. Same hero, same heroine + graphic violence + no setting = BORING BOOK. As for the surprise ending? So lame, I'm still in recovery.

Dark Legend
This was a great book.
So far in Ms Feehan's previous books she would tease us with the Dark Warriors.
The legends go about two dark angels of death.
They protect humans and Carpathian's from the destruction of Vampires.
After so many hundreds of years many believe that this was just a legend.
Few knew of their existence and even they had thought that the Dark Twins were gone.
Gabriel and Lucian were as close as any man could be, closer as they loved each other.
However, Lucian could feel that Gabriel was closer to turning to the dark side with each kill of an evil vampire. Lucian figured that if he gave Gabriel something other than a kill to focus on that it would keep him from turning before he found his lifemate.
So, for hundreds of years the two would battle, until one such battle left them both drained. Going underground in the Carpathian way to heal was the only option Gabriel had. Having just awoken and confused Gabriel walked upon Francesca ready to fed, when..........
You will have to read.

This was my first romance novel. I have to say, I became an instant fan! The cover on my in worn and creased from the amount of times it was read! Still, the story drew me in as much as the love scenes shared between Gabriel and Francesca! I can't wait to get the other books in the series so that I can learn about all of the other Carpathians!

This book has it all. A tantalizing hero, an intelligent heroine, lots of witty dialogue, and a plot filled with heart-pounding action. In other words, it's a Christine Feehan book. While the focus of the story is the legendary vampire hunter, Gabriel, and his healer wife, Francesca, there are so many facets to this wonderful tale. I loved the interaction between Gabriel and his brother, Lucian, as they were pitted against each other in the battle between good and evil. It was touching to watch the mighty Gabriel humbled by not only Francesca's love but the love of his young ward, Skyler. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book.

So far, this is my favorite of the series. It felt like this was the first time that the woman made the choice and did not have it forced upon her. I also felt like he was, by far, the nicest of the males. Nice is not really the word. Less alpha, is more accurate. Which is sort of odd since he is, by far, the most powerful and the eldest of the characters so far. I "read" this via audiobook and felt like it was very well done.

I own and have read ALL of Ms. Feehan's wonderful books. She is a TRULY GIFTED WRITER!! This book is absolutely one of her best and a definite KEEPER!
In Dark Legend, she draws you in so deeply that you live and love and FEEL the emotions of the characters. One of the things I most loved about this book was the way she treats with true compassion and caring, the story of a young abused girl.
Ms. Feehan champions the girl from the first moment you learn of her plight. As a reader, you are drawn to the girl and feel compelled to help her. In so doing, Ms. Feehan raises a conscious thought within her readers for children in real life who have been abused and in need of understanding and love. Ms. Feehan makes you want to DO something to help the children of our society, not just turn a blind eye or fill your efforts with empty rhetoric. THANK YOU, Ms. Feehan for a superb read and an even more important prod to our society's conscience to cherish and care for the children around us!

Not that i expect literature of the highest calibre in the genre Ms. Feehan has chosen, for the most part when I pick up one of her "Dark" books I am looking for a fast fun read with some decent romance and maybe a little suspense. When I read my first ( Dark Gold ) I felt my criteria were met and I had to give the author credit for an original take on an otherwise standard scifi/fantasy romance pretense. But the pretense is only as original as the first book in the series you happen to read, because thus far every book has been almost identical.It's not that I am maligning formulaic writing; if something works, keep varying the theme until it won't sell. But for goodness' sake, the key word there is VARY. As in variety? The characters, myriad demi-Slavic or new age names and the occasional different hair color aside, fit so well into the apparently single template Ms Feehan has created, they are essentially interchangeable.

Case in point,a previous reviewer of one of the other novels pointed out an ancient vampire's repeated use of the endearment "honey" was hard to swallow. Well, I had the exact same problem with this book. The Carpathian male characters, in particular, are overbearing carbon copies of each other.With the wealth of endearments and pet names used throughout the ages, could we not get something a little more fitting, and more importantly VARIED?

