Dark Symphony (The Carpathians (Dark) Series - Book 9)

this one was the first one i bought it took me i think 3 days i loved it ive been hooked since have read i think 15 of them so far and will try another of her series!!! she captivates you every time and gives you every point of view with out a repition from other characters,,,, great combo of paranormal/love/suspense/ and love n lust <3 !! whoop whoop!!

Loved the flow of this story, and the depth of the characters. You are drawn in immediately, to the life of the people revolving in all of these books. Espiecially loved the humor. My my husband wonder what I was reading.

I consider any Christine Feehan book an excellent read. She has the ability to bring her readers into the story she has written. I enjoy her books very much. I have read almost all the Carpathian novels and I have to say, there isn't one I didn't like!

I just love how all the characters in all the books tie together. This one brought old friends back together, siblings together, and tied in a who-dun-it mystery as well. Love them all!!! Can't stop reading them.

Finally, a story that doesn't have endless protestations of caveman "you are my lifemate, yadda, yadda,yadda". Byron and Toni come to this on more equal footing. She is a fully developed strong woman who more than holds her own against a Male Carpathian. And there's actually a good side mystery as well. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Christine Feehan has once again woven her special brand of magic into this story. Her dark Carpathians become the perfect lifemates/husbands to their females. Byron and Antoinette are the perfect couple, she a musician and he a gem caller. They embrace their differences to create a family that will endure always.

I cannot stand the female character in this book. Jaxon is whiny, childish, and so full of false bravado it is insulting to all women. I realize that she had a traumatic life being raised by a psychopath, but that should have either broken her spirit or made her extremely courageous. In her case, it seemed to do neither. Instead, she buries her head in the sand and tries to forget everything around her. I actually felt bad for Lucian throughout most of the book. He is such a noble and courageous male and he is literally a living legend in his own world. I think he deserved a much better lifemate than he got. Jaxon was too afraid to drink blood, sleep underground, and fly, yet she was insistent that she help Lucian hunt the vampires. She was terrified of her human predator and lived her life isolated from everyone instead of actively doing something about the situation. She was ridiculously rude to Lucian for the majority of the book and refused to face the situations she found herself in and instead just ignored them or ran away from them. Yet, she believes that Lucian should accept her as his equal simply because she demands it. That is not how it works in any world. Maybe if she had stopped acting like a baby and stopped whining about every tiny little thing, she would have deserved his respect and the status as his equal. Instead, she was afraid of Lucian for most of the book even after he saved her multiple times, couldn't handle being around wolves that were perfectly friendly towards her, and even threatened to shoot Lucian multiple times. She wouldn't even believe her own eyes and mind when she found out about vampires and Carpathians. She continued to try to make herself believe that she was either crazy or that it was a dream. She literally had large amounts of proof in front of her and she tried to forget everything because she was too small-minded to accept the truth about her world. She would get mad every time Lucian did something she didn't like or considered unfair, yet she constantly and almost purposefully put herself in danger just because she felt she was better than everyone else around her. She refused to believe that Lucian could be more powerful than herself or anyone she knew and put herself into situations where he would have to save her. Even after she was turned and was considered a fledgling, she put herself in constant danger without knowing how to control any of her new powers and just fumbled her way through these dangerous events waiting for Lucian to save her. She has a ridiculous amount of false bravado and she hasn't earned any of the respect that she demands. She spends too much of her time whining and burying her head in the sand, when she could just accept her situation and work to improve her strength and powers. I really expected a fantastic woman for Lucian because he is such an extraordinary character and a legendary man in his world, instead, he got someone who refused to face the hard situations and was so arrogant that she believed herself better than everyone else. I am really disappointed with this book. There were only a few other characters in this series that I disliked and they all seem to be the female characters. Some are fantastic women that are equal to their mates and some are just to ridiculous to believe.

3.5-4 stars

This was a pretty good addition to the series. I liked both Antoinetta and Byron and enjoyed their story. This story ties into book # 9.5 (The Scarletti Curse) because Antoinetta is descended from the same Scarletti family that was in # 9.5 and lives in the same house.

Antoinetta is a highly skilled and sought after concert pianist that is also blind. When Antoinetta was just a girl, her parents were killed in an explosion. Antoinetta got caught in it too but survived, only losing her sight as a result. Antoinetta has lived a good life but has done without certain things because of an erroneous image herself. Not to mention Antoinetta and her grandfather pretty much hold the family and their shipping company together so there are many demands on her time and attention.

Byron is an ancient Carpathian male; Carpathians are born vampires with abilities like shape shifting (to any form, even mist), magic spells and psychic powers. The males of the Carpathians have a darkness in them and if they don't find their lifemates, they can lose their souls and become evil. Byron is a gem-caller and makes beautiful jewelry but after some drama in his homeland, he decides to become a hunter for Vampires instead of practicing his art.

Byron traveled for years hunting vampires until one day he heard beautiful music which led him to his lifemate, Antoinetta. Byron didn't want to rush her into anything and first introduced himself to the family through her Grandfather...after saving him from an accident that could have killed him. Byron visited the Scarletti residence frequently and spent time with Antoinetta but he never pursued her outright, trying to court her slowly in the manner of humans. There's a definite connection between them and he knows that Antoinetta and many members of her family have psychic abilities that makes Antoinetta safe to bond with. When the story begins, Antoinetta and her Grandfather are in trouble and Byron saves them, revealing some of his powers. At this point, Byron decides that he's done waiting and starts pursuing Antoinetta more overtly.

Antoinetta was told that she had horrible scars from the explosion that blinded her and so she's never really thought that any man would want her for anything else than her money. Because of this, Antoinetta has it set in her head that she'll never marry and any relationships will just be short. Byron is determined to change her mind about that and sets to that task while trying to keep her safe. I say he's trying to keep her safe because from the first scene on, it becomes apparent that someone is trying to kill Antoinetta and other members of her family. The problems becomes that a couple of the family members have their own secrets and seem like they might be part of the problems cropping up. It takes time and determination but Antoinetta and Byron are able to find the culprit behind their issues while settling the other issues in the family. Byron is also able to convince Antoinetta that she should give him a chance and by then end, they're starting a HEA together.

This was a pretty enjoyable story. I liked Antoinetta. I wasn't too hot on her "I only want a short relationship" idea but I could understand why she thought it was a good idea and she dropped that idea before we went too far into things so it didn't really bother me. Outside of that, she was smart, kind and forceful when needed. Byron was a good hero, rather laid back for a Carpathian male but he did what was needed when it was needed. And I love that he got Antoinetta a dog! (I know that sounds lame but he's a great dog!). Overall, this was a pretty good story that was surprisingly engaging. I'd recommend it and the series. :)

* note - I listened to the audio version of this story and the narrator did a good job.

This is the second time reading this series. I had read it around 10 years ago. For some reason I remembered that even though it was good it was not my favorite book. But going back the second time reading it I was so surprised because I absolutely loved the book. It was full of action and romance. It took place in beautiful Italy. The landscape was described well. The characters were well developed. I love that the female lead was not the usual type woman that these books introduce. She wasn't stick thin, she had scars , she was in her thirties, and she was blind. She was self secured and in total control of her life. The male lead was different, he wasn't a naturAl vampire hunter, he was an artisan. The whole boom was different and refreshing.

Awesome. She has been in a terrible accident that has left her blind and scarred, the only thing she has left is her music which thrills thousands. He has been lonely for so long and her music reaches out to him, holding him spellbound. When the two meet what will happen? Especially as her family had always made her feel ugly and unwanted. I loved this book in particular because our imperfections are always in our own eyes. Others do not really see them. A terrific plot and wonderful hero and heroine, who fight for what they want. I replaced my hard copy with this as it was looking a bit shabby from constant re-reading

(I don't show as a verified customer because I borrowed this book from the library)

I have mixed feelings about this book. I almost stopped reading it at the 50% make, but I didn't want to miss anything vital to the Carpathian world, so I slugged onward. Thankfully, I did enjoy the second half more than the first.

1st half: 2 stars
2nd half: 3.5 stars

My problems were many. First of all, I thought Byron and Antoinette lacked chemistry in the first half of the book. Their dialogue was flat, didn't flow, was more antagonistic than positive.

Secondly, I really didn't think Antoinette was good enough for a Carpathian. Byron, like all these Carpathian guys, has suffered in loneliness and darkness for hundreds of years. Antoinette, on the other hand, has no need of him. She likes her life. She has had plenty of sexual encounters -- and claims to have always enjoyed sex a lot. I prefer to read about a heroine who ends up needing the hero as much as he needs her.

My final complaint is that Feehan has way too many characters with way too many things going on. At one point, it is almost like she is trying to write a comedy of errors, but ... how is it funny when people are being murdered brutally? It's NOT.

What saved the book in the second half was that the sexual encounters got better and better. Antoinette's personality became more likable, as did Byron's. (Because honestly, I didn't like either of them at first).

I am going to keep reading the Dark series, but if the next couple of books are at this level, I am probably done.

To give readers of the review an idea of which Dark series books I have enjoyed the most, they are: Dark Magic, Dark Legend, Dark Desire and Dark Prince (though Raven is a weak type of woman, I still loved the plot, the ambience of the story and just the whole world being created). I think I tend to like heroines who have more strength of character , meaning they are brave, self-sacrificing for others at times and intelligent. I don't like heroines who are as physically tough as the heroes. That is not my thing (nothing against strong women, just not what I like in romances)

I so have to do a separate review on the series itself because this makes no sense. Ok I liked this story. The romance of it, the mystery, the non vampire action, this book was pretty cool. I really need to stop bouncing around in the series and read it as they were printed but I can't get the books in order, so I'm gaining information about other stories as I go, while also knowing whats coming up ahead for the characters.

Byron is one of the other warriors who wasn't meant to be a warrior but answered the prince's call. As a gem worker he isn't trained as well as those who are born to be warriors, and his rashness leads him into a trap by the vampires where he is tortured and becomes bait that leads several other Carpathians into the vampire's hands. Punishing himself by banishing himself from his people & wandering the world as a hunter, he stumbles into Italy where the Scarletti family rules. It was nice to see the descendants of the Scarletti family still living in the palace, and knowing what I knew about their ancestor couldn't wait to see how this would play out.

Byron slowly seduced his mate and got to know her from the inside out, while trying to let her get to know him. Toni Scarletti was a world famous concert pianist, who is in charge and knows her role in her life. Faced with being a lifemate she doesn't know her role in this relationship, but she wants to find out. She wants to be more than the leader of her family, she wants to be something to someone. She was at first uncertain and only wanted a lover and Byron had to show her that his people weren't like the jaguar=men who left their women.

Into the blending of their two lives and the creation of a new Carpathian couple is the mystery of who is trying to hurt the Scarletti family. Which one of her family members have betrayed her. which one of them was willing to do anything to gain it all.

Cons of the story:

Toni's willingness to ignore the fact that several of her family members were more than willing to walk all over her
the stereotypical bitchiness of one of her family members, who was pretty but 'useless' and therefore found herself through men. ~~ Really though?? She couldn't just have daddy issues, she had to have all of the other issues as well?? Plus be an extra drama queen??
the in-law who was harsh to her kids but loved the Scarletti name more than she loved who her kids were. Yes she married up but really did she have to be so insecure that she was willing to throw it all away?
why do people feel the need to talk smack about rap?? Okay maybe the arena Josef choose wasn't the most appropriate time, but why throw shade on an entire genre of music??
Okay even as I was typing these I realised many of these are normal human traits, I simply wished she didn't have all of these characters in one family that all live together at one time. I do think it's the mark of a good book that after you put it down your still thinking about the characters. I enjoyed this one, it was nice to see old characters, meet new ones, and learn even more about the Carpathian world.

Happy Reading

The Story:
Byron made a mistake years ago, hurting his best friend and severing their relationship. He sent himself off to be a vampire hunter, unable to deal with his shame. While in Italy Byron hears the most impossibly beautiful music calling for him. He finds his mate at last! Antonietta Scarletti (From her Scarletti Curse book) was in an accident blinding her when she was five. She is still a beautiful composer and performer as well as the head of her household and family. Antonietta is instantly at ease with Byron, they sooth each other, they become obsessed with each other. Antonietta comes from a long line of strong psychics and other powers. The perfect lifemate for Byron, nothing will get in his way. An old evil is lurking around the castle, plotting against Antonietta and her family. Byron will get to the bottom of this with the help of his sister and her family.

My thoughts:
This is my least favorite Carpathian series. I wanted to like it I really did. I have been looking forward to Byrons story and I loved the Scarletti series. I was just bored I suppose. It was a good plot, good likable characters. I was just slow moving and very little action. It was an ok book, I just didn't enjoy it as much as I have ever other book of Christine Feehan's. I wouldn't keep it or read it again, which is different from her other books I have read. It wasn't intriguing to me.

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

Byron Justicano has been alone for many years, living in a world without color or emotion. He is hanging on by a thread, in the hopes of finding his one true lifemate who will bring emotion and color back to his world. He condemned himself to a life alone, hunting the dreaded vampire, evil beings of his kind, when a huge error in judgment almost cost his Prince's lifemate her life. Until the day he heard the call of music...

Antonietta "Toni" Scarletti is a world famous concert pianist and composer, living in Italy. She was blinded when a young child, by an accident that took her parents' lives. She feels an emptiness in her soul, that even her close relationships with her grandfather and cousins cannot fill. Her music is all she has that sometimes makes her feel whole and complete again. Then one day Byron enters her life.

When Byron finds Toni, his world explodes with color and emotion. He knows immediately she is his lifemate and like all of the males of his kind, can do nothing but protect his other half from the moment he finds her. She is very independent however, in spite of her lack of sight, and does not exactly appreciate Byron's over-protectiveness, in spite of her great attraction to him. Some of her family also are suspicious of his attention to her, so begin questioning the strange attraction between the two of them.

When strange accidents start happening at the palazzo, accidents that make it apparent someone wishes to kill Toni and her grandfather, Don Giovanni, Byron is all the more protective, wanting to keep her from harm. In addition, a dangerous predator is on the loose, a wild cat, killing townsfolk and trying to get members of the Scarletti family. Now Byron must make his move, binding Toni to him forever, as one of his kind, to keep her and her family safe. Who is the person trying to kill the family, and why? What is Toni's unique link to the jaguar stalking their home? Mysteries will be solved and answers revealed.

Ms Feehan has done it again! She has written yet another brilliant addition to her Dark saga. Her loyal fans finally have one of the most breathlessly anticipated stories, that of Byron. He struck a chord with many of her fans upon being first introduced in her first book, and many have been waiting for his story. At last they have it! Byron and Toni's story will reel the reader in from the first page and never lets up its hold. Their passion is limitless, electrifying, in spite of their weaknesses. Toni has a hard time believing anyone could possibly want her for herself and not her money. After all, she is blind and believes she is ugly, so who could possibly want her? Byron needs her and loves her for herself, but Toni has to learn that for herself.

Also of note in this story, Ms. Feehan seamlessly weaves three different worlds she has created into one, her gothic stories, her Carpathian stories, and her fantasy stories all come together in this story, making it memorable and showcasing her amazing talent. Very few authors could pull off such a feat, but she does it brilliantly. She also introduces readers to some new characters, and a new line of Carpathian blood, which will likely come into play in future books. And who can resist a chance to visit some beloved characters from past books?

Ms. Feehan is a phenomenal writer, with lots of talent and skill for weaving worlds that will keep one entranced from the first to last page. It is no wonder she is one of today's most loved paranormal romance authors. If Dark Symphony is any indication, she will continue to keep her huge following on the edges of their seats, eagerly anticipating each successive book in this series, or any others she chooses to write. There is a reason her books continue to be bestsellers, and this book is no exception.

© Kelley A. Hartsell, January 2003. All rights reserved.

Byron was Carpathian, a species as old as time. He could shift shape and soar high, run with the wolves, hunt those who threatened the innocent. But he was also a gem finder, a sophisticated man of the arts, and in self-imposed exile from his people for endangering his Prince. He was not a natural hunter, but he forced himself to become one to atone for his mistakes. Byron believed that he would live the rest of his life alone, for, without his lifemate, it would be so easy to give into dark whispers of temptation. So easy to become wholly evil, a vampire or member of the undead, as so many of his kind had chosen to do. But then he heard the music...
Antonietta Scarletti played like an angel and was world-renowned for her beautiful compositions. She ran the powerful Scarletti empire and was the heart of the emotional Scarletti family. For those who knew her, it was easy to forget that she was blind, scarred in a terrible accident that claimed the lives of her parents when she was a young girl. Byron entered her life suddenly, saving her beloved grandfather from what surely would have been a fatal car accident. She would often sense Byron's silent presence in the room where she played music, beautiful and passionate music to call to him. Byron quickly became her secret obsession. Byron was determined to give her time to adjust to the idea of becoming Carpathian before he brought her over and had courted her in the way of humans for months, but when Antonietta was poisoned and kidnapped, Byron felt he had no choice but to claim her as his own...
Dark Symphony is quite different from other books in Feehan's Dark series, especially in her hero, Byron. Byron is much more patient, more human like and not afraid to admit that he has weaknesses. He still is fiercely possessive and easily riled, but he is not a natural hunter - he drove himself to become one. Antonietta is a fun heroine to read about. She is handicapped, but refuses to see herself as such and so she isn't. I enjoyed reading about a strong, capable woman who just happened to be blind. Antonietta's family was also very interesting in that they all had flaws and they made mistakes, but each fit into the family as a whole and were defended from outsiders. It is interesting that Feehan chose to start the book with Antonietta and Byron knowing each other and already trusting each other. It is almost like we joined them in the middle of their courtship instead of at the beginning. This was nice because the book didn't end when Antonietta chose to join Byron as Carpathian as many of the other books do. If you have enjoyed the other books in the Dark series, this one will be a fun new addition to your collection!

Those of you that know Feehan will be very familiar with the premise of this series - the long lived Carpathain's, seeking their life mates to stop them from becoming the dreaded undead. This amazing, fresh take on the vampire genre is not quite as fresh any more, as this is the 9th story in the series. This book can be read as a stand alone, but will be a richer read with the benefit of at least one of the other books - perhaps Dark Prince and Dark Desire, where we met Byron before.
In these earlier two books Byron was a reasonably lighthearted fellow, content with himself and his friends, although aware as they all are of the need to find a lifemate. Because of a couple of errors in judgement, (in Dark Desire), Bryron has decided to further punish himself and against his natural inclinations has become a Hunter. Antonietta Scarletti (descendant of the Palazzo dela Morte gothic series - those who have read the Scarletti Curse in particular will be aware of her supernatural heritage) is a blind composer of some renown, and her music calls to Byron, soothes his anguish and compels him to her. She is his life mate, and he must claim her. But, more than those previously in the series, he tries desperately to give her the human courtship and to let her make the choice to become Carpathian. But something is stalking Antonietta, and Byron's need to let her choose is set against his need to protect her...
I like that this book is a bit different from the rest of the series. Byron is a hunter, but not by calling. In fact, unusually, he doesn't battle a vampire in the entirety of the book - which I liked a lot. Sure, I love the strength shown in the battles, but here is someone who is not so driven by his own needs (which the stronger hunters have to battle constantly) that he ignores those of his life mate. Byron is able to show flairs of his earlier character, he's not as darkly intense as some of the other Hunters. Nothing wrong with darkly intense I hasten to add, but no need for a steady diet of it. Antonietta has her own strengths, and abilities, and doesn't necessarily agree with Byron on everything. She has questions and thoughts about her own Jaguar nature. She often wins their discussions - and I liked that about her and about the book.
In Dark Symphony Feehan is able to not only allow us to revisit old friends, but brings something new into the general thread of the overall story as well as developing the specific story that is the central focus of the book. I think this shows a lot of talent, and I am a great fan of this series. Long may it continue.

DARK SYMPHONY, set in the Scarletti Palace where winged gargoyles guard and secret passageways abound, is a wonderful blending of gothic and paranormal genres. Antonietta Scarletti is an accomplished world-renowned classical pianist � and she is blind. This doesn�t hinder her abilities to run the large Scarletti empire, though her grandfather, Don Giovanni Scarletti, now frail of body at eighty-two, is still the respected head of the empire. Events unfold that shake everyone living and working in the palazzo, and the man who keeps watch over the keep is none other than Byron Justicano.
Byron, the former fun loving, reckless and cocky Carpathian is no more. He�s now a lonely wounded soul who roams far from his homeland, unable to face his family after falling into a trap that resulted in grievous harm to those close to him. He cannot forgive himself and attempts to find restoration by hunting vampires. The passion for power he constantly fights is bringing him closer to madness with each kill until he hears music that mesmerizes him. He tracks the source to the Scarletti Palazzo in Italy where he finds much more than the music. Antonietta Scarletti�s velvet voice lights his world with vivid colors and he knows she�s his salvation, his lifemate.
Drugged and struggling after she and her grandfather are dragged to the edge of the cliffs in an attempt to kill them, the unseeing Antonietta silently calls to Byron. She senses he�s a predator, but she doesn�t care; she has her own secrets with her Scarletti bloodline. She fantasizes he is her dark prince, a fantasy truer than she knows. Byron can hear her thoughts and when Antonietta screams his name out loud he fears he won�t get to her in time. This begins a series of events that will keep Byron as close as glue. He presents her with a Borzoi, a most unusual breed of dog that is telepathic and will stay close to protect and guide her during the daytime when he cannot be with her.
Byron is a Carpathian you�ll absolutely love. He�s learned not to jump to conclusions, but watch and wait. He�s patient with Antonietta and grants her the final decision on converting (involving intensive and painful body changes to become a Carpathian). He is so thankful to find his own true lifemate that he�s tender, considerate and romantic, attempting to court her the human way. He can�t begin to express just how much he loves her, and Antonietta�s acceptance of him and his differences amazes him. Antonietta is his true lifemate in every way. She is a woman of great strength and determination, is telepathic and sensitive to his needs. And because Byron gives her so much freedom of choice, she�s willing to listen when he issues a command. They are perfect for each other with their wild animal instincts and their passion could light up the heavens.
Christine Feehan has magic in her voice and DARK SYMPHONY brings her personality alive to her readers. There is mischief and much humor when Byron�s sister Evelyn appears with her husband Vlad and their son Josef, and a strong thread of familial love. The teenage Carpathian is about to drive Byron crazy with his rap music and untried skills, much to the amusement and silent laughter of Antonietta and the enjoyment of readers. Much of the Carpathian history and legend is learned in this story, and many of the characters from former novels appear.
Just as a composer takes music notes and instruments to put together a beautiful arrangement, so has Christine Feehan blended the elements of fiction to create a masterpiece. DARK SYMPHONY touches your emotions, mixing in gothic, contemporary, historical, fantasy, paranormal, sensuality, romance, and mystery. You�ll find murder and suspense as someone is out to kill off the Scarletti family, and a superb job of writing plants suspicions on every one of the characters to keep you wondering who the killer is. DARK SYMPHONY will surely hit the bestseller lists when it is released and prove why Ms. Feehan has risen to the top so quickly. I congratulate her in advance for what I consider another winner. They just don�t get any better. This title will jump off of the store shelves so fast that I would suggest you pre-order to be sure you have a copy as soon it�s released.
Carol Carter, As Posted at Romance Reviews Today

Christine Feehan does not dissapoint the reader in the story of Carpathian Byron and Antonietta Scarletti. Dark Symphony does the series justice with it's intensity and passion. The reader not only gets to go into the world of the Carpathian, but also the author takes us back to the Scarletti Palazzo. It's different from her normal Carpathian books because Byron is not a hunter so we don't go into the dark world of the undead. Instead we have the secrets of the palazzo.
Byron is a Carpathian that was drawn by the music of famous pianist Antonietta Scarletti. Recognizing his lifemate upon hearing her music, he goes to Italy to meet the famous musician. Since the time Byron was captured by humans and tourtured, he doesn't rush blindly into anything, so he decides to court Antonietta so she can get used to him. Of course it doesn't quite work out that way, as the way Feehan depicts the nature of the Carpathians, they can't stay away from their lifemate.
Antonietta is a thirty seven year old pianist who is basically the head of the Scarletti family. Her grandfather is sick and between her cousins, she doesn't know who to trust. When Byron enters her life, she finds herself not just thinking of him, but obsessing over him. When she finds out Byron's true nature, she is fascinated, as her family has been know to shapeshift into the Jaguar.
But someone wants the Scarletti family dead, and Byron takes it upon himself to find out who it is. He has waiting hundreds of years for his lifemate and will not give her up now. The secondary characters that Feehan had in Dark Symphony added to the character of the book. I especially got a kick out of little Josef, but 22 doesn't seem like a little boy to me. I was happy that Feehan also revisted the problem between Jaques and Byron.
I definitley can't wait until the next Dark book comes out. If you're thinking of not reading this book, you better read it or you'll be very dissapointed.

WOW!! What a BOOK. I have long awaited the story of Byron and was not the least bit disappointed. The heroine and hero matched each other's expectations and the readers and made the pages sizzle with their every encounter.
Antonietta Scarletti is blind. She has been blind since she was a child. Instead of being dependent and stupid and annoying she is independent, intelligent, and funny. She does not go into hysterics when something is wrong but deals with everything with a clear mind. She is an artist and plays the piano but is clear headed enough to run the family business. Some of the heroines in this series set my teeth on EDGE!! They were so annoying and literally cried about everything, but not Toni. She knows the only one that can decider her future is she. Not even her lifemate will change that. She still decides for herself not letting the man that changed her life run her life. There's a difference between being in love and being plain stupid. Instead of crying and running away she takes everything in stride but doesn't let you think that her lifemate is walking all over her. She has the last say in the relationship. She is strong and not in the least weak. She knows her strengths, weaknesses and all in all knows herself in and out.
Along side Antonietta is Byron. Byron is a different type of Carpathian male. Instead of a hunter he does other things. He creates jewelry. He has a unique talent for it. He changes his life and loses his best friend (Dark Desire) and thinks there is nothing left in the world. Until he hears the music... that changes his life. I liked Byron because he isn't overbearing. He doesn't try to run her life or bully her into everything. When you read it, it honestly does make you feel that he cherished her. He is compassionate without making me gag and is tough enough without making me want to hit him. He is the perfect combo. They go perfectly together and make this novel truly beautiful.
This has to be the best novel in the series. I truly loved it. If you had doubts about the series don't let it stop you from reading this. It's honestly different from the other books and it is a refreshing change. It sets a new pace for the series. READ IT, you WONT be disappointed.

There are some good moments in this book, but for some reason, I got tired of reading some parts and the compulsions of a Carpathian for his lifemate. Maybe I've read too many of this series because I felt I needed a break after finishing this book. I like this author and some of this series, but this one didn't flow (for me) as naturally as some of the others. However, this is the author's world and she can assign behaviors and expectations to her characters as she wants.

from Timeless Tales and Amy L Turpin
Byron Justicano knew Antonietta Scarletti was his lifemate before he even met her. The music she played called to him and he knew he had found his other half. Knowing she will never be rushed into anything, knowing she does not expect to marry, he sets about showing her what it means to have a lifemate.
Antonietta comes from a great family. Blinded as a young child, her family heritage gives her strength and drives her to always do what needs to be done, no matter what the personal cost. When she meets Byron, she rapidly becomes obsessed with him, something she simply cannot accept of herself. Never realizing Byron is simply giving her time to get to know him and be accepting of his presence and his own heritage, she unintentionally falls in love with him. Which is exactly what Byron is counting on!
Being a Scarletti is not with out its quirks however. The legendary family has always been surrounded with mystery and tragedy. That has not changed in modern times. As it becomes apparent that someone in the Scarletti household is robbing their treasure vaults and attempting to kill its family members, Byron knows that he must keep Antonietta safe. He can only hope that she understands their differences and can be accepting of he and his people.
With the unique ancestry of the Scarletti's suddenly manifesting itself in the most dangerous ways and the attempts at killing various members of the Scarletti family increasing, Byron and Antonietta must find the killer before they can begin their life together. But what do you do when every member of your family has reason to be part of the conspiracy?
I have read every "Dark" book and I believe this one is the most unique of any of them. Ms. Feehan has taken a proven character type and altered him just enough to give a fresh perspective on her beloved Carpathians.
As a separate work, this book is still a winning romance. With heart stopping action, enticing mystery, sexy devoted characters, and just the right blend of humor, this book will definitely be a pleasing addition to the shelves of romance lovers everywhere.

