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The Dark Ones Saga #2

Untouchable Darkness

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(Alternate cover edition of ASIN B017MGIV3W.)

To love a Dark One is to invite death...

It is wrong to love her.
It is worse to want her.
It is sin to consume her.
I desire all three.

I've been given thirty days to prove my love to another immortal--as a human. Cursed to use nothing but the side of myself I've always despised to win her affection. I am Cassius, the King of the immortals, A Dark One.
And today I tasted fear for the first time.
How can I win her when my human emotions over take every ounce of logic I possess?
A darkness is brewing.
One I cannot stop as a human.
One that Stephanie, my loves visions, have shown, will be my end.
Thirty days ago I was King of the immortals.
Today I know fear.
Today I know how I will die.
By her hand.
The woman I love.

Complete Stand alone, interconnected within The Dark Ones Saga, each book is about a different couple.

311 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 29, 2015

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About the author

Rachel Van Dyken

161 books18.3k followers
Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances.

Hey guys I'm rarely on Goodreads, if you need to reach me feel free to email!
EMAIL ME: [email protected]

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-...

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5 stars
1,157 (40%)
4 stars
991 (34%)
3 stars
548 (19%)
2 stars
141 (4%)
1 star
44 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 356 reviews
Profile Image for Jilly.
1,838 reviews6,478 followers
November 12, 2017
Not as good as the first one, but I still liked it. And, that's a feat, because it had some MAJOR strikes against it. Get this:

The main couple have the same father!!! That's right, our romance is between siblings.



Strike two against this story? Neither of these characters were that likable in the first book. One of them betrayed the last heroine and almost got her killed, along with betraying all of her best friends and her brother (not THAT brother). The male was just a major dick the whole time. Basically, he was the bad guy and she was a bitch. Yeah, not real excited to see them get an HEA. They are about as likable as those couples on House Hunters.


Die, assholes!

Strike three is usually a dnf or one-star infraction in my eyes. This book gets all preachy. The Dark Ones are half dark, half light, so we have to read platitude after platitude about darkness and light. Seriously, it was like a bad fortune cookie convention.

The worst kind of darkness is the kind we keep in our hearts.....

Lies were like little walls shoved between you and someone you loved....




So, three strikes, right? And, yet, I somehow still managed to like this book. The author always injects enough humor to make me happy, and I love all of the other characters in the books. Except this couple. I really didn't like them.



On to the next one!

Profile Image for Sabrina.
3,809 reviews2,321 followers
October 24, 2017
Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK



I was not prepared to be so captivated by this series. Each book can be read as a standalone but from the moment I picked up The Dark Ones I was enthralled with each of these characters, and by the end I was ready to beg to get all of the other books. Cassius was definitely one of them that I was dying to know more about though so when I realized his book was next I knew there was no way I could not continue with the series.

Untouchable Darkness showed the big bad Dark One being brought to his knee's by a love he never knew he could actually have. This book opens after Stephanie learns some huge, earth shattering news and takes us through her journey as she tries to cope with what she now knows, all while trying to hide just how much Cassius affects her. Both Stephanie and Cassius are keeping their real feelings hidden for their own reasons but they can't stop the chilling chemistry that's between them.

Cassius really gripped my heart in this book and his vulnerability that showed because of his new weakness had me obsessed with him. It was amazing to see him not at his strongest and instead he had to rely on the other immortals. I loved that both he and Stephanie were going though a lot of changes and trying to find their ways in the world. It forced them to work together and made the bond between them so much stronger.
Profile Image for Jacqueline's Reads.
2,955 reviews1,522 followers
January 4, 2016
4 Light and Dark Stars

I love Rachel Van Dyken and I love The Dark Ones Saga. Untouchable Darkness is a standalone and is part of the The Dark Ones Saga.

This is Cassius’ story.

I loved the first book and Cassius super intrigued me. There was something about his tortured self that just pulled me towards him. You don’t have to read the first book to understand this one, but to get the full effect you should start the series from the beginning.