With the formulaic premise behind these books that each Carpathian has a single, unique lifemate, and each is so individualized that no other combination will do, you'd think the outside observer ( we, the readers), should be given a bit more supporting evidence.

By the way, the same goes for love scenes. You would think there was a tax on adjectives and simile, with the meager supply displayed here.

That said, had this been the first in the series I had read, I probably would have enjoyed it with the same abandon I enjoyed Dark Gold. Exactly the same.

I, like so many others, have read all of Feehan's books. I have enjoyed all of them. But, the last two are my favorties. Gabriel is understanding and compassionate, he doesn't seem as overbearing as the other Carpathian's. Age must make a difference. Also it was interesting that the famales could resist turning vampire. I really enjoyed the relationship that develops between Gabriel and Francesca. I would hope that Ms Feehan will write a book bring everyone together to solve the problem of girl childern dieing. It seems that all the pieces are now in place.

This is the 8th story in Christine Feehan's Dark series, of which their are 7 full length novels and 1 novella. Even though the books are in a series, it is not necessary to read the others books prior to reading Dark Legend. The stories are written in such a way that they can stand alone. Though I would definitely recommend that you read the whole series. The world of the Carpathians is a fascinating place to visit. The Carpathians are a race of beings that are of the earth with special abilities that differentiates them from humans. (You'll learn more and more about the Carpathian people and their plight as you read the previous novels.)
The characters in Dark Legend are well developed and with an emotional depth that has the reader laughing and crying right along with them. Francesa is a strong heroine that has already decided the fate of her life and her world is turned upside down upon the arrival of her lifemate, whom she had thought was dead. Gabriel is a hunter whose only goal is to find and stop his identical twin brother, Lucien who had lost his soul by turning vampire. Gabriel loves his brother but knows if he doesn't destroy him that the world of humans and Carpathians alike are in danger. In the midst of trying to stop his brother Gabriel finds his lifemate Fancesa and has to deal with becoming a part of her life while protecting her from his brother at the same time. The book has many twits and turns. It is filled with romance, suspense, friendship, family, action, adventure, horror, love and laughter. This is a fantastic book that you won't want to put down. It is a great read that captures your attention from page 1 and keeps you enthralled to the very last page. It is a book that belongs on your shelf of keepers.

If you've read this novel, then Dark Guardian becomes a must-read, and vice versa. This is a book that was excellent on its own right, but becomes even better when read together with Dark Guardian.

Unlike most other reviewers, I read this novel AFTER dark guardian. Because of this, I knew going in how the difficulties between Lucian and Gabriel was resolved. However, this did not make me enjoy this book any less. It was very interesting to see Gabriel's hunt for Lucian from the two different points of view.

I've heard others complain about the abundant sex scenes in this book, and that they should have been slashed in order to make more room for plot development. I would agree with these people-if Dark Legend was in any other genre. But this novel is a romance, so really, anyone who read this book should have been expecting the sex scenes going in. If Feehan really eliminated all of the sex scenes from this book, then it would no longer be a romance. It would instead be a fantasy.

Overall, this book was definitely worth reading, and I recommand it to anyone who doesn't see a romance novel and think, "eww, a bodice-ripper".

A legendary Carpathian hunter, Gabriel has devoted his life to ridding the world of vampires--his current prey is his twin brother Lucian. Gabriel has been forced to hunt his other half--his equal in age and strength-a foe that can read his mind. When this last vow is kept he can end his life and find peace. He fears that he has waited too long and that the darkness will win.
Francesca has long given up her dream of a lifemate and family and has chosen to live her life as a human and to die as one as well. Francesca has devoted her life to healing and beauty. She is tired and yearns for peace as well. It is at this point that these two meet--each of them has important work to do but each cannot ignore the call of their souls.
Christine Feehan has put a unique twist on the vampire genre--rather than just cobbling together the same old cliches she has created her own world with its own rules. Its wildly romantic but at the same time, Feehan explores more aspects of love then the romantic kind--the love of Mother and child, the love of a brother and the love between friends. They are all willing to compromise-to sacrifice themselves for those they love.
Dark Legend is the latest in Christine Feehan's Dark series but stands alone. If you haven't tried them be prepared these books are addictive!