Paranormal romance queen Christine Feehan's popular Dark series has struck a chord in the mass romance readers with her dark brooding Carpathian heroes pledging their loves and lives to their life-mates. Ms. Feehan decides to play the formula safe in her latest installment Dark Symphony that makes it hardly adventurous and a bland copy of elements found in her past novellas.
Byron Justicano, a shape-shifting vampire is drawn to his destined lifemate, blind musician and heiress Antonietta Scarletti and swears his loyalty to offer his love and protection. A hidden killer lurks in the dysfunctional family and threatens to kill Toni's beloved grandfather. Could it be her cousin Paul with an intent to secure the wealth, Toni's assistant Justine or the ambitious Frank?
Not that we care to know. Ms. Feehan bamboozles her way through this filmsy mystery of a plot with tedious repetitions while she focuses on Byron gushing mush to Toni who prefers their relationship on a sexual basis. The denouement of the killer comes abrupt and detached after cluttered chapters of spicy passion to make Toni surrender to love.
Dark Symphony when stripped of its dark atmospheric plush is empty without any fascinating gothic details and flat-out predictable. It is neither a soaring adventure like Sherrilyn Kenyon's vampire-series Night Pleasures. Even the love between Byron and Toni seems grudgingly unconvincing without chemistry and acts of sacrifices. Ms. Feehan fashions her story in the same mold that is as ancient as her vampire race and is too comfortable with her series to evince any breakthrough. Dark Symphony is sadly a flat diluted sonata and love can definitely come in more interesting forms.

For years, Carpathian Byron Justicano has lived a self-imposed exile from his homeland. Traveling the world to hunt those of his people who have given in to darkness, Byron exists in a world of gray until the day he hears the music. Drawn by the haunting notes playing in his head, Byron comes to Italy to meet the music's composer and finds the woman destined to be his lifemate.

Heiress to the wealth and secrets of the influential Scarletti dynasty, Antonietta has also had her share of tragedy. Blinded as a child in the same terrible accident that killed her parents, Antonietta has devoted her life to her music and her family. Now an evil force is stalking the Scarlettis and Antonietta finds herself turning to the mysterious Byron Justicano to help protect her family.

Impatient to claim his lifemate but afraid to reveal his true nature too soon in case it drives her away, Byron soon discovers that the Scarlettis are no ordinary family. As Antonietta and Byron race to discover the truth behind the attacks, the secrets of the Scarletti family come to light and with it may come hope for the Carpathian race.

In DARK SYMPHONY, Christine Feehan melds her bestselling Carpathian series with the contemporary descendants of her gothic, THE SCARLETTI CURSE, and the result is a uniquely European-flavored tale that is rich in texture and steeped in the supernatural. Antonietta and Byron are a perfectly matched pair of lifemates. Antonietta is warm and complex heroine whose personality includes a Machiavellian twist, while Byron is a hero seeking redemption for past actions. Filled with a supporting cast of vivid, larger than life characters from the boisterous young Carpathian male, Josef, to the tempestuous Scarletti cousin, Tasha, DARK SYMPHONY is sure to please fans of Ms. Feehan's Carpathian series.

TheSchemer

At the age of five, she lost her parents at a tragic accident when their yacht exploded. Alerted by her sixth sense, she survived when she managed to jump overboard and later rescued by fishermen. Now at the age of thirty-seven, Antonietta Scarletti is a world-famous concert pianist and composer, and has the world at her feet. She is also heiress to the Scarletti fortune, which is a burden for her in some way for she is attracting the attention of fortune hunters. Resigned to the fact that no man could love her for herself, she has vowed never to marry nor share her heart with anyone. And then she met Byron Justicano.

Many years ago, he was trapped and tortured by a vampire and used as bait to lure their Prince and his lifemate. He survived by hanging on to the hope that his lifemate awaits him somewhere. Blaming himself for endangering his friends, he turned his back on his people and homeland and traveled the continent hunting the undead. And it is in his self-imposed exile that he finally finds his salvation - the light that has kept him alive those many years ago.

When Byron saw her walked out onstage, he was mesmerized by the way Antonietta seemed to weave her magic over her audience, captivating every one of them. He knew in that moment that she was the one. But he also realized that she is different, strong-willed and craves her independence. And so he vowed not to force her, making sure that she comes to his world willingly. So he starts by gaining her friendship and eventually her trust.

Having read DARK PRINCE and DARK DESIRE, I was so glad to find out that Byron had his own story, especially after all the sufferings he endured from his torture. And it was great to see that he was as I imagined he would be. I liked how gentle he was with Antonietta and how he gave her a choice. I admired Antonietta's courage, how she didn't let her blindness stop her from achieving her goals, and how she embraced Byron's world with open arms.

DARK SYMPHONY is a sensual and humorous novel. Unlike the other books in the series, this is a much lighter read and one of the funniest. I laughed so much at Byron's nephew's antics and seeing how mortified he is. This is also fascinating because Antonietta is a descendant of the main characters from THE SCARLETTI CURSE, and although it is not necessary to read that book, it would at least give you a richer understanding of the family history. And by incorporating the true nature and gifts of the Scarletti family with the Carpathians, we are now introduced to a whole new range of possibilities (and probably another story), for the author also introduces us to a new breed of species, the Jaguar, which the Scarlettis descended from.

This is the tenth Dark Series book that I have read and I still can't get enough of those Carpathians. Enjoyable!

Though he has traveled the globe hunting vampires, Carpathian Byron Justicano feels compelled to follow the music to its source although he has already bought several CDs by the artist. His "obsessive" quest leads Byron to Italy's Palazzo della Morte better known as Scarletti Palazzo. Playing the piano that lures Byron is blind concert pianist Antonietta Scarletti, heiress to a fortune and one-day is expected to manage the family shipping business.
Antonietta is quite courageous not allowing the explosion that stole her eyesight and killed her parents to keep her from living life to the fullest. However, someone wants her dead and attempts on her life have occurred. Byron knows she is his lifemate. Like all male Carpathians, he will risk everything including his own life to keep Antonietta safe.
Fans of Christine Feehan's Carpathian novels will enjoy her latest appealing tale that freshens up the series by bringing in a descendant of THE SCARLETTI CURSE family. The suspense laden story line reads at times more like a thriller than a paranormal romance as the enthralling lead couple strives to survive assaults on their lives while also trying to ferret out the identity of their assailant(s). Some amusing scenes lighten the taut intrigue; together they blend into a supreme symphony.
Harriet Klausner

If you can make it through the first 100-120 pages...it's worth it. I had a hard time getting into Dark Symphony as I see many other readers had as well. This book does seem a 'Scarletti' book with a little Carpathian thrown in but it gets better the more you read. The beginning is the most difficult part to get through.
I happened to like Byron as an artist and not a hunter. I hardly think all male Carpathians exist solely to destroy vampires...these people have lives and some even have careers...why not have a few artisans?
Yes, there is a lot of Scarletti in this one but even greater than the number of Scarletti pages is the number of orgasms Antonietta has! That is my only complaint...that woman spasms too often and too easily...I was tired of reading it.
Honestly though..this one isn't as bad as these reviews portray...Josef is hysterical and there is a lifemate story, and Byron's determination to court Antonietta and have her choose his way of life is endearing.
And whoever wrote the Editorial Review from Publishers Weekly above...might I suggest you actually read the books you are reviewing? I quote..."Carpathian males can mate for life only with mortals who are psychic, and if they don't mate, they lose their emotions"...I had tears running down my face I was laughing so hard as I read that. Even people who get paid to review books don't always know what they are talking about!

The modern world mixes smoothly into the gothic in this latest in Ms. Feehan's two series, the DARK and SCARLETTI. Byron has lived for centuries, holding back the darkness that seeks to escape and rule his soul, waiting for the one woman who can bring him to life again and restore the joy in his life and world. At last, he has found her, Antoinetta (Toni) Scarletti, a blind beauty with the voice of an angel. He becomes a friend and protector to her family.
Although she is handicapped and lied to, Toni is still formidible in her own right, well able to stand up to Byron's old world dominance of male over female. Together they must solve the puzzle of who is trying to destroy her family. Only then can she take her rightful place in his world.
***** As always, Ms. Feehan's beautiful use of language dances on the edge of erotic in its sensuality, without ever descending to tawdriness. She shows readers to magic and power of love, to transform a gray, nearly evil life into one of joy and hope. The loveliness if the concept of a man and woman destined for one another, even though separated by centuries and forced to wait for one another is an idea she expresses well. Parts of this book make it her best.But if you missed out on the others in the Scarletti series, you might feel slightly lost in some areas.

As always, Christine Feehan has shown her consistent talent, bringing to life Byron Justicano and his mate, Antoinetta Scarletti. Though this book is a definite departure from her normal style, she nevertheless shows that her worldview can maintain consistency and integrity, even with stylistic changes.
Byron makes a tremendous hero. Though not as alpha as the previous heros, such as Gabriel or Lucian, he is definitely a known presence, one which can be felt throughout the book. His perceptions of himself lend tremendous credibility to the story line, in that not all people are perfect, some make mistakes, or rush to judgement.
Antoinetta is a strong, family-focused heroine who's devotion to her family honor and family strength allows you to see a heroine who would die for her family, as well as live for them. Her anger at the many little betrayals throughout the book, but her forgiving nature as well endear you to her. She represents the best of the strong woman, without giving up her innate womanness.
All in all, a tremendous addition to the series, one which will lend depth and dimension to the continual saga.