I love Cassius and Stephanie’s story because it’s so painful and tragic, but I love it when the Hero kind of watches after the Heroine for many years.

Cassius wasn’t painted in the best light in The Dark Ones and I feel like Untouchable Darkness really tries hard to help us understand who he is, where he came from and why he does what he does. I am not a fan of flashbacks, especially when the flashbacks deal with other characters, but I really enjoyed that part of the book. The flashbacks touch important parts of Cassius past and with his relationship with Sarial.

You get the previous characters, but the whole book reflects on Cassius and since he’s one of my favorites, I was in heaven.

Cassius and Stephanie’s relationship isn’t easy, but I love how open and exposed Cassius was. I loved that he was slightly weaker than Stephanie and he in some ways had to come to terms with his actions and choices.

Overall, if you are a Cassius fan, you will not be disappointed.

An ARC was provided

The Dark Ones (The Dark Ones Saga, #1) by Rachel Van Dyken REVIEW | AMAZON
Untouchable Darkness (The Dark Ones Saga, #2) by Rachel Van Dyken AMAZON 99 Cents Pre-order
Profile Image for Kelli C .
1,052 reviews357 followers
November 19, 2016
I'm totally in love with this series! All the stars for Cassius...I mean all of them. Fallen...evil...dark...light...human...so many things but always perfect! He could have had a better mate in my opinion, but that doesn't lessen my love fest! patiently waiting for Mason, but Alex is next!
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,102 reviews1,361 followers
December 28, 2015
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

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Untouchable Darkness is the second book of The Dark Ones Saga and picks off where it last left off from the first book so it is highly recommended that this series must be read in order. When I first read The Dark Ones, I was immediately drawn to Cassius and his relationship with Stephanie. As a reader, I was intrigued with their tangible bond to one another. And so in Untouchable Darkness, readers are magically spellbound as Cassius, the Dark One is turned into a human for thirty days and within these days, he must guide and help Stephanie with her powers and the revelations of her past.

“I wanted to claim her. Yet I worried she’d resent me. I wanted to help her. And at the same time a part of me was fearful of what she was capable of, even as I was fully aware of how weak I was.”

#UntouchableDarkness

Cassius and Stephanie has this tangible bond that no one can explain. It is the kind of the bond that links them to each other. A bond where they both know deep within their souls that they are each other's missing piece and link to happiness. And as always, Ms. Van Dyken lures her readers with raw emotions as readers learn of Cassius past and the demons that stands in the way of Stephanie and the immortal beings. In the Untouchable Darkness, we are completely drawn into the world of immortal beings that consists of angels, werewolves, sirens, vampires, demons and The Dark Ones.While this book has a romance aspect, Ms. Van Dyken was still able to layer this book with a bit of suspense as we see a battle of darkness and light. Also, new revelations of Sariel, Cassius's father comes into light.

“The minute our lips touched, those brief seconds you saved me, touched me, joined with me. For those measly seconds—seconds of living a lifetime of a million lonely seconds—I was complete.”

I don't want to spoil the story for the readers but I will just say that Cassius and Stephanie will make your hearts flutter with their strong emotional and physical bond to one another. And Sariel will steal your heart with the gift that he gives Cassius. I adore this new genre that Rachel Van Dyken has written and created because she continues to awe her readers with heart, laughter, and a bit of intrigue. She continues to weave a story where we can't help but fall in love with each of the characters that she has created. I can't wait for Alex's story and his adventure in falling in love.

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Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Rachel Van Dyken
Profile Image for Princess under cover.
617 reviews308 followers
February 10, 2019
2.5 stars rounded down.

I'm not even sure what the hell it was I just read. I feel like I wasted a boat load of time, and it's not like I have that much free time these days to begin with!

I prob shouldn't have ordered the other 2 books in this series already. I'm gonna lambaste them if they're this convoluted and just plain BAD!