I really liked this book, Gabriel wakes up hungry because he took his twin brother <Lucien> to ground to stop him from destroy mortals. Well when he gets up he goes looking for food, which is where he finds Francesca <his life mate> well she freely offers her blood but not her independence, which Gabriel cruly takes from her. This was a really good book but she has written better, I hope she writes about Lucien more she left me wanting to know more about him.

Christine Feehan has given us yet another great addition to the Carpathian saga. Awaken from centuries of slumber, Gabriel, legendary vampire hunter, awakens not only to find the world around him changed, but to find the brother he has spent years hunting awake, and a life mate who wants nothing to do with him. Readers are in for quite a ride as Gabriel hunts his beloved twin and try to convince Francesca, his life mate, that she should take a chance on him. Twist and turns abound as Ms. Feehan spins yet another unforgettable tale in her continuing saga of these masters of the dark, and the extraordinary women who give them back their light. Bravo Ms. Feehan! Keep up the good work. Can't wait to read more from this author.
Also recommend Dark Prince, Dark Desire, Dark gold , Dark magic, Dark challenge and After twilight .

Christine Feehan has set up the "Dark" series to show a little more about their race with each book. Each book tells about their need to find a solution to their main problem, no female children. With each book she adds a puzzle piece to their solution. I think this heroine will play a major role in helping keep new female children alive through their 1st year with the research she has done. I loved this book best of all because it had one of the best endings ever. In response to one reader's disgust about how the teenager storyline was handled, no one who read this book got hot reading about how this poor girl was treated. And it was not meant to be taken that way.

This was the first book I read of the dark series and I found it to be absolutly amazing. I had to keep searching for the books but now I have all but three. Just to have a carpathian to kill vampires are a nice change of subject. To have the so few carpatians finding their lifemates makes the books all the better especially because of all the help they do. I do wish that more of the females can take care of themselves when fighting a vampire like in Dark Destiny. With the more expeinced ones the men should try to show the women what they can do to help instead of keeping where they cant be seen. the romance part of the books just make them all the intersting. I feel if you havent read more than two books of the dark series you have got to read more.

Francesca is Carpathian. However she is almost as weak as a kitten, and she walks in day light.

So...Feehan broke all her rules in order to make Francesca fit into her trademark heroine mould of a independant and strong woman who is then reduced to a defiantly, pitiful creature by the Carpathian male.

NEXT...it makes no sense that Gabriel didn't know his lifemate when she was near. Hello?? All her other books are based on them knowing right away.

It is also the same repititive descriptions that don't differ from book to book. Her books are less about the romance of the characters (except in the very beginning of every book) and more about the man protecting his helpless female who constantly gets into trouble because she won't accept his control.

In this book we finally get to meet a Carpathian that is comfortable with who and what he is and Jax, a woman as strong and as protective as he is.
Lucian is unappologetic for what he is and what he needs to do and Jax is a pragmatist. Makes for a wonderful read. There were several amusing moments that had my husband and I both in stitches.
A great addition to the collection

I bought my first copy second hand. While I was reading it, about one fourth of book came loose. Even though it was annoying to hold the book together, I could not stop reading. When it was reprinted recently, I went and bought a new copy and paid full price. I fully intend on reading it for the third time. Many books are good, but few are magic. This one is.

I swore after Dark Fire that I would never read another Carpathian story, but kept hearing this one was different. It's not. Big tough he-man sees girl, takes her against her will and forces her to be his regardless of what she wants (and it's for her own good. Thanks, Dad). Same old bodice-ripping garbage that I thought this genre had shed.
Repitious writing and escalating violence make this book hard to endure. The rules of the world are ever changing (meaning the writer needs to to start writing down what she tells us because in every book she seems to forget what laws she made about her world in the previous book) while the characters are not. Same hero, same heroine + graphic violence + no setting = BORING BOOK. As for the surprise ending? So lame, I'm still in recovery.

It was simple but interesting! I liked Darius story.I was sort of straight to the point. It brings you back to those days when the carpathian story was rather simplistic. If you have just started reading this series however, this is a book that will definitely grab your attention.

I have enjoyed the Dark Series and was looking forward to this book being that it was "set in Paris." Well imagine my dismay when there was little if any description of my favorite city and no one spoke French, except where Ms. Feehan notes that they are "speaking French." This story could have been happening in Allentown, PA; Billings, MT or Washington, DC for that matter. I did enjoy that both of the lead characters were Carpathian...I was getting so tired of the female hysteria at becoming a Carpathian in past books. This was a more mature relationship.

Dark Legend was my first romance novel that I ever read and it got me completely hooked. I never liked the thought of reading romance b/c people say it's like porn for women. But I got bored with plain fiction, so I tried it out. Now I can't stop reading Christine Feehan's Dark series. She really knows how to keep my attention and I love how she mixes her stories with fantasy b/c it makes it a lot more interesting. I recommend Feehan's books to any female who is bored and wants to have a little fun with what she's reading. After all, men have their porn, why can't we have our romance.

I have read every story in the Dark Series and this happens to be the best by far ! All the others are capivating as well, but this book holds a special place. It is very well written, holds you from page one, and leaves you wanting more.. more.. more...
Christine Feehan has a wonderful gift and it truly shows in her latest release !

This was one of the better books I've read so far in the series. That is to say, at least the characters were compelling even if the storyline wasn't. The books are SO repetitious. I understand the basic theme but one more mention of "hot" anything and I may go over the edge. And please; where was the fabulous city of lights in this? There was no sense of place anywhere in the narrative. The setting could have been Baltimore and no one would have noticed any difference. I look for a book to transport me to somewhere else. This one failed to do so.

Of the entire dark series, this is one of my favorites. I loved Skyler, my heart hurts to know what has happened to her. Its going to take a special Carpathian male to love her and I am so looking forward to her book. I loved Gabriel. The twins are my favorite men!

I was looking thru the paranormal Romance Section looking for a New Series to read and happened on this one. and thus far I'm Really happy with the books in this series. Ms.Feehan has done an Excellent Job!!

3 out of 5 stars. Sweet book, however I would not considerate a favorite in this series for me. =0P

Review By: From Me to You ... Book Reviews
(read more of this review and a teaser on my blog)

This is the first of the "Dark" series I've read and found this book to be interesting and entertaining. I love the concept Ms. Feehan has developed here. The relationship between Francesca and Gabriel is heroic. I intend to read the others in the series. Glad I found this one!

I really like Christine Feehan's Dark series. I already have a good start in getting all of the books in this series. Dark Legend was easy to read and difficult to put down. Gabriel, one of the ancients, has found his "lifemate." This book deals

with finding the other have of your soul. This time the lifemate is a Carpatian rather that a human. Reading how a male deals with a woman who doesn't automatically bow to his wishes makes for some amusing reading. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the paranormal. It has action, suspense, romance and the art of compromise. In fact, I have read it more than once.

How on earth can this book have gotten as high of a rating as it did? It was TORTURE to get through. When I'm in the mood for a happy little vampire romance, I pick up one of Feehan's books; but this book was excrutiating! It went on forever. I'm serious -- about 60% of this book was one of the 2 main characters professing their undying love, admiration, lust, or tormented desire for the other. The plot sounded like something someone came up with in about 5 minutes -- "Quick -- in 5 minutes or less come up with a plot!" It was stupid and made ZERO sense. The sad part was it started out with promise -- that was probably the one and only thing that drove me to finish this book. By the final half of the book I was basically scanning the pages instead of reading; searching for any key words that would lead me to believe that the plot would pick up at some point. This book was TERRIBLE!!!

I have read all of Christine Feehan's dark series books but I have got to say that this one was my absolute favorite. I loved Gabriel and his brother Lucian. Both had heart and I really felt what each was feeling which to me is a great book. Everything just seemed to flow and keep you guessing, and this one is a one day read for sure! I can't wait for Lucian's story next. I must say that Christine's books get better and better.

I have read the whole dark series by Ms. Feehan and although I must admit that the characters and story line areall somewhat similar, I still couldn't put the book down. Mainly because it's such a great twist on the concept of vampires and the deep emotional response her books evokes on readers. I really can't wait to read about Lucien's story. If there's one thing I would like to see on the next book, it's for the female character to be a bit more easy-going rather than the standard "strong/stubborn/unbending yet vulnerable/weak" type. I can't help but wonder how a Carpathian male would handle an optimist for a change.

Christine Feehan has done it again - this book was so good. I would recommend it to anyone. I have read almost the complete Dark Series collection & have not been disappointed yet. This book is a must read!!!!

I wish there was a higher rating than "5". I really love Christine Feehan and look forward to any new books she writes. I am absolutely NOT one of those who like to read all the new vampire series books that have come out, but I really get into Feehan's Carpathian males. The sex scenes are to fantasize over. Man, if I had a man like that!!!

I don't think Christine Feehan can write a bad story. While this was not as good as some of her others I still enjoyed it. Although I thought that there were too many badies in this story (as if jaxon didn't have enough to deal with with a human psychopath stalking her)Christeen still manages to ensnare me with the by-play between Jaxson & Lucien. I mean gosh, wouldn't we all like our men to be that considerate of our needs & happiness. Oh well back to the real world. If you like her style of writing & like the dark series I'm sure you will enjoy this story.

I have been reading the series beginning with Dark Prince. I read one every 2 days and I love them all. This one happens to be one of my favorites as well as Aiden's story. I am on Dark Guardian right now and I am getting a little tired of Jaxxon, I would skip DARK GUARDIAN if I could but I know its best to read them all in order. I am waiting for After Twilight to come in the mail. I ADORE these books and will never think of vampires the same.
My husband calls me his CAPATHIAN-A lol
I recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who likes a good romance with tons of intimacy. I LOVED DARK LEGEND

Fabulous story. I love this series. Gabriel is a wonderful character, and his twin is just as fabulous. I look foreward to many more books in the series. I really hope Ms. Feehan fleshes out her Carpathian world a bit more. I'd love to read Skyler's story soon!

I gave Dark Legend 3 stars because the author, Christine Feehan, uses alot of phrases over repeatedly and it gets annoying. (Ex. Hot silk velvet.) Also, I kina found the whole 'mind-reading' thing between Gabriel and Francesca to be sort of cheesy. Everything about Gabriel was the sterotype vampire. I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would because it is alot like other vampire books.

I just finished reading this book and although it is a good book and I liked it, it was not like the others in the dark series. I confess I liked the others in the series better I was not that happy with the heroine of this book. I was looking for a little more to the story. Maybe her next book will be better.

I loved this book. Gabrial is now one of my favorite heroes of the carpathians up their with Gregary. I read the book so fast that I was sorry it was over. Now I am reading Lucian's story and have expectations.

This book was excrutiatingly bad. bad writing, terrible dialogue, no setting at all. It was supposed to take place in France, though you'd think they were in Ohio for all the description given...none. The "hero" was so one dimensional it was painful. The heroine could have been interesting if she wasn't such a wimp. The teenage girl is an almost interesting addition to the non-existant plot, but even her storyline was made childish by the amount of unrealistic coddling and her wimpiness. A girl who has been through that much is NOT that wimpy, or she wouldn't still be alive. Save your money and read Amanda Ashley instead if you like the vampire-damsel in distress genre.

as a huge fan of the anita blake series, this was poor in comparision.

the story was good but i found most of the conversations between the 2 main characters repeating itself over and over and over and over again. it didn't give you a great background of what the differnece between the vampires and the carpathians were but enough to enjoy the story. guess i'd need to start start the series from the beginning to get it.

i'd be interested to read another in the series to see if it's just this book or how the author writes. JMO

I really enjoied this book. Christine Feehan has me captured by this wonderful series. In each book the central drama is developed and present us with new and charming new characters. Everything is conected and she keeps us wanting more and eager to the next book. I am a new fan of the Dark Series, I haven`t read all the issued books. Dark Legend is the last I read and I can`t wait till Dark Guardian arives so I can read it no stop.