I enjoyed reading about Bryon and Antoinetta, however this book is more of a mystery with a paranormal romance twist. Someone or something is trying to kill the Scarletti's. I read Scarletti Curse ages ago but I didn't have any tingle of connection between that story and this one. Dark Symphony has numerous subplots and though it gives a little insight to Bryon's life, there is not detailed enough info about Antoinetta's. Their chemistry is explosive but more focus of the couple would have been nice. It felt like the author was trying to use this book to open the door for many more. Why is Domonic is this book? Will Tasha and Diego get together? Will there be a Jaguar series? What's up with Josef?
Although the Carpathian men are dominating, I just love the fact they that are always so committed to their lifemate and are very open about their love for her. That unique character trait always keeps me buying and reading all of Ms. Feehan's books no matter the genre.

I'm with Wolfy from Florida, who reviewed the Dark Hunter title. This book introduced me to Christine Feehan and her Carpathian series. I picked up the title on a whim while at the grocery store. Once I opened the book, I couldn't put it down. I was transferred to Italy, to the palazzo, to the cool and nurturing soil where Byron recharged each night, where I remained until the very last page of the story had been read. And I could feel each instance of their passion as if I myself had been a participant.
I love the interplay between the alpha Byron and his independent life mate Antoinetta. I love that she is Italian, but her name isn't Maria. I love that his name is Byron. I love the way they were constantly linked through telepathy. I love how everything occurred in the dark of night. I love how Byron's only mission in his life was to protect his beloved and her interests at any cost. I love how Antoinetta had the courage to eventually allow herself to depend on the man she loved, and I love that he never let her down.
After reading this title I now view relationships in a different way. Thank you, Ms. Feehan. You go deep. I am impressed.

I received this book yesterday in the mail and stayed up late last night finishing this book. It was wonderful. Ms. Feehan has again pushed into new territory with her "Dark" series. This is definately not your same hunter/vampire conflict.
In this book we meet Byron Justicano, a lonely Carpathian gem-caller who has cut himself off from his best friend Jaques (hero of Dark Desire). Byron was captured by humans and used as bait to try to destroy his people's prince, nearly succeeding in killing Prince Mikhal's life mate, Raven. Since that time, he has isolated himself from all Carpathians and gone against his natural artistic nature to become a hunter. His nights are spent in a desolate wilderness struggling against the temptation of turning vampire when he suddenly hears the music.
He tracks the music to it's creator and finds Antonietta Scarletti, a brilliant blind concert pianist and descendant of the hero/heroine of The Scarletti Curse. He knows as soon as he hears her speak that she is his life mate and he will never be lonely again.
Byron saves her grandfather from a car "accident" and becomes a familiar visitor at the palazzo where there are undercurrents of an ancient mysterious evil. Antonietta's family resent and fear Byron, but because Antonietta is the center of the Scarletti family try only subtly to discourage their association.
When Antonietta and her grandfather are drugged and dragged off to be murdered, Byron sees that he has to take the relationship deeper, quicker to protect his lifemate.
The refreshing change to this book, is that Byron has learned the hard way to be patient. So many other Carpathian Alpha males rush in and overwhelm their lifemates. Byron gently woos Antonietta even though his nature is screaming for him to take and possess her. Even up to the last critical moment, Byron allows Antonietta the final choice to convert and join him.
As they work together to solve murder attempts to different family members, we see them forging a strong bond of the heart, not just of the compulsion of the mating of lifemates.
Ms. Feehan mixes romance, redemption and suspence in a completely different way and the result is a fascinating journey of two people truly finding their heartmate and conquering many obstacles that they, themselves have constructed.
If you have never read one of Ms. Feehan's novels, this is one to try. If you've read her work and been put off by the dominant Carpathian male, read this one and see a gentle, protective side of the powerful species. Byron will completely change your attitude and thinking about Carpathians. He is just as strong as any other Carpathian hero, but he has a sensitive, artistic nature, rather than the brutal by necessity nature of the hunters. You will absolutely love him!
There is humor thrown in when you meet Byron's sister and her adopted teenager, Josef. Josef is Carpathian too, but very young. As a mother of a teen myself, I could identify totally with Byron's exasperation with Josef's Goth look, baggy pants and interest in rap. The song Josef composes for Prince Mikhal is a hoot!
Byron's story is a totally new twist in the Carpathian legacy, introducing some provocative new pathways for the struggling Capathian society and I can't wait for the next book to see where Ms. Feehan will go with this captivating series!

The worst aspect of this book is that the continuity STINKS. I've never read a book that took less care to be internally consistent. This problem could have been easily identified and fixed by a complete novice, but the author & publishing company just didn't take the time. Shame on them!
That said, the rest of the book is enjoyable. Unlike her previous books, Mrs. Feehan gives the couple a bit of time to get aquainted before they commit to each other, which helps keep the second half of the book interesting. The secondary characters have good character development, more than the author's usual. The hero and his lady aren't simply clones of some previous book, and the plot contains a few surprises. In all, the author's writing style is still steadily improving, which is in my opinion rare after about a dozen published books.
At the very end of this book is an interesting and appealing chapter from Feehan's upcoming book.

I am an avid fan and was eagerly awaiting this addition to the "Dark" Series.Christine Feehan usually writes great books for escaping into a fantasy with hot sex and overpowering love. This book did not follow her regular formula. This plot tied in with the Scarletti book. There were way too many "humans", family members of the heroine. The plot of family intrigue and "jaguars" confused the plot involving the two lovers. None of her family were in the slightest bit likable. You kind of hope the jaguar does eat them. The two main characters just don't spend enough time together. I want to know more about them and was irritated every time I was interrupted with her family and the mystery of who is trying to kill them. This book was trying to link together different branches of the carpathians and also give more possibilities for future books. Too bad this book was "sacrificed".
I don't know what Christine Feehan was trying to do, some kind of cross over into another genre?? Whatever it was missed the mark with me. I don't understand why romance writers leave the romance genre and move into intrigue/ mysteries. I hope Christine Feehan isn't following in the footsteps of so many authors who have left the romance field. (Such as Iris Johansen,Kay Hooper)

For those of you who have read this series, this book is a little bit of a departure.
Instead of the woman having to give up everything familiar to her and learn to deal with living in another world. In this one Byron does much of the adapting. I don't know if it is because Byron is an artist instead of a hunter, but he is much more easy going. He does not come across as quite as possessive as any of the others. (I personally really like Lucien and Gregor the best.)
Toni is a very strong woman and she does not take any guff from anyone, and it seems that Byron does not give her as much. He gives choices and does not demand her doing as he bid or gives quite so many "mental pushes".
Great interaction w/his sisters adopted son that we read briefly about in the first one. I found this to be fascinating as a background and how things are tied together. It also brings in a new bloodline of carpathians. We also visit w/Jacqes and Shea. I found this to be very enjoyable. It is not my favorite, but it is very good!!!

Antonietta Scarletti is a blind musician who falls in love with the vampire-like Carpathian male Byron. Antonietta lives in a house filled with evil leaching relatives and silly conspiring cousins which would do any soap opera proud, but which seemed a little half-baked and overdone to me. While I've previously enjoyed Feehan's other Carpathian books, I felt this one was a little flat. Byron was your typical grumpy alpha Carpathian, but he lacked the Ooomph of other Carpathian males. Likewise, Antonietta was a little too saintly and a little too forgiving. She seems to have no selfish emotions at all.

Worse, I just didn't feel that Antonietta and Byron had any chemistry. I felt no passion when either of them got together. The love scenes were stale, and Antonietta (and Byron's) relatives were completely over-the-top. Not one of Antonietta's relatives seemed to genuinely like or care about her. And Josef, Byron's nephew was completely silly. He acted more like 13 than 22. (Yes I know that age is different for Carpathian's but didn't Dubrinksy's daughter marry at his age?).

I think these characters would work if paired with other mates. Byron needs an adventurous reckless woman to protect, and Antonietta needs a dependant guy she can add to her menagerie of dependant relatives.

Things I do like? Finally a woman with a spine who doesn't 'give up her life for her man.' Also, no baby on the way at the end. Thank You. 2 stars. Some good scenes but far from her best work

First, I think the Dark Series is cool. Yeah for the plump lady in the book. Unlike others I do like reading about "overweight" women in romance novels. After all women with curves read them too and not all of us have dream of being "slim". Unlike the other novels that grabbed you this one did not. I read the first chapter and prayed it would get better. It did not. I enjoy complex stories but this one was overkill. This book dragged on and I did not finish it. I thought that it was just me so I asked a friend that likes the series and she agreed. It is a terrible rush to the publisher style of book. I for one was greatly disappointed in Byrons' story. The Byron from Dark Desires was a tragic hero;however,this one was not. He was weak and his lifemate was weak. My advice read the other books in the Dark Series some are better than others but none were this bad. The main question is will I purchase more of the Dark Series? YES, I will not give up on one of my favorite authors. My fingers are crossed.

The story line has been reviewed by others so I won't address it. I do think its one of Feehan's best. There is less hostility and a significant tolerance to other people's differences, something we all need in our reality world.
I usually prefer renaissance and gothic romance, but I love Christine Feehan. I just came upon her 6 months ago, and have read all of the DARK series. Each one has been a re-read. Like others of the DARK series, I begin to read one, then want to stop and go find a previous one to help set the scene. For me that's a positive. It keeps me seeking. Dark Symphony's story line is similar to previous in the series. But they are all a great relaxing escape from everyday stress and challenge, just a 'sit back and enjoy'. Christine Feehan's books are not traded off from my library shelf. They are cherished, savored and will definitely be a future reread.

Aw, a little twist in the series! That's a wonderful surprise considering this is the tenth installment and a little mixing up was needed!

Byron, who was featured in the very first couple of books but then forgotten for a while, is now found in Italy wooing his lifemate, Antoinette, the gifted and famous concert pianist who is also blind. After the mistakes of his past, Byron is determined to be patient and allow Antionette the time and opportunity to choose him on her own before he binds her to his Carpathian fate and divulges his secrets. She, however, has secrets of her own and soon those secrets threaten not only their love but the future of two ancient races as well. Yum!!

I'm a big fan of Christine Feehan's Dark series. I own all of them and love Dark Desire the most. I like how this novel brings back or mentions many of my favorite characters, but I think Ms Feehan was too preoccupied with combining too many different ideas into the novel and didn't give the story line between Bryon and Toni as much thought as she did with the other couples in the Dark series. She brings back the idea of the Jaguars, which was mentioned once in Dark Prince and she does a pretty good job explaining what happened to the Jaguar and the Scarlettis but she puts too much into it and not enough into the Carparthian aspects. For new readers, this book is a little of a nightmare. It touches upon three things that only an avid reader of Christine Feehan would get and tie together. It isn't a badly written novel, Ms Feehan could never do that, but the main storyline was not fully developed. I felt I understood Tasha more than I did Toni, so much description was given to her in comparison to Toni. Toni remains a mystery to me, as well as Bryon. It really feels as though Ms Feehan used Toni and Bryon to explain the Scartelli's history and that's what makes this book uninteresting for those who were looking for a love story.

I fall in with the camp that enjoyed the changes Feehan has made to the characters in this book. I, too, have read the previous eight books in the series. I, for one, was beginning to get bored with the Carpathian alpha male thing - after living for centuries, after seeing one's friend find and struggle to learn to live with their lifemate, when was one Carpathian going to learn to court his love, to woo her, to get to know her BEFORE hitting her with the life changing, never see the sun again, beauty of the night speech? I thought it was great that Byron had learned from previous mistakes in his life, and so took the time to get to know his lifemate BEFORE introducing her to his way of life. Much like explaining sex to children, he answered her questions, letting her digest the information before moving on to the next revelation. I've always been a little uncomfortable with the strong female character being forced into the life - I like that Antonietta was allowed to use her intelligence, come to her own conclusions, and acceptance of Byron and Carpathians. I enjoyed even more that she was imaginative enough to take it in stride and enjoy her man all the more. I was very curious about how she was going to become a Carpathian and maintain her role in a large family. The resolution to the entire story was very satisfying. Those of you who prefer the formula Feehan established in the first half a dozen books probably won't find this as enjoyable. But if you like the basic idea of Carpathians, and are ready for a few changes (i.e., Byron is a warrior by choice not inclination), I think you'll enjoy this latest entry to the series. As always, I'm looking forward to the next one!

Christine Feehan has created a race of Carpathians - vampires- who have powers to change their shape etc. The first volumes of this series were strong in their exploration of different facets of the race and combined with a solid love interest. Each had a new aspect of the race - old vampires/ young vampires/sick vampires/female vampires. This book was not in the same vein. It is more akin to Feehans previous book set in Italy. Sadly, I don't think the author got an Italian 'feel' to the story. The people react and behave like Americans. I also think there should have been a better exploration of the female characters career. The setting is almost one dimensional and lacks the space and area that were common for other books.
I read the book but must admit that unlike most of the others it took some concentration to get involved in the book and complete it.
Christine - we expected to see more about the lost children perhaps more female Carpathians and some exploration of the family with children. I think this lacks the zing that you had before.

This is not typical of Feehan's Dark series, but that in no way diminishes the impact this book has on the series.

This book was not all about the passion between the two main characters, it was about history and family and acceptance.

Antonietta Scarletti, is blind and rich, and scarred. Can any man love her for herself, or will she always be preyed upon as weak because of the opinion that others have of her.

Byron Justicano is alone in his world of darkness because of his self imposed banishment from his people. Can the music Antonietta creates be his salvation?

There is an interesting plot twist that I hope will affect future stories, and this interesting little tidbit has got me aching to keep reading more.

The other reviewers have done an admirable job of describing the plot and the characters here so it isn't necessary for another description. In terms of how this book is written it is noticably better in style and technique than her previous books. There are fewer repitions-muscular chests abound in the other books, fewer typos etc. Author Feehan adds more to the background of her world and unfortunately for new readers the Carpathian world is now so complex that this book is difficult to read without having read the previous books. Fans will enjoy the book and new readers will probably go looking for the previous books. The author's strong point is creating very interesting characters particularly if you are a fan of the alpha male type. I am concerned that the allusions to wizards and dragons might take this already over the top series higher over the top. When reading about fantasy worlds the observer always has to suspend belief but there is a point where even the most avid of fans will have trouble swallowing the premise. That said, Dark Symphony has a different feel and fleshes out some previous characters; it is a welcome addition to the series.

I found Dark Symphony to be a beautiful and well-written continuation of the Carpathian legacy. The combination of the Dark Series with that of the Scarletti Curse was a wonderful idea. I also loved the inclusion of Eleanor and her family--her son reminds me so much of my own nephew--he's not a rapper, but he once painted a rather risqué picture and gave it to our Pastor to encourage him to marry one of the ladies in our church--I thought we'd have to move to another country (smile).
In this story line, I feel that Byron has grown so much as a man and a friend. From the first time he was introduced to us in Dark Prince, I hoped he would have his own story. I was also glad to see the reparation of his friendship with Jacques. And Antonietta...well what can one say about a woman who is mature (comfortable in her own skin), beautiful, smart, and the bind that holds her entire family together? Maybe it was her age, maybe her imperfections, maybe even the constant chaos with her family, but I felt I could truly relate to this woman. She is the perfect lifemate for Byron.
My hat goes off to Ms. Feehan for once again bringing edge of the seat talent to the literary community.
Michele Bowie
Editor, OSI

I must admit that this is only the second book I've read from the Dark Series... or Christine Feehan for that matter; the first one being Dark Prince. These books were recommended to me, so after loving Dark Prince I was eager to read more and was ready to get my hands on any of the series.
Dark Symphony didn't disappoint me. Antonietta Scarletti was blinded in a boating accident as a child, the same accident that killed her parents. Since the lose of her sight she has only had two passions - her family and music. It was the music that drawed Byron to her and in her he found his life mate, the woman who restored colour to his eyes and made him love again.
But someone is stalking the Scarletti family and Byron is determined to save Antonietta and the rest of her family from whatever evil is lurking at their door. A story full of mystery and a family's dark past, Dark Symphony keeps an avid reader all night reading.

I have bought everything that Christine has ever written to date and will continue to do so........ but unfortuately Christine has not lived up to my expectations of the Dark Series. The Dark Series to me has always had that edge that made you want to turn back to the start after you reached the last page.
Dark Symphony, did not have that sharp edge, we all expect. I think the difficulty I had with this story was that I could not visualise Byron in the same way as all the other Dark Heros.
I love the fact that we are given more back ground information on the Carpathians, but I believe that Byron's story would have been better as part of an anthology rather than a longer story.
We have come to expect our Dark Heros as Guardians of the Carpathians with an intensity of love and passion but this was lacking in Byrone's story.
Scarletti Curse has more of an edge, but in its own way (I loved this book)unfortunately Dark Symphony did justice to neither the Dark Series or The S. Curse.
Don't get me wrong the book is not bad, it's just not as compelling as Christine's other books.
I have read an excerpt from the One and Only and now I wish Christine wrote "Dark Decent" as a full book of its own!!

Plot? What plot? There was actually a plot? The whole mystery of who is trying to kill Antonietta and her family is lost in the whole courtship between her and Byron. Don't get me wrong, the erotic scenes were certainly erotic--though they did get repetitive; how many times was I to read "the swell of her breast"? The Carpathian world was intriguing, as well, and there was enough information for me, as a first-time reader of the series, to catch on to the nuances of this breed. And I liked that the heroine was blind and overweight. Curves are good! But the plot was weak, and seemed to serve as bridges between the erotic parts, when it should be the other way around. Oh well. It was a good beach read, which is what I used it for!

From the back of the book....
He was Carpathian,a species as old as time. He could shift shape and soar high, run with the wolves, yet without light to his darkness, he could so easily give in to the whispers of temptation, the call for power and turn wholly evil-to become the undead, as many of his kind had chosen to do. He traveled the world, hunting the vampire, seeking to maintain a balance of life in a world of bleak loneliness. And then he heard the music...
Blinded and scarred in a terrible accident, Antonietta Scarletti made music that thrilled the world with its beauty and passion. Descended from a long line of psychics, Antonietta has learned to rely on her other senses to "see" the world around her, but nothing could have prepared her for Byron. he came to her, drawn by her music, and became her secret obsession. Others fear him, sensing that he is dangerous-a preadtor-but for Antonietta he is her ultimate fantasy, her dream lover. He woos her with kisses full of erotic allure, whispering that she is his light, his salvation. Byron has waited an eternity for her, and he will let nothing stand between him and the woman born to be his lifemate...

I am completely hooked on the Carpathian world and look forward with eager anticipation to reading about how these noble, ancient protectors of humans and Carpahians discover the lifemate who will end their terrible aloneliness and bring them into the light. I realize the male has no choice in selecting his lifemate but I was so hopeful that Byron, after his torturous, long wait, would get a lifemate who would make his search worthwhile. I cannot believe the author would pair this beautiful, thoughtful, and long suffering Carpathian man with an old, overweight, scarred, grey-haired nympho who only wants him for sex! I thought that neither lifemate would ever be sexually or emotionally attracted to anyone other than their true life partner. (This contradiction also occurs in Dark Melody).

I hated the way Antonietta demanded absolute truth and loyalty from Byron yet she allowed her lying, scheming, worthless relatives to continue to be tethered to her side. As an older woman stuck in her ways and unwilling to change, she is of no use to the Carpathian community and drags Byron down with her. Her character does nothing to drive the Carpathian story forward, it was just a continuation of the jaguar-people plot, which I find bland and boring. Byron deserved so much better, yet he ended up being completely diminished as a Carpathian male. This one, as well as Dark Melody, are not keepers for me.

I love the Dark Series, I am so intrigued with the Carpathians and the new spin on the 'vampire'. I have read all Feehan's Dark books, but I especially love this one. It is different from the rest. I got the feeling that Feehan was starting to run out of ideas for her Dark books, they all started to sound the same after a while. Don't get me wrong, I loved them all, but we all know that the male finds his mate and is very protective of her and won't let anyone near her that is male, basically converts her without asking, and she struggles to undertsand who and what he is and is sort of forced to accept him and what he has converted her to.
This book is different in the fact that Byron, keeps his distance from her at first, enjoying her music as it brings colors to his dark existence. He works his way into her world and would have taken his time getting to her heart, unfortunately, one night someone tries to throw Antonetta and her grandfather off a cliff. At that point, Byron can't deny himself any longer. He thought she was lost to him, so he takes over trying to find out who tried to hurt her and pretty much puts the moves on her and makes his way into her heart and bed, of course. This surprises her because she has pretty much fallen in love with him during the time they spend together talking at nighttime, but they have never touched. I think he avoided contact with her, so that he wouldn't lose control as we was trying to court her the old fashioned way, not overpower her. Antonetta is such a great heroine for this book and for Byron, she is understanding, strong and courageous, and she's blind!
As to the comment one of the reviewers made about feeling that the characters had no passion or real love for one another, all I can say is...are you kidding me? I know it said you only read the first few chapters, but just because he doesn't ravish her in the first few chapters doesn't mean they don't love one another or have passion for each other. Keep reading before you make that kind of review, its just not helpful when you haven't even read the entire book! They go up in flames when they finally touch one another. Can you say unconditional love? She finds out more and more of what he is and still loves him, and is not completely afraid of him, well he is kind of scary at times, but she totally trusts him. Of course, she has a secret about her family which helps to explain why she is more understanding of his Carpathian background than most.
Oh, yeah, and he also makes it her choice to convert or not, he does not try to force her. He thought about doing it, but since he loves her so much and admires her for her independence, he does not want to take that choice away from her. Their love for one another far exceeds what I had envisioned for them and I also had no clue as to who the villian was, I am usually good about picking out who they are right away, but this one sort of surprised me. Go figure and good job Feehan!
If you have read the other Dark books, you have to get this one. There are new developments in the Carpathian world that are explained in this book, new twists and all. The love between the two characters sizzles and never dies, so you won't be disappointed with that. Some of Antonetta's family members got a little annoying, but if she can put up with them, why can't we? I can't wait for the next installment of the Dark series, I am sure it will be as good as all the rest. Keep them coming Feehan, we are waiting anxiously!

Although this is the latest in a substantial series, Dark Symphony breaks some new ground for this author while drawing together the threads of others of her stories formally outside the main series. Most importantly, it focuses on Antoinetta Scarletti, a descendent of the family Scarletti, from the Scarletti Curse. It also relates the Scarletti book to the short story, The Awakening, from the Fantasy anthology in which we are introduced to a race of non-Carpathian shapeshifters with great powers of their own.
But most importantly, this is the first of the author's books with a heroine possessing a finely-honed sense of adventure. With her previous heroines, "spunky" is the word that comes most quickly to mind, but they are often shown as very timid as well, fearful of this and that and quite unable to make up their mind about anything more complicated than breakfast until the decision is masterfully made *for* them by their Carpathian intended. And her counterpart among the Carpathians is just a little more human as well, less, quite frankly, of a macho jerk and more concerned about establishing a real relationship beyond the magically-fated soulmate business foisted on her psychic sisters.
In the first place, Byron is not the typical dark warrior grimly marching around the world killing bad guys and having zero fun; he's an artist and craftsman in gems and precious metals whose work has been admired and collected for centuries. Now this is a man worthy of fantasy. Of course he's handsome and all that, but this particular hunk can make jewelry worthy of the crowned heads of Europe! As the Leo Robin song goes, "A kiss on the hand may be quite continental, but diamonds are a girl's best friend." But more importantly, we all love a man who's good with his hands.
After nights of passion, and naturally Feehan supplies this with her trademark attention to detail, the fuses still have to be mended and the children's toys have to be put together properly. We know that Byron won't spend his nights out with the boys like the rest of the rowdy Carpathian do-gooders; he'll be down in his basement workshop puttering with his tools, emerging from time to time with a new necklace or brooch for his ladylove. Yum yum. Antoinetta may be blind but she knows a real catch when she meets him.

I have read all the Dark series books and this one was the worst. The flow was disjointed, the Scarlettis were irritating, and Byron was the least interesting Carpathian. I was really looking forward to Byron's story, but the whole Scarletti thing took too much of the book and you really didn't get to know Byron at all. Which is too bad because I really didn't like the heroine too much. While I couldn't wait to finish the rest of the Carpathian novels, I had to force myself to get through this one.

I give this five stars when I normally would have given it 4. Reason being, I'm a great fan of the Dark Series but the last few books of the series have been disappointing and this one seemed like such a step up from the "dry spell". In the previous books, there was so much repetition of the same love/sex scenes, many of the Carpathian males all seemed to run together into the same character. There wasn't much seperating the characters. I loved the twist of the lifemate being blind. It left for more description of surronding events, etc. I did enjoy this book much better than some of the others, although Dark Legend was a recent one of the series that I also liked. It's a great series but if you read all the books, you'll notice the repetition.

This is Christine Feehan's best Carpathian novel yet.
It's rare that an author improves her writing in a series, but I was amazed at how much different this book was to the previous.
Of course I enjoyed the others, but the juicy scenes were far more to my liking. I was tired of the virginal brides and of the similar plots.
I barely put it down! If I'm going to read a hot book I want to relate to the main character a little more and this was the first novel where the heroine was not a teenager, not inexperienced, and yet still a very strong woman. Byron is also a more fitting male Carpathian for our times.
Yummmmmmm....
My husband thanks you, Mrs. Feehan!

I agree with a few others that it was time for a change in the Dark Series. I really thought that CF did a great job of adding a new twist. I don't dare mention that new twist due to the fact that it's not told in the description or on the cover - it doesn't show up for a little while in the book. So you'll just have to read it to find out! The fact that is was more of a suspense thriller instead of just an action packed plot did not take away from the enjoyment for me. It still had enough action to keep my eyebrows raised but it also constantly kept me guessing about who was doing it (not simply another ancient vampire). The added humor to this story was a refreshing relief also - that has always been a personal preference of mine. As usual Byron was enough to take my breath away & I even thought more of him than some of the other Carpathian males because although he was still just as protective of Antonietta he was not as overly dominating and borish as some of the others. (Although, honestly, how could a girl hold Mikhail's borishness against him!) I also enjoyed Antonietta - she was a highly intelligent & strong woman. I'll have to admit though that I would probably NOT be as understanding about her family as she had been all those years! lol It did explain her compassion quite well towards the end though. I liked the off and on contact that Byron had with other Carpathians through out the book - that always adds something to it for me. That bond between them all is just so fasinating. I personally thought that the story was nicely tied up at the end - it didn't feel rushed or left hanging. All in all another excellent read by CF.

This book is a departure from the other books in the Dark Series. I thought it was appropriate for Ms. Feehan to change them because they were all starting to seem the same. However, I thought this book was too long in the some parts and too short in others. I wished the adventure of finding out about the thief was shorter. I wished the ending was more developed. And I was a little annoyed that she didn't tell us more about the jaguar and less of the goofy nephew.

I have been reading the series in order and this has been my favorite so far. It had more humor than the previous books and I liked that Byron wasn't hunting down a vampire. I loved Antonietta's family, especially Tasha. It was a nice change of pace from the other Dark books and I hope it continues through the rest of the series.

I recently started reading the Dark Series (recommended by a close friend) I love it! Each book is individual but refers to characters from previous books. You become a part of the story and before you know it your're through the book and searching for the next one in the series. I recommend this book to 18+ due to sexual content. Enjoy reading. Ang

I have to agree with a few other reviewers...Overall, I was disappointed in the book. I was excited to pick up Byron's story as he has been in a couple of other books and his character was interesting. However, unlike her previous books, Byron's character lacked grit in Dark Symphony. The storyline was interesting but slow. Certain accounts were drawn out far longer than needed and the development of the characters was superficial. If you have not read a book in this series, do NOT read this one first. I have read all of the "Dark" series and have enjoyed all of them. It's not necessary to read them in order but I would definitely recommend that you do, as the characters continue to pop in and out of the series. Dark Magic is my favorite.

I'll admit I picked this up at the airport and have no familiarity with the other books of the series, but I was stunned by the awful writing -- both style and content -- of this book. The characters are all super-caricatures, the prose is stilted and juvenile, and the dialog is inane. Ms. Feehen writes hot...scenes, but I literally did not finish the book; it gave me the sensation that I was reading a teenage girl's diary wherein she detailed her fantasy life. That said, the concepts are interesting (Carpathian life-mate rules and other powers) and it is a certain departure from the vampire novels I've read...but I simply couldn't get past the failures of the writing itself. Sorry.

I love that Christian feehan has brought the light and dark of the vampire myths to life. Just like humans can be good or evil. I love how she can bring the myths of vampire, shifter, and werewolf into a romantic visual with two equal sides, genius work.

Christine Feehan has done it again. This is another wonderful book in her Dark Series featuring those wonderful Carpathians that you will fall instantly in love with the moment you read one of her books. If you are an avid Dark Series reader, you will find that this book has a slightly different twist to the way Byron goes about claiming his lifemate as apposed to her previous works but it is a refreshing twist. For those who have not read any of the Dark Series I highly recommend staring with Dark Prince and working your way up. Dary Symphony is about Byron, an ancient Carpathian male finding his lifemate, Antoinette, at long last. It just so happens Antoinette is an ancestor of the Scarletti's you will find in Christine's book The Scarletti Curse, which leads to lots of intrigue and difficulty in Byron's claiming of her. Trust me, you will not put this book down until you have finished reading it!!! It is a MUST READ!!!

Dark Symphony is a wonderful book in Christine Feehan's "Dark" series. I have wanted to read about Byron, a childhood friend of Jacques (Dark Desire) for quite sometime. He finds his lifemate in a very special woman, Antonietta Scarletti. "Toni" as her family calls her was blinded in a boating accident as a child that killed her parents. She has over come many difficultes in her life and became a strong willed, loving and caring person that her family always goes to. This is a love story, drama, mystery and has alot of fun and humorous scenes with Byron's sister Eleanor's son, Josef. It was fun to read about Josef's escapades acting like the fledgling that he is. Also it was great to read about past characters and see them interwoven in this story and the whole scheme of the Carpathian people. I simply loved this book and very much look forward to Christine's next story in this very wonderful series.

Christine Feehan's Dark series has been enhanced by the addition of "Dark Symphony." After reading of Byron in other novels, I wanted to know his story. Ms. Feehan has written it well.
I am a voracious reader and devoured the novel in one night. I couldn't put it down, reading through dinner and into the night. Believe me, I was not disappointed.
Now I am eagerly awaiting the next novel from Ms. Feehan.

Who wrote that? I love the Carpathian Series but this book does not even come close to carpathian expectations. To much irrelevent history on the scarletti clan made the book boring hard to finish. I only made it to page 180 in this book. I couldn't take it anymore. I say, if your into this series, skip this book and go to the next. You will not be missing anything.

I too am a Dark Series lover. I felt this book was very good except for the part about the dragon, which was too cartoonish for me. I think the reason some are giving bad reviews is that Byron wasn't quite alpha male enough. I enjoyed the combining with the Scarletti's and the cat people. It opens up a whole new area and will probably be what saves the Carpathians in the end.
While this book was different, it probably had to be the way it was to give us the facts we need to understand the books to come.

I was introduced to these books by my sister and I have loved everyone of these stories. The men are masterful and loving in the true sense of the word. I would recommend this series to anyone,(my true love is historical romance). I am up to reading
Dark Melody which is the 12th book of the series and I am not tired of them yet. I have read every book in order to get the whole story from the beginning to current. Thanks Christine Feehan, and I thank my sister(Laura).

As always Christine Feehan manages to take my breath away with her sensuous Dark series. Definitely, one of my favorite paranormal romance series. I am totally in love with the Carpathian males............

This Carpathian male is not a hunter, so no lightning bolt zaps disintegrating vampires. He's more sensitive, and wants his lifemate to be with him by choice. And not once did he say "he can do no other" -- I am SO tired of hearing that 50 times per book! A very refreshing installment in the series.

I have waited breathlessly for Ms. Feehan's latest 'Dark' book. I was pleased that this was Byron's tale. Unfortunately, I was disappointed in the book. I have read and reread the other 'Dark' books repeatedly. I must admit to setting this book aside several times before I managed to get through all of it. It's too much Scarletti Curse and too little Carpathian. I did find the introduction of one of the ancients of Falcon's time interesting, and I am looking forward to his story. Byron is a great hero, but he doesn't get enough time to shine. There's entirely too many characters with too many activities for a reader to care greatly about most of them. Sorry, but I doubt that I'll be rereading this one.

Dark Symphony not only keeps you entertained in the love story between Toni and Byron, it gives tantalizing bits and pieces of past Carpathian history....more than folklore with the Dragonseeker being introduced as he searches for his sister, a Wizard gone "bad." You enter the secret room of the Jaguars, another "race" tied into/with the Carpathians, where you learn why certain humans can be lifemates. Last but not least, you're introduced to a "teenage Carpathian male," a young man who's ready to take on the world much to the dismay and terror of his Uncle Byron. I loved Josef! Dark Symphony is definetly a Keeper!!

I hate this - some Dark books take my breath away, and some... well, they just make me want to yack.

As of now, only two have accomplished such a feat; 'Dark Gold' was atrocious, and I had to put it down within five chapters else risking to lose my Beaner's short Teddy Bear.

'Dark Symphony' was the same way, unfortunately. Byron annoyed me in 'Dark Desire' (go Jacques, you sexy beast) and he did nothing for me now. Antoinetta made my back teeth grind.

I don't know, maybe it's because Byron and Aidan are blonde. Then again, so was Julian and I loved his story. But he had Desari, whom I thoroughly enjoyed.

Definitely must be the blonde factor. I like my protagonist men brunette.

Yet another GREAT Carpathian book. Thank to Christine FEEHAN & her Dark Series of books I now have my love for reading back. I own all of her book in the dark series & now I am getting them all in hard bAck. If you are looking for a good book that can have you laughing one minute and crying the next this is it, it kept me on the edge of my seat & I couldn't put it down until I was finished, then again all of her book in her Dark Series are like this for me. I would recommend this book for anyone from 16-101 years old.

I loved this book of all Christie Feehan's Dark Series books. I loved the way how the main characters developed, fall in love (lust), mated, and interacted with other humans in the book. I especially love the hot steamy love scenes and the tender moments between the lovers - Makes me want to have my own Carparthian man. Since other readers have given the summary of the book, I will not bore readers. I will recommend this book highly for those readers who like to read some magic and romance plus lots of steamy sex. The ending is off course predictable, but then, what else is new? It's what's in the middle of the book is important.

I have a *huge* problem with Feehan's work - I hate how she writes her women. Her entire series is based on the theory that men know best and women need to shut up and obey. Honestly, if you're looking for romance, her series might not be the best place to go since rape and non-consentual acts abound, all deemed OK by applying the term "soulmate" to it.
I will say this...if you dig through the dreck, some of her work can be tolerable (such as "Dark Symphony"), but the writing is trite and be warned of the overuse of "lightening" and "spicy" in every love scene. You'll begin to wonder if the love scenes are photocopied, with only the names changed from book to book. You won't find anything terribly new here, but if you like vampires and macho, overbearing men who don't actually listen to what women say, then go for it. The heroine actually has some backbone in this one!

This book is on a slightly different thread then the rest of the carpathian books,but it is still good. I gave it only three stars because of my personal preferences. Actually more like three and a half. But its good, have no worries.

The only good thing I can say is that once you've read one of the sexual encounters (please, let's not call them love scenes)in any of the books in this series, you can skip ahead 20 pages or so and not miss any of the so-called plot. If you crave sensuality, try the Merry Gentry or Antia Blake series.

This is the latest of her Carpathian books. It's right up there with all the others. It was interesting because the female character was blind plus being a "jaguar". This lead to interesting twists in the book. It was nice to meet other Carpathians from her other books in this one. I happened to pick up one of her books and made sure I got the others.

I'll make this review short and sweet. WOW!!!! Christine Feehan does it again. I have to say that this is one of my favorite books in her series. I've never given a book 5 stars, but this one rocks in my opinion. I had a hard time putting it down and I have two young sons to take care of. If your expecting some of her earlier work this book is a bit different, yet throughly enjoyable.

Ms. Feehan is a wonderful storyteller, mixing romance and the paranormal into a wonderful, intriguing tale. I wish there were more authors as good as her and Sherry A. Mauro! Both of my favorite writers!

This is one of my favorite books in the Dark Series. Byron is a Carpathian with all their strengths and skills but he was not born a hunter. He is one of the more romantic charecters and his story is fresh and could even stand alone from the series. I would highly recommend if fantasy, romance and mystery are your thing.

i would like to know how anyone finished this book. It is an advertisement for future books per and simple. it was so irritating to me that i am writing this review. i would have given it a minus zero if the computer would have let me. i know everyone reads for different reasons and some will like this book but if you want to be stimulated, amused, enthalled or if you simply like strong characters - do not look for it here!i guess the bottom line is i feel cheated!

Dark Symphony is a wonderful addition to the Dark Series. The characters were strong and very likable. Although Byron was not a hunter I thought that it added a little more to the story. It was different from the other books and that's why I liked it. I would recommend this book to anyone.

I don't like this book as much as I like other Dark Series. It sets up my expectations for the Dragonseekers and the futher of the Carpathian race. But I don't find the main characters equally interesting.