Really dislike Stephanie, the h. She selfishly betrayed her friend in the first book. I was waiting for her to make up for it here, but nope, she betrayed her LOVE too! The excuse? "But, but...I didn't know you'd DIE when I stabbed you between the ribs! I thought I could just slow you down!"

HUH????

Sooo... besides being a selfish, undeserving bitch, she's also STUPID.

Great.

Cassius wasn't great either. I was so waiting for him to show his romantic human side for 30 days to win her while she became an immortal, but that was like 10% of the book, the first 10% that I actually enjoyed. Then suddenly, everything went into mumbo jumbo mode with all the theorizing and bad writing and editing around the origin of the Dark Ones, etc. Single words became sentences. FOR PAGES AND PAGES AT A TIME!!

And I paid money for this.

Wonder if I can return the other 2 books. BUT. I like Alex and Mason! Dare I hope they have more of a coherent story???

After that rant, taking this to 1 star. 1.5 rounded down.

Sooooooooo MADDDDDDD!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,811 reviews6,711 followers
March 2, 2018
★★½
Untouchable Darkness is the second installment in Rachel Van Dyken's paranormal romance series titled: The Dark Ones Saga. I didn't enjoy this one nearly as much as the first in the series but it was OK overall. There was a lot of world building in regards to "dark ones", but romance element was not at all believable for me as a reader as I felt zero chemistry from these characters. Maybe it was the audiobook performance so I'll give the benefit of the doubt and continue the series and continue to recommend it.

My favorite quote:
"But the worst type of darkness is the kind we keep in our hearts... we treasure it, hold it dear, allow it to help us justify our actions, and when it's too late, blame it for everything while it points its finger back at us and laughs."
Profile Image for ren ♡ .
392 reviews853 followers
November 10, 2020
"I love you more than I should... I love you in ways I shouldn't. I desire you in ways that are hard to comprehend. And the love I feel for you is the scariest thing I've ever admitted out loud, to anyone. Because once those words are released, you can't taken them back. You could try, but love, weaves a thread of its own and once you confess with your mouth, your soul has no choice but to follow."


Untouchable Darkness was a lot of fun and the stakes are now so much higher. I never expected Cassius and Stephanie's story to be so intriguing but Rachel Van Dyken really has a way of bringing characters to life. I laughed a lot and really enjoyed the banter between the guys. I didn't enjoy this one as much as I did the first and fourth book (yeah, I'm not reading it in order, sue me) hence the 3 stars. Now onto the next book... Alex's story!

Rating: 3/5
Profile Image for K.
302 reviews674 followers
Want to read
March 30, 2018
Currently reading the first book and Cassias is bae AF!
Profile Image for Luana ☆.
619 reviews138 followers
November 29, 2021
I think this couple story should have been as the 3rd book for us to get to know the hero better before all this mess. But it was alright I guess. The heroine was an idiot tho. I am mad at her.
Profile Image for Corinne Michaels.
Author 64 books14.1k followers
March 18, 2018
She broke me again.
I was so excited to read this book. Cassius was a mystery to me and I adored their story. I laughed, cried, and was completely immersed.
Profile Image for 1-Click Addict Support Group.
3,749 reviews485 followers
January 4, 2016
I have come across few authors that can jump from contemporary romance to NA to paranormal with pure ease. Rachel Van Dyken just happens to be one of them! My Kindle and bookshelves are stocked full of paranormal romance, so it is safe to say it is my favorite genre to read. With that said, Untouchable Darkness is a category of its own. It easily is one of my top 10 favorite reads in 2015—the first in the series, The Dark Ones, could make that list as well!

There was suspense, love, laughter and some glorious, glorious sizzling steam! It was masterfully crafted to play on your heartstrings; you won't have a choice but to feel every emotion. Make sure to have some time to read this book, because you absolutely won't be able to put it down! ~ Kelly, 5 stars
Profile Image for Krystal.
1,227 reviews31 followers
December 3, 2015
I am really starting to think that there isn't a story, genre, etc out there that Rachel Van Dyken cannot nail 100%. She can take the craziest of plots and make them not only into something you would swear actually exist, but she will suck you in and keep you up into the early hours of the morning just to finish what was started.

Untouchable Darkness is her second novel in the Dark Ones Saga (which begins with the appropriately named The Dark Ones), however you do not have to read the first story in order to understand this one. That is probably one of the things I most enjoy about reading a story by Rachel, it doesn't matter where in the series you pick up, you can completely follow the story you are in (and it only makes you want to read the others more).

But enough about my love for her stories in general. Lets get down to my review of this book in particular. I felt like this story contained so much information about Cassius (whom I didn't particularly care for in the first novel), that you couldn't help but see him in a whole different light. This story was more than just the typical back and forth points of view (from the main characters - in this case Cassius and Stephanie), there were also several flashbacks with explained a lot about Sarial and how the Dark Ones came to be. I found that this information gave a better insight to these characters and their overall story than we would have gotten without it.

And the love story between Cassius and Stephanie? It was both heart-breakingly tragic and swoon worthy romantic. There was such a balance to their story that even when you felt there was no hope, you couldn't help but root for them anyway. And the ending? Absolutely perfect. It not only brought a tear to my eye, but it made me desperate to continue with these characters - to see how the coming war is going to unfold and just which side will come out victorious.

The downside to this story? We now have to wait until the Fall of 2016 for the next one!

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
Profile Image for Livia.
965 reviews42 followers
February 2, 2016
“Light and dark cannot exist without one another.” ~Sariel

I'm still hooked!

Minor spoilers alert!!!

Random book stats

Setting: Seattle, the year 2015
POV: Dual
Cassius & Stephanie: Dark Ones
Sariel & Aziel: Archangels
Ethan: a vampire
Genesis: Ethan’s human mate
Alex: a male siren
Mason: a werewolf
Timber: Demon leader

As this unique series continues, we dive into more immortal mythology with the caveat of Cassius now in a human state in the beginning of his story. His vulnerability as a human irritated and bewildered him, but it was also the catalyst for his growth.

Stephanie, now a Dark One herself and Cassius’s mate, worried me a lot. The Darkness was hard for her to resist, and she struggled to get her newly discovered powers under control even with Cassius’s expert coaching.

I cheered on Cassius as he set out to win Sariel’s 30-day challenge. He had the added complication of training Stephanie on how to control her immortal powers, while together they also attempted to solve the mystery of why the Demon numbers were increasing.

‘Why did I suddenly care about the Demon’s blood downstairs? Or the lives that could be lost because of the secret he held?
Why did I care?
The answer?
Came to me as Stephanie lightly brushed the back of my neck with her fingertips.
Her.
It was because of her.
I cared because I loved her.
Her love made me feel.
All the things I’d pushed away.
The Darkness told me it was dangerous to feel.
The Darkness was right.
Because in feeling–I cared–I wanted fairness. I wanted equality. I wanted peace.
Hell, I wanted the impossible.’ ~Cassius


There was a lot more of Sariel, and I found him very intriguing and complex. Also, I’m a sucker for good flashbacks, and there were plenty of them via dream walking. Additionally, I loved the cool designs for the chapter breaks and headings. They were so perfect for the theme of this novel. My only minor issue with this story was that the proofreading edits could’ve been better.

Overall, this group of immortal characters and one human had a fun, teasing but affectionate camaraderie that I really enjoyed as the story played out to its conclusion. I’m looking forward to reading the next two books in this wonderfully entertaining paranormal series. Alex and Mason will both get their own stories later this year. Up next is Alex’s story in Darkest Seduction (The Dark Ones #3), slated for fall 2016.
Profile Image for Alexandra.
433 reviews
January 17, 2016
"To love a Dark One, is to invite certain death"

I was so excited to get to Cassius and Stephanie's story that when I started it I couldn't put the book down. This tale of love, friendship and self discovery was so much more than I expected it to be.

Cassius and Stephanie have been in love with one another for a very long time, but were never open about it. Cassius thought to love and be loved will destroy him and his mate. In turn, Stephanie thought that Cassius is immune to emotions, after all he's a Dark One; a being who kills and rules over the 'non-humans' with an iron fist.

One thing I love about this book and series is that the overall plot line is continuous. Each book is taking us one step closer to the big resolution. I enjoyed reading about every other character, not just the leading ones. All the gang is back and it's a thrilling as ever reading about them. Ethan and his mate, Genesis, Mason, the werewolf, and Alex, the siren, are as incredible as they were in book 1. They bring on the laughs, in a story that needs it. The comic moments are hilarious and the all had me laughing out loud in parts.

"Walking away - when all I wanted to do was walk toward you - had to be one of the hardest things I've ever done. But everything I did - every decision made - was in order for you to flourish, to survive, to become something great."



Another thing I loved about this book was that the love story between Cassius and Stephanie wasn't forced; it was there since the previous novel, but here they got time to explore it. Seeing Cassius be a human for most part was intriguing -hiding his feelings was harder than he thought and in the end it was all worth it.

What left me wanting more was the twist in this series. Let me tell you - it's totally unexpected and so well done!!!! I want to see what happens next and so I say, bring on Alex's story!!!

All in all, Untouchable Darkness is a great PRN novel, with dark and ruthless characters, with a perfect balance between angst and comedy. It moves at a fast pace - once you pick it up it's hard to set aside, because so much is going on that you just want to see what happens next. It's a different and unique take on the PRN subject, and it does it justice.
Profile Image for Christine (Shh Moms Reading).
1,404 reviews568 followers
August 6, 2016
"Be the light in darkness"
I am in love with this series and these characters
I love a good paranormal book and Rachel has seriously blown me away
Cassius has stolen my heart like I never thought he could <3
Profile Image for Cocktails and Books.
4,113 reviews325 followers
December 27, 2015
This review was originally posted on Cocktails and Books

I've been waiting for Cassius' story. I wanted to see how many Rachel VanDyken was going to make him likable and convince me that he wanted Stephanie. I'm so happy to say, she redeemed Cassius and I really enjoyed this story.

Cassius is the king of the immortal beings that live within the human realm. But when he broke one of the cardinal rules when he begged his father to help in save Stephanie (at the end of The Dark Ones). Now he's faced with 30 days as a human to not only train Stephanie on the ways of a Dark One, but also to have her fall in love with him. It doesn't seem like should be a hard thing to do, but with Cassius and Stephanie, they often operate as their own worst enemies.

Stephanie, who had been raised as a Siren but then discovers she's so much more, has been in love with Cassius for as long as she can remember, but she often times reads Cassius the wrong way. This surprised me quite a bit, because it seems obvious exactly how Cassius felt for her, but Stephanie spent a lot of time contemplating her own feelings and her hurt at being rejected by Cassius than to really understand what was happening.

Cassius was under the impression that he would never have a mate, so he was taken by surprise when he found he could act on the feelings he had for Stephanie. He didn't always go about expressing those feelings the right way, but considering he didn't think he'd have a mate, I could understand why he had such a hard time accepting that. Once he did, he was very quick in embracing those feelings. He became the alpha male hero that I enjoy and was more determined to make sure he helped Stephanie understand what she faces as a Dark One.

As with the first book, the secondary characters play a big part in the story. I love the dynamics between this group and how they've created an unlikely family. The sarcasm and jabs they take at each other make every interaction feel like you are with people who truly care for each other, which made me love them more.

I truly enjoyed UNTOUCHABLE DARKNESS and can't wait to see what the author will bring to us in Alex's story.
Profile Image for Jenna.
520 reviews22 followers
December 28, 2015
A lot happened in this book. So much that I am still trying to figure it all out. All I know is that this group of immortals are in for one hell of a ride and I have to admit, I am a little nervous for them!

Cassius is a Dark One, or rather he was a Dark One. Now for the next 30 days he is human. He has to prove his love for Stephanie. The problem is he has always pushed his human feelings away. So now when all he has is human emotions, it is overwhelming. I have to say I actually liked this side of Cassius. It was amusing.

Stephanie has just found out that her whole exsitence has been a lie. She was raised to believe she was a Siren but now she knows the truth. But the only thing that matters to her is Cassius, the Dark One she has always loved.

There was so much that went on throughout this book and honestly a lot of it left me confused. I loved the twists that I wasn't expecting and I cannot wait to find out what is going to happen next. Because one thing is for sure, it is bound to be a hell of a ride.

* I can't wait to read Alex's and then Mason's book though!*
3.75 stars!
ARC provided from the author in exchange for my HONEST review. Thank you!
Profile Image for Aira.
330 reviews69 followers
January 11, 2016
Cassius and Stephanie have now exchanged places. Cassius is made human, while Stephanie is made to be a dark one. Stephanie’s does not know how to handle her powers, the darkness is overwhelming her, and she needs Cassius to guide and help her.

This book was full of intrigue, and a lot of funny moments. One thing I was kind of disappointed about, was Cassius’ lack of wooing Stephanie. He didn’t need to, since Stephanie has been in love with him for a long time, but it would have been nice to read about it!

The story of Cassius’ parents was so sad! I wish there could have been a better ending for them, but I knew it was impossible.

Alex’s story is coming up next. I wanted Mason’s, but I guess Rachel is saving the best for last!
Profile Image for Clare.
1,309 reviews42 followers
December 1, 2015
After reading the first book i wanted this one so bad, Lucky for me the wait didn't feel that long, I say this a lot but it's so true Rachel really really knows how to write a gripping story with characters you can't wait to read about. I loved Cassius and Stephanie's story, I couldn't put this down, And ended up read it so quickly.
Profile Image for Bambi Unbridled.
1,286 reviews138 followers
March 28, 2018
description

I tried really really hard with this book. I gave it 6.5 hours of my life - that's 80% of the audiobook. But I was really forcing it for most of the book. I think that this writing style just does not work for me. It's very abrupt and almost jarring at times. The transitions threw me out of the story... and I can honestly say that after listening to most of the book, I barely know what the storyline was. I felt like this was more of an outline of a story than an actual full story.

In the first book, The Dark Ones, I was intrigued by our hero's character. Cassius was this cold and powerful being, but you could tell there was a vulnerability there way down deep. I expected that in his story he would be redeemed or saved by his mate so to speak. I expected feeling and passion. But both of these characters were robots - I didn't feel any emotion from either of them. Maybe there was something in the last 20% that I missed... but I need more than that in a romance. These two mated fairly early in the book, so I expected more relationship building. Overall, the romance was uninspired.

There were some explanations (i.e. about the darkness) that didn't make much sense to me, and I didn't quite understand how the past was affecting the current timeline. That may have been those transition problems that I mentioned earlier.

I am definitely in the minority with this review, and I know this is a very popular author. I think the writing style is just not for me.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book that I received from the publisher.
Profile Image for Toni FGMAMTC.
2,065 reviews25 followers
December 29, 2015


3.5 stars

Many of the characters have undergone huge changes in this book compared with how they were in the last. Decisions of who is good or bad, strong or weak are constantly adjusting in this series.

Untouchable Darkness is the story of Cassius and Stephanie. The reader follows both on their given paths with flashbacks from the long existence of Cassius and scenes of the battle inside Stephanie's mind. These pieces eventually tie together.

This author has a special gift of combining groups of people and making them family. The pain, humor and love are easy to feel, and I have fallen for each guy.

So much detail was given in the mythology of this universe. I'm eager to see where it heads next. Also, I can't wait to see the other guys with their mates.


***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***

Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents

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Profile Image for Red Cheeks Reads.
2,231 reviews376 followers
December 29, 2015
‘Hope died in my chest as I realized – I would never be his equal even as a Dark One. He would always be one step ahead of me. He would always be – Cassius. And I? I would always be the little girl he saved. Never the woman he loved.’

Untouchable Darkness is the newest book in The Dark Ones Saga and while I do believe it can be read as a standalone it is greatly enhanced if you have read the first book. Picking up right where The Dark Ones left off, Stephanie and Cassius’ journey is full of secrets, hidden love and him going to any length to protect the one he loves.

‘My body hummed with anticipation. Or maybe it was irritation . . . that as a human he was completely wrecking havoc on my emotions – even more so than when he was immortal.’

Months have passed since Stephanie was willing to give up her immortality to save her king and the man she loves, Cassius. Thinking him indifferent to her she is tormented by her one sided love. Cassius has always loved Stephanie, even when he hid her true self from her, it was to protect her. Now it is Cassius who must give up who he is in order to prove he can be who she needs. Using her training to explain why he is around, Cassius is turned human and has thirty days to have Stephanie fall in love and mate with him or else his predicament will be permanent. But even with residual feelings not everything is easy peasy. As usual on the paranormal front war is brewing and evil is calling. Can Stephanie who is new to being a Dark One resist the darkness and stay in the light or will she give into the outcome feared and predicted by all?

“If I told you I loved you would you believe me? His eyes closed. “If I told you it was forbidden, would you stop?”

While I really enjoyed the first book in this series I felt that Untouchable Darkness was even better. It’s hard not to fall for Cassius. We saw him as a charmer in The Dark Ones and now we get to see his human side as well as a lot of backstory into how he became the man/god he is. The entire cast of characters adds to this dynamic story, often relieving the tension with funny quips and one liners. I am super eager to get my hands on Mason’s, the werewolf, story. Now this might be me but I personally see several parallels between this series and Rachel’s Eagle Elite series, which is one of my favorites. While similar they are also very different but if you are a fan of her mafia books like I am then I highly encourage you to give this paranormal series a go!

4.5 Smooches
~miranda
December 29, 2015
3.5 Stars
Rachel Van Dyken entices with her world of the Dark Ones, and in her latest installment of Untouchable Darkness, delves into the dark, violent, and poignant world of the King of Immortals - Cassius.

With thirty days to win over the heart of Stephanie and teach her all he can about being a Dark One, Cassius knows his chances of succeeding are slim. His human emotions constantly outweigh his logic and his passions consume his intellect. When a sinister darkness rises and threatens the world of the immortals, it is more important then ever for Cassius to gain control of his new, human body, and teach Stephanie to master her own abilities. But will her mastery also bring his death?

Dark & sexy, I really liked Untouchable Darkness, and was left craving more of this world of Dark Ones. Cassius was such a great character. I was intrigued by his shadowy, brooding, and frigid attitude in the first book, Dark Ones, and was so glad when I realized the next book would be his story. His is story forged in fire and I couldn't help but feel for him and his experiences. When he sacrifices his immortality to save Stephanie, we see a new side of Cassius. His protective, take-charge attitude endeared me to him all the more, just as his naivety did when it came to all things romantic.

With Stephanie, however, I spent most of the book irritated with her every thought and action. Raised as a Siren and being in love with Cassius for as long as she can remember, you would think she would be receptive of Cassius' new attitude and clarity in feelings. That was not the case though. Stephanie was too busy living in the hurts of the past to see the potential happiness for the future. The tension between Cassius and Stephanie eventually reaches the boiling point though and Stephanie has to decide to either put her trust in Cassius and risk being hurt again, or letting him go forever.

The group dynamics between the ruling body of immortals is entertaining as always in Untouchable Darkness. Each of the Cassius and Stephanie's fellow house-mates and friends are intriguing, and I love the witty dialogue between them all. The world building of the Dark Ones is phenomenal and I am so looking forward to see where Rachel Van Dyken takes readers (and Alex) next!
Profile Image for Courtney.
1,801 reviews202 followers
January 6, 2016
I am loving The Dark Ones Saga more and more!! Untouchable Darkness can be read as a standalone, however, I highly recommend reading them in order to get the full and true impact of this series.

Untouchable Darkness is Cassius' story and damn is it a good one!!

"To love a Dark One, is to invite certain death."

Cassius is very intriguing and unique character. He comes across very crass in the first book but in this book, we see a completely different side to him. I love the flashbacks that Rachel gives us. We get a better idea of who he is and what causes him to tick. They also explain his relationship with Sarial.

The relationship between Cassius and Stephanie is definitely a tough one. There's a lot Stephanie is unaware of and Cassius is in a position that is new to him. The whole story is just raw, dark and full of twists.

"I was beginning to realize I hadn't made a deal with an Angel, but with the devil, and I was going to end up paying with my life."

There was so much I did not expect to happen, happen. I loved everything Rachel through at us. Untouchable Darkness kept me on my toes and I actually cried on this one - totally unexpected. But that's just how awesome Rachel's writing is - she has me so wrapped into this world and these characters.

"The scariest things do not always lie outside.......but within."

I am anxiously waiting to see what Rachel brings us next in this series!!
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews161 followers
November 25, 2015
There was one scene that Carrie Underwood's song "before he cheats' popped into my head especially while Stephanie and Cassius were in the car, “how dare you leave me!” She hit the accelerator causing me to slam back against the seat." Stephanie can be agreeable:
“Now that we’ve gotten all the technicalities out of the way.” I motioned to her ring. “I’m going to make love to you.”
“Okay.” Her eyes brightened.
“And then…” I brushed a kiss across her lips. “I’m going to do it again.”
Mason's book needs to be next he intrigued in both this book and the first he can be an ornery man but his reactions to fur boots were entertaining, “Ethan’s warm,” Mason barked. “Use him as a blanket, not these.” He snatched the boots and hugged them close to your chest." I enjoyed this book this group is like a group of misfits, each bring a characteristic and charm to the group and without one of them the group wouldn't be the same. I can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Becky Rendon.
3,725 reviews78 followers
December 30, 2015
The Dark Ones was the first of this series. It like any Rachel Van Dyken book "captured"(sorry, shameless plug for another RVD book) the hearts of many readers. I enjoyed it, but I have to say Untouchable Darkness is way better.

This book, it's characters, and the story just pull you into their war. The war between the darkness and the light.

Stephanie struggles with the new knowledge of her origin. Cassius struggles with his test. Both struggles are centered around each other and the pull they have seems to make it worse. It's forbidden, but what if love is truly enough...

Mason, Ethan, Alex, and Genesis are not forgotten. They are all along for this twisted ride that brings pain, love, darkness, and hopefully, light.

I long for Alex and Mason's stories. Soon, they too will be brought to light.

I won an ARC through a Facebook contest. I agreed to give an honest review.

By the way, yes, RVD got me to cry with this book too.
5*
Profile Image for Janet.
406 reviews
December 16, 2015
Once again I am reading a genre I don’t typically read but being it is a book by Rachel and I was provided with an advanced copy I couldn’t pass this up and I am so thrilled to have read out of my norm. This book wasn’t as predictable as the first book in the series which I enjoyed being surprised and learning more about Cassuis and Stephanie learning more who she is. Sacrifices are made and trust is put to the test. Immortality is lost and coming to understand human emotions most definitely put the reader's emotions to the test.
We once again can feel the protection and love of the “family” that consists of vampires, werewolves, sirens and dark ones. What an amazing job the author did with the interaction of the characters and I will be recommending this series to others as well as looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
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