I think this book only touched on some things that should have been exploited. Francesca had accomplished some pretty amazing things but they were pushed aside. It seems this book was written solely to set the stage for the next one and that shortchanged the characters in this one. I wanted more than it could provide. Still, buy it. I wouldn't miss any in the series.

This is one of my all time favourite series. I read the book - but that wasn't enough I had to own it. You can start with one carpathian hunter novel but be warned. One isn't enough, soon you'll want more.

I particularly like the way that the characters intermingle so that it leaves you wanting to hear the romances and stories of the other characters.

I loved this book. Ms. Feehan is such a talented writer, every new book she writes becomes my "favorite". I'm impressed by how fresh and exciting she makes each book, and her latest is no exception. I especially loved the heroine in this book. She is incredible; one of the most interesting heroines of all time. This book is thrilling, captivating and definitely addictive!

The plot is ok for a cheesy story, but the writer repeats the same words over and over and over and over again until a 100 pages story takes almost 400 pages to finish.

Reading it felt like you are spending too much energy for too little reward. Toward the middle of the book I tried to skip pages, and I find if you skip two in every three pages you can get a much better reading experience.

In this book we finally get to meet a Carpathian that is comfortable with who and what he is and Jax, a woman as strong and as protective as he is.
Lucian is unappologetic for what he is and what he needs to do and Jax is a pragmatist. Makes for a wonderful read. There were several amusing moments that had my husband and I both in stitches.
A great addition to the collection

Christine Feehan, via her Dark series, has, it seems to me, connected with every woman's secret dream of a gentle and compassionate lover possessed of the desire to protect the woman he loves from any type of harm...I love this series, and I admire Christine's ability to capture the very essence of what women, whether we will admit it or not, really want from our "lifemates". Brava!

I love this book! It's just what I have come to expect from this series...raw, exciting, just plain brilliant! Also, the place I bought it from was really good about getting it out to me as soon as possible. All in all, I would order through the store (and the bookseller) again in a heartbeat!

This bbok was really good. I loved to see the passion between the couple and the love of the brothers. It also introduced Skyler, which was one of my favorite characters. Although, the dialogues and phrasing can be a little repetitive.

This is the latest "Dark" novel by C. Feehan, I have all the others and I'm going to save this one as well, BUT, this one isn't on a par with the others. This book lacks the punch of the other books in this series.

Feehan started me on my love for paranormal romance. But she paints herself into a corner and you know the outcome of the book before you read it. I will still always buy her books because they are interesting reading.

First buy shopping & purchasing. Received a gift card for the holiday's.

Loved the books I chose and the quality of the book.

I was always worried about going to this site but it was a piece of cake.

Thank you

I have come to the conclusion that same phrases and scenerios are being re used. If I find myself in a dark unground cave once more.....Christine please brainstorm new places for romantic interludes.....

I have read all of Christine Feehans books and have been waiting with baited breathe for this one! This one was worth the wait!! This book covers the story of the lost Carpathian twins, Gabriel and Lucien. Although the story revolves around Gabriel and his lifemate, Francesca, it does introduce you to Lucien.

After reading every book leading up to this one in the "Dark Series" I would say that Christine Feehan has another winner.
My favorite was "Dark Desire" But this one runs a close second after "Dark Magic".
I can barely wait to read "Dark Guardian" I am sure with Feehan's talent I won't be disappointed.

Yes, being addicted to the "Dark" series means waiting with baited breath for the next book and maybe getting my hopes up too high. The book is still a good read but has a blatently different "feel" to it than the other books. Maybe when the next book comes out it will gel the story together.

I cannot get enough of this author and this series, as soon as you read one novel, you immediately want more. As usual this novel is sexy, (steamy) a great love story, suspenseful and has a great suprise ending. I look forward eagerly to which story Ms. Feehan will reveal to us next.

Wow..an awesome read. The characters are so likeable and real. The story line flows beautifully and the conflicts within the novel are entertaining and funny...so what are you waiting for...pickup a copy !

I am a fan of most vampire and paranormal fiction but this is the first time I have read anything by Christine Feehan. This lady writes dialogue like a 12 year old. Dark Legend was the most repetitive and tedious book I've read in a long time.