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Black Dagger Brotherhood #17
The Savior
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Romance (2019)In the venerable history of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, only one male has ever been expelled—but Murhder’s insanity gave the Brothers no choice. Haunted by visions of a female he could not save, he nonetheless returns to Caldwell on a mission to right the wrong that ruined him. However, he is not prepared for what he must face in his quest for redemption.
Dr. Sarah Watkins, researcher at a biomedical firm, is struggling with the loss of her fellow scientist fiancé. When the FBI starts asking about his death, she questions what really happened and soon learns the terrible truth: Her firm is conducting inhumane experiments in secret and the man she thought she knew and loved was involved in the torture.
As Murhder and Sarah’s destinies become irrevocably entwined, desire ignites between them. But can they forge a future that spans the divide separating the two species? And as a new foe emerges in the war against the vampires, will Murhder return to his Brothers... or resume his lonely existence forevermore?
Dr. Sarah Watkins, researcher at a biomedical firm, is struggling with the loss of her fellow scientist fiancé. When the FBI starts asking about his death, she questions what really happened and soon learns the terrible truth: Her firm is conducting inhumane experiments in secret and the man she thought she knew and loved was involved in the torture.
As Murhder and Sarah’s destinies become irrevocably entwined, desire ignites between them. But can they forge a future that spans the divide separating the two species? And as a new foe emerges in the war against the vampires, will Murhder return to his Brothers... or resume his lonely existence forevermore?
479 pages, Hardcover
First published April 2, 2019
About the author
J.R. Ward
211 books50.5k followersJ.R. Ward is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of numerous novels, including the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. She lives in the South her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,049 reviews
May 21, 2019
5 ☆I can't get enough of the BDB world☆ stars
Soooo.... Murhder.... Who is this guy?
Basically when Sarah (the clueless, sad, lonely, betrayed human girl) met Murhder, she was obviously enthralled and impressed and she had more or less three questions for him:
1. Who are you?
“We came to rescue the boy,” the man said in a hoarse voice. “He’s been here too long.”
“Are you with the government?”
“We’re private actors. But we’ll keep him safe, I swear to it. No harm is ever going to fall upon him if I’m around. It was my vow to his mahmen.”
2. What are you?
“Vampire.” Now, he looked at her. “We are … vampire.”
3. What is your name?
“Just tell me. How bad can it be?”, “Murhder. My name is Murhder.”
She laughed. And then her mouth fell open before she could catch herself. “Wait, you’re serious.” When he nodded, she tried to compose herself. “Oh. Wow. Is—um, is that first or last?”
“Last. My first name is Cold-Blooded.” As she did a double take, he smiled shyly. “I’m joking. It’s just Murhder.”
And just like that, Ward has given life to another unbelievable, badass brother.
Before this book, we didn't know much about this guy.
Let's see. We knew:
-he lives in a attic
-at an old house that is used as bed and breakfast
-he loves making pranks to people, especially ghosthunters
-he used to be part of the BDB gang until he was thrown out
-he was Xhex old boyfriend and
-he is insane
What we learned in this book?
- He is not that mentally deranged after all.
- He is just confused, without a will to live, without love and without purpose .
Thus...
a) He is given love.Sarah is the best girl for him. They meet under danger and he bonds with her almost immediately.
b) He is given purpose.
He needs to help a vampire boy who was born in captivity and who was being experimented by human heartless scientists all his life.
He needs to help John Matthew, when he becomes fatally ill and there is almost no hope for him.
As a result, he will discover back his survival instinct and he will stop being confused. Obviously he is a Male of worth. Obviously he has kept many secrets for himself. Obviously it is time for the Brothers to learn the truth and for us readers to meet another wonderful member of the Brotherhood, long lost but never forgotten.
The love story between Murhder and Sarah is wonderful. I was thinking all the love stories in the series and how the Brothers ending up with their bonded females. Essentially, if you also count the novels and the BDL, there are 22 love stories that resulted in happy ending.
1. Wrath and Beth
2. Rhage and Mary
3. Zsadist and Bella
4. Butch and Marissa
5. Vishous and Jane
6. Phury and Cormia
7. Rehvenge and Ehlena
8. John Matthew and Xhex
9. Payne and Manuel
10. Tohrment and Autumn
11. Qhuinn and Blaylock
12. iAm and maichen
13. Xcor and Layla
14. Silas and Ivie
15. Assail and Sola
16. Ahmare and Duran
17. Paradise and Craeg
18. Axe and Elise
19. Peyton and Novo
20. Saxton and Ruhn
21. Michael and Claire
And finally
22. Murhder and Sarah
I hope I am not forgetting anyone. I don't know how Ward can keep up with all those characters!
How many of these couples contains a human and one of them is not a vampire, half vampire or a symphath or a shadow?
Just 7 couples! Rhage and Mary, Butch and Marissa (before we learned his affiliation to the King), Vishous and Jane, Payne and Manuel, Assail and Sola, Michael and Claire and finally Murhder and Sarah.
And how many of these couples met, fell in love, mated and had their happy ending in just one book?
Just 5 couples! Rhage and Mary, Vishous and Jane, Payne and Manuel, Michael and Claire and finally Murhder and Sarah.
What I am trying to say is that Murhder is one of those rare vampires who found the love of his life (who was just a merely unimportant human girl) after just one look, he knew straight away how important she is for him, he bonded straight away, he only had a few doubts that were overcome after just a few chapters and he fought to keep her.
Isn't this cool?
“I fought for us. I am a warrior, and I fought for us.”
Soooo.... Murhder.... Who is this guy?
Basically when Sarah (the clueless, sad, lonely, betrayed human girl) met Murhder, she was obviously enthralled and impressed and she had more or less three questions for him:
1. Who are you?
“We came to rescue the boy,” the man said in a hoarse voice. “He’s been here too long.”
“Are you with the government?”
“We’re private actors. But we’ll keep him safe, I swear to it. No harm is ever going to fall upon him if I’m around. It was my vow to his mahmen.”
2. What are you?
“Vampire.” Now, he looked at her. “We are … vampire.”
3. What is your name?
“Just tell me. How bad can it be?”, “Murhder. My name is Murhder.”
She laughed. And then her mouth fell open before she could catch herself. “Wait, you’re serious.” When he nodded, she tried to compose herself. “Oh. Wow. Is—um, is that first or last?”
“Last. My first name is Cold-Blooded.” As she did a double take, he smiled shyly. “I’m joking. It’s just Murhder.”
And just like that, Ward has given life to another unbelievable, badass brother.
Before this book, we didn't know much about this guy.
Let's see. We knew:
-he lives in a attic
-at an old house that is used as bed and breakfast
-he loves making pranks to people, especially ghosthunters
-he used to be part of the BDB gang until he was thrown out
-he was Xhex old boyfriend and
-he is insane
What we learned in this book?
- He is not that mentally deranged after all.
- He is just confused, without a will to live, without love and without purpose .
Thus...
a) He is given love.Sarah is the best girl for him. They meet under danger and he bonds with her almost immediately.
b) He is given purpose.
He needs to help a vampire boy who was born in captivity and who was being experimented by human heartless scientists all his life.
He needs to help John Matthew, when he becomes fatally ill and there is almost no hope for him.
As a result, he will discover back his survival instinct and he will stop being confused. Obviously he is a Male of worth. Obviously he has kept many secrets for himself. Obviously it is time for the Brothers to learn the truth and for us readers to meet another wonderful member of the Brotherhood, long lost but never forgotten.
The love story between Murhder and Sarah is wonderful. I was thinking all the love stories in the series and how the Brothers ending up with their bonded females. Essentially, if you also count the novels and the BDL, there are 22 love stories that resulted in happy ending.
1. Wrath and Beth
2. Rhage and Mary
3. Zsadist and Bella
4. Butch and Marissa
5. Vishous and Jane
6. Phury and Cormia
7. Rehvenge and Ehlena
8. John Matthew and Xhex
9. Payne and Manuel
10. Tohrment and Autumn
11. Qhuinn and Blaylock
12. iAm and maichen
13. Xcor and Layla
14. Silas and Ivie
15. Assail and Sola
16. Ahmare and Duran
17. Paradise and Craeg
18. Axe and Elise
19. Peyton and Novo
20. Saxton and Ruhn
21. Michael and Claire
And finally
22. Murhder and Sarah
I hope I am not forgetting anyone. I don't know how Ward can keep up with all those characters!
How many of these couples contains a human and one of them is not a vampire, half vampire or a symphath or a shadow?
Just 7 couples! Rhage and Mary, Butch and Marissa (before we learned his affiliation to the King), Vishous and Jane, Payne and Manuel, Assail and Sola, Michael and Claire and finally Murhder and Sarah.
And how many of these couples met, fell in love, mated and had their happy ending in just one book?
Just 5 couples! Rhage and Mary, Vishous and Jane, Payne and Manuel, Michael and Claire and finally Murhder and Sarah.
What I am trying to say is that Murhder is one of those rare vampires who found the love of his life (who was just a merely unimportant human girl) after just one look, he knew straight away how important she is for him, he bonded straight away, he only had a few doubts that were overcome after just a few chapters and he fought to keep her.
Isn't this cool?
“I fought for us. I am a warrior, and I fought for us.”
April 17, 2019
4 stars
The Savior is the 17th book of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series and it’s one I’ve been waiting on for quite a while. The elusive male who used to be a brother, Murhder. As always, there are other characters who have a huge part in the book and in this book the secondary storyline was that of John Matthew and Xhex, which makes sense since Murhder and Xhex have history.
Murhder is the only member of the BDB to ever be expelled. The rumor is, he went insane, but the more you get to know Murhder and what happened him, the more you realize he’s not as crazy as expected.
I loved watching Sarah and Murhder together and seeing their relationship build. There was no shortage of sexy time which is always nice. What I really loved in this story was the bromance that Murhder and JM had going on. Every scene they were in together had me smiling huge.
Overall, I liked this book a lot. It wasn’t my favorite BDB book, but it was a great addition to the series. I love this group of characters and I’ll never grow tired of reading about them!
The one thing I found off about this one is that there was zero mention of Syn or Jo Early, and it’s been confirmed that book number 18 will be their book… It seemed strange to me. Also, it will be heavy on Butch and Lassiter, so you know it’s going to be loads of fun! I can’t wait to jump into The Sinner next year when it’s released!
The Savior is the 17th book of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series and it’s one I’ve been waiting on for quite a while. The elusive male who used to be a brother, Murhder. As always, there are other characters who have a huge part in the book and in this book the secondary storyline was that of John Matthew and Xhex, which makes sense since Murhder and Xhex have history.
Murhder is the only member of the BDB to ever be expelled. The rumor is, he went insane, but the more you get to know Murhder and what happened him, the more you realize he’s not as crazy as expected.
“Jeez, you go rogue once and slaughter a bunch of humans after they torture your girlfriend, and suddenly you’re a leaper.”Murhder is compelled to come back to Caldwell to save someone. And he needs the help of the brotherhood to do it. Through this rescue mission he meets Dr. Sarah Watkins. Sarah has just learned something that has her questioning everything in her life and past relationship. Now, she is trying to make things right and to do that, she finds herself on her very own rescue mission.
I loved watching Sarah and Murhder together and seeing their relationship build. There was no shortage of sexy time which is always nice. What I really loved in this story was the bromance that Murhder and JM had going on. Every scene they were in together had me smiling huge.
Overall, I liked this book a lot. It wasn’t my favorite BDB book, but it was a great addition to the series. I love this group of characters and I’ll never grow tired of reading about them!
The one thing I found off about this one is that there was zero mention of Syn or Jo Early, and it’s been confirmed that book number 18 will be their book… It seemed strange to me. Also, it will be heavy on Butch and Lassiter, so you know it’s going to be loads of fun! I can’t wait to jump into The Sinner next year when it’s released!
March 4, 2023
“Grief is a cold stream you acclimate to.”
Friends, we are seventeen books into this series, there is barely anything I can possibly say that isn’t spoilery! But I will say that I have been reading this series since I was very young, and I look forward to a new BDB book every single year, and the Savior was no exception!
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Content and Trigger Warnings for medical experimentation on humans/vampires, torture, captivity, abuse, talk of loss of a loved one, talk of cancer, talk of thoughts of suicide, use of language like “females” and “males” being the norm, and war themes.
Buddy read with my best friend Paloma! ❤
1.) Dark Lover ★★★★★
2.) Lover Eternal ★★★★★
3.) Lover Awakened ★★★★★
4.) Lover Revealed ★★★★★
5.) Lover Unbound ★★★★★
6.) Lover Enshrined ★★★★
7.) Lover Avenged ★★★
8.) Lover Mine ★★★★
9.) Lover Unleashed ★★★
10.) Lover Reborn ★★★★
11.) Lover at Last ★★★★★
12.) The King ★★★★★
13.) The Shadows ★★★★★
14.) The Beast ★★★★
15.) The Chosen ★★★★
16.) The Thief ★★★★
May 10, 2019
There have been a few duds in this series, but this isn't one of them. I think Ward may be getting her groove back, babies! Kronk must have pulled the lever because this was a fun ride.
Okay, not that fun.
Because, yeah, as is the custom, everyone is going to be dying and saying tearful goodbyes to their loved ones and such... but we can know that it's all going to turn out okay. Usually. *cough Trez got screwed cough*
This book focuses on John Matthew and Murhder... Yes, it's spelled correctly, and don't act surprised! There's Rhage, and Qhuinn, and Tohrment, and Vishous, and Rehvenge....and, I just need to say, JR Ward, putting a fucking extra "H" in a name doesn't make the name better. It just makes the letter H worse. Is there supposed to be a thing with vampires and silent consonants? Just stop. Or, if this helps make things more clear: just stohp.
Okay, that's been said. And, let's face it - it needed to be said.
So, Murhder is the ex-lover of John Matthew's mate, Xhex. (sigh. I just pronounce this in my head like the letter "X". Is that right?) Xhex's mother is mated to John Matthew's adopted father, so I guess this makes it a step-brother/step-sister romance? Except the parents got together after the kids did, so less creepy, right? It's not like a red-neck family reunion-slash-singles mixer. So, it's okay. Still, the water is a little muddy.
Obviously we can handle a little muddiness.
Murhder has been mentioned in past books as a member of the Black Dagger Brotherhood who went crazy and got kicked out. For the past 20 years he has been living in a Bed & Breakfast Inn, in the attic. Acting as their ghost.
Um... okay? Everyone needs a hobby?
I mean, I would have picked painting or maybe spent some time in therapy, but pretending to be a ghost in a haunted hotel works too. I guess.
Aww, who's a cute little ghost? You are!
Murhder is also obviously a sexy ghost-vampire too because when he meets up with a human scientist chick, she is totally wanting to get into his sheet.
But, their love is forbidden... blah blah blah...
Plus, you know... he's crazy and all.
Anyway. Lots of drama ensues.
Speaking of crazy, my favorite angel, Lassiter makes his appearance in exactly the way we would expect from him:
Lassiter, the fallen angel had come into the room...and he was wearing gold lame' on his golden body. Which wouldn't exactly have been a problem, except...
"Are those assless chaps?" Sarah asked, "or am I seeing things wrong?"
Man, I love that guy! Also when he says, "who's your daddy?" So awesome!
Okay, not that fun.
Because, yeah, as is the custom, everyone is going to be dying and saying tearful goodbyes to their loved ones and such... but we can know that it's all going to turn out okay. Usually. *cough Trez got screwed cough*
This book focuses on John Matthew and Murhder... Yes, it's spelled correctly, and don't act surprised! There's Rhage, and Qhuinn, and Tohrment, and Vishous, and Rehvenge....and, I just need to say, JR Ward, putting a fucking extra "H" in a name doesn't make the name better. It just makes the letter H worse. Is there supposed to be a thing with vampires and silent consonants? Just stop. Or, if this helps make things more clear: just stohp.
Okay, that's been said. And, let's face it - it needed to be said.
So, Murhder is the ex-lover of John Matthew's mate, Xhex. (sigh. I just pronounce this in my head like the letter "X". Is that right?) Xhex's mother is mated to John Matthew's adopted father, so I guess this makes it a step-brother/step-sister romance? Except the parents got together after the kids did, so less creepy, right? It's not like a red-neck family reunion-slash-singles mixer. So, it's okay. Still, the water is a little muddy.
Obviously we can handle a little muddiness.
Murhder has been mentioned in past books as a member of the Black Dagger Brotherhood who went crazy and got kicked out. For the past 20 years he has been living in a Bed & Breakfast Inn, in the attic. Acting as their ghost.
Um... okay? Everyone needs a hobby?
I mean, I would have picked painting or maybe spent some time in therapy, but pretending to be a ghost in a haunted hotel works too. I guess.
Aww, who's a cute little ghost? You are!
Murhder is also obviously a sexy ghost-vampire too because when he meets up with a human scientist chick, she is totally wanting to get into his sheet.
But, their love is forbidden... blah blah blah...
Plus, you know... he's crazy and all.
Anyway. Lots of drama ensues.
Speaking of crazy, my favorite angel, Lassiter makes his appearance in exactly the way we would expect from him:
Lassiter, the fallen angel had come into the room...and he was wearing gold lame' on his golden body. Which wouldn't exactly have been a problem, except...
"Are those assless chaps?" Sarah asked, "or am I seeing things wrong?"
Man, I love that guy! Also when he says, "who's your daddy?" So awesome!
July 7, 2019
One of my favorite black dagger brotherhood books of all time!!! Let me start by saying that I know this book has been reviewed many times and theirs mixed reviews ,but for me it was everything I wanted murhder's book to be. My review will be my thoughts and feelings only, since most reviews already told the plot. I have wanted murhder to get his redemption and to be brought back into fold he was one of my faves and what he did so many years ago was nothing that any of the warriors would have done and what the sympath's did to him was awful. This book as with all of ward's books is a rollercoaster ride and always leaves me mentally and emotionally wiped out. But this one in particular had me crying on and off alot,so many emotional moment's and with characters that always feel like family to me. I love the snark and humor and the storytelling is f##king stellar!!! And even after all these years and so many books later every time one of these men of worth get their happy ending I cry like a little b#tch!!! And murhders story was no exception!! And every time they do the induction ceremony it still sends chills though me and I can feel the joy and love and unity of these brothers,it's deep!! I can't get enough of this series!! What a beautiful f##king mind ward has, to have so many stories in her head and the ability to bring them to life! Now that's a thing of beauty! Until next time luv's 💖💋
February 9, 2023
Terrific installment! Sarah was a great shellan, and I loved the fact that this one had tight pacing and read something like a thriller for the first part of it. There were scenes were she was trying to figure out what was going on at BioMed, and Muhrder was trying to find the secret laboratory, and the pacing was just superb. This one featured quite a few scenes with JM (one of my favorites) and Xhex (another of my favorites) and while some of the conflict was maybe less intense than it needed to be, I thought the stuff as we ramped up towards the end and something that happened near the beginning involving Throe was super. It tied in Sarah and Murhder in a great way, and just made everything come together. I also really liked Murhder a lot more than I thought I would based on previous books. The issues with his personality were explained in a way that worked and he would up really growing on me. And the scenes with Nate? So great!
Other great notes… saw a bit of Phury. Boone! You’re quite a formal dude, and I can’t remember you ever talking before, but that was a cool Easter egg. Lassiter, I completely love you when you’re being serious like you were here. Xcor and Bal (sorry I’m going to fail on the spelling on this one) continue to grow on me. Overall this was a very strong book.
Other great notes… saw a bit of Phury. Boone! You’re quite a formal dude, and I can’t remember you ever talking before, but that was a cool Easter egg. Lassiter, I completely love you when you’re being serious like you were here. Xcor and Bal (sorry I’m going to fail on the spelling on this one) continue to grow on me. Overall this was a very strong book.
October 5, 2019
When I first met Murhder in previous books in the series, I immediately became intrigued with the vampire who was being labeled as insane. I expected a very dark character who was going to give some of the other Brother’s tortured stories a run for their money. Unfortunately, Murhder’s story turned out to be a lot lighter of a read than I anticipated. I did enjoy the story, it just didn’t reach the epic heights that I thought it would. I know better than to put expectations on any book... but in this case I had, thus I was bound to be somewhat disappointed.
The story for me didn’t start getting really good until about 30% into it. I realize we needed a bit of history on Sarah and her work life etc... I found it to be boring though.. and I was eager to get to where her and Murhder would meet and start engaging with each other! The other couple that played a big part in this instalment was John and Xhex. In the past they weren’t my favourite couple... but I must say I loved how they fit into this storyline, and I actually fell more in love with them after this book!
All in all, this was a great addition to the BDB series! My main complaint with this book was that it did fall flat in places. When it was good; it was awesome! But there were times where it became a bit of a snoozefest too! I am still a die hard BDB fan, and will keep faithfully following this series as long as JR Ward keeps writing it!!! It really does amaze me how her mind works and is able to come up with such an original storyline!!!
The story for me didn’t start getting really good until about 30% into it. I realize we needed a bit of history on Sarah and her work life etc... I found it to be boring though.. and I was eager to get to where her and Murhder would meet and start engaging with each other! The other couple that played a big part in this instalment was John and Xhex. In the past they weren’t my favourite couple... but I must say I loved how they fit into this storyline, and I actually fell more in love with them after this book!
All in all, this was a great addition to the BDB series! My main complaint with this book was that it did fall flat in places. When it was good; it was awesome! But there were times where it became a bit of a snoozefest too! I am still a die hard BDB fan, and will keep faithfully following this series as long as JR Ward keeps writing it!!! It really does amaze me how her mind works and is able to come up with such an original storyline!!!
March 15, 2023
4.5 Murhder Is Back!!! Stars
Murhder and Sarah
Murhder is back!! Murhder’s is the only Brother to ever get kicked out of the Brotherhood because it’s assumed he’s insane. The more you get to know Murhder and past events you realize he’s not so much insane but rather just....checked out from life.
“Jeez, you go rogue once and slaughter a bunch of humans after they torture your girlfriend, and suddenly you’re a leaper.”
Murhder is compelled to come back to Caldwell to once again save someone, but, he needs the help of the brotherhood to do it. Through this rescue mission he meets Dr. Sarah Watkins. Sarah has just learned something that has her questioning her relationship with her deceased fiancé and his role in something unethical. Now, she’s determined to make things right with her own investigation and rescue mission.
Naturally things don’t go as planned......
JM and Xhex
JM and Xhex are naturally included in this installment since Xhex and Murhder were once lovers. Surprisingly JM and Murhder get along fantastic which I found refreshing. JM, Xhex, and Murhder all have their own interpersonal relationship dynamics with one another which I very much enjoyed.
JM is having some troubles, but, you’ll need to read about those....I’ll just say it’s scary and very troublesome. Between his troubles and his relationship with both Xhex and Murhder, I have a whole new appreciation for JM. I just have have to say I loved the scenes between JM & Murhder.
Throe and his Shadows
They’re back and E.V.I.L. all I can say is yikes!!! I can’t say too much without giving anything away, you need to read it.
Lassiter
Our favorite fallen Angel is once again in the thick of things. As always, he brings color to everything he’s involved in. Always a joy.
Final thoughts: I loved everything for the most part, I was again enthralled and throughly enjoyed this installment. My only disappointment was that we didn’t get any updates on Jo Early or Trez & Therese.
Reread Dates:
7/16/2019
3/12/2023
May 20, 2020
*2 unexciting could have been better stars*
Ok first of all I didn't hate this. I was just overall bored with it.
Second, I actually liked the couple. I was one of the few who had reservations about Murhder getting his book right now, honestly he could have never gotten a story and I would have been fine with it. *shrugs* But Ward did a pretty decent job in addressing all the sordid history/loose strings with this character and fleshing him out more. I ended up liking him. He was a nice combination of fierce, loyal, brave, selfless, self-deprecating, funny and vulnerable. His vulnerability is what honestly saved him from being repetitive and a cliche Brother. Sarah Watkins made a nice heroine, I really enjoyed her too. Her entrance into Murhder’s world? Fantastic. Edge of my seat. Now what didn’t work? The pacing. It was absolute shit. It dragged in parts it didn’t need to, and went super fast in places that needed to be better paced out. Prime example: the hero and heroine’s relationship for starters. The warp speed romantic arcs in short time frames for storylines that have no business being quick has become a thing for Ward recently. And I honestly don't understand why. I’ve been calling this out for some time now and I’m tired of repeating myself. Stop having your characters fall in love in 2 days time span.
It’s nonsense. Especially in a complex world like the BDB universe where there are so many outside factors that play into it. Especially with a pairing where one half is human. That’s the biggest issue for me here. Sarah being so quick to adapting to the Vampire world and wanting to stay all because she has a lonely life was a little too quick and convenient for me. The fact that she had zero hesitation in wanting to walk away from her human life to be with Murhder after knowing him for a span of 24 hours is just ludicrous. It felt like I was reading a novella rather than a full length story and that's not good. Let your characters fall in love gradually please. Ward no longer believes in slow burn or something? I shouldn't even have to be saying this. I get it’s PR but I’d like a little more realism when it comes to dealing with 2 conflicting worlds/species, m’kay? It’s not so easy to adapt and adjust like Sarah did in here all because she was so fascinated by them. And I’m not saying I didn’t like the fact that we didn't get the typical overused “OMG, you have fangs! You’re a monster! GET AWAY” cliche reaction. I actually liked that she didn’t balk and freak out like expected. But what would have helped and made the love story more believable and have better footing is if we saw her spending more time with Murhder before saying ILY. A slow gradual progression would have been nice. Give me at least 2-3 freaking weeks. I don't get why Ward is getting so stingy with the timeline. And you want the BDB world to catch up with the Fallen Angel timeline? The rate we are going we will have to wait for another 20 more books for Adrian and Eddie to show up. Just saying. Or maybe I have it backwards. Whatever. I just know that for a full length 400+ page book, these stories have no business or reason to only cover 2-4 days. These aren't novellas so what's the hurry? Especially when you are dealing with full redemption arcs (*coughTheChosencough*) and big reveals. It just stunts and undermines the HEA and character growth IMO. And it sucks because Murhder and Sarah actually had chemistry. But Ward mucked it up for a rushed convoluted messy resolution. And don't even get me started on that ridiculous hand fasted last minute immortality loophole for Sarah at the very end. That just screamed incredibly lazy to me.
But back to the pacing, the fact that the hero and heroine took a while to meet then jumped in so quickly with both feet with declarations and sex thatgivesyouseriouswhiplash, made the rest of the story really lag and drag for me. It took me 2 weeks to finish this. There was no excitement, adrenaline, sense of urgency in this story. Aside from the BioMed rescue scene, which was probably the only exciting thing out of this whole story, everything else was very stale, tired, predictable and repetitive. Which is rare for a BDB book. The whole JM/Xhex side plot especially seemed like recycled rehashed forced drama that was as obvious as Blue's Clues. I’m sorry but we all knew John wasn’t going to die and his sudden wave of 'where do I belong?' crisis seemed old. We’ve already been through this drama in 2 other books with him. This arc just felt very tired and unoriginal.
What I did enjoy? Devina’s return for one (which covered about 2 pages). Finaaaaaaally! The crazy bitch is back. I’m officially scared for everyone in that mansion. This character is terrifying and I hope Ward doesn’t handicap her capabilities. I know I’m going to be eating my words by saying that but yeah, I need that excitement back. I’m also excited and curious to see what’s in store for our new post-trans character Nate. His situation and how he was discovered was heartbreaking. I'm so glad he has Sarah and Murhder now. He needs that solid footing. And can I just say I'm relieved we have a couple who aren't moving into the damn mansion? Cause I swear....Ward's really been pushing it.
Ok first of all I didn't hate this. I was just overall bored with it.
Second, I actually liked the couple. I was one of the few who had reservations about Murhder getting his book right now, honestly he could have never gotten a story and I would have been fine with it. *shrugs* But Ward did a pretty decent job in addressing all the sordid history/loose strings with this character and fleshing him out more. I ended up liking him. He was a nice combination of fierce, loyal, brave, selfless, self-deprecating, funny and vulnerable. His vulnerability is what honestly saved him from being repetitive and a cliche Brother. Sarah Watkins made a nice heroine, I really enjoyed her too. Her entrance into Murhder’s world? Fantastic. Edge of my seat. Now what didn’t work? The pacing. It was absolute shit. It dragged in parts it didn’t need to, and went super fast in places that needed to be better paced out. Prime example: the hero and heroine’s relationship for starters. The warp speed romantic arcs in short time frames for storylines that have no business being quick has become a thing for Ward recently. And I honestly don't understand why. I’ve been calling this out for some time now and I’m tired of repeating myself. Stop having your characters fall in love in 2 days time span.
It’s nonsense. Especially in a complex world like the BDB universe where there are so many outside factors that play into it. Especially with a pairing where one half is human. That’s the biggest issue for me here. Sarah being so quick to adapting to the Vampire world and wanting to stay all because she has a lonely life was a little too quick and convenient for me. The fact that she had zero hesitation in wanting to walk away from her human life to be with Murhder after knowing him for a span of 24 hours is just ludicrous. It felt like I was reading a novella rather than a full length story and that's not good. Let your characters fall in love gradually please. Ward no longer believes in slow burn or something? I shouldn't even have to be saying this. I get it’s PR but I’d like a little more realism when it comes to dealing with 2 conflicting worlds/species, m’kay? It’s not so easy to adapt and adjust like Sarah did in here all because she was so fascinated by them. And I’m not saying I didn’t like the fact that we didn't get the typical overused “OMG, you have fangs! You’re a monster! GET AWAY” cliche reaction. I actually liked that she didn’t balk and freak out like expected. But what would have helped and made the love story more believable and have better footing is if we saw her spending more time with Murhder before saying ILY. A slow gradual progression would have been nice. Give me at least 2-3 freaking weeks. I don't get why Ward is getting so stingy with the timeline. And you want the BDB world to catch up with the Fallen Angel timeline? The rate we are going we will have to wait for another 20 more books for Adrian and Eddie to show up. Just saying. Or maybe I have it backwards. Whatever. I just know that for a full length 400+ page book, these stories have no business or reason to only cover 2-4 days. These aren't novellas so what's the hurry? Especially when you are dealing with full redemption arcs (*coughTheChosencough*) and big reveals. It just stunts and undermines the HEA and character growth IMO. And it sucks because Murhder and Sarah actually had chemistry. But Ward mucked it up for a rushed convoluted messy resolution. And don't even get me started on that ridiculous hand fasted last minute immortality loophole for Sarah at the very end. That just screamed incredibly lazy to me.
But back to the pacing, the fact that the hero and heroine took a while to meet then jumped in so quickly with both feet with declarations and sex thatgivesyouseriouswhiplash, made the rest of the story really lag and drag for me. It took me 2 weeks to finish this. There was no excitement, adrenaline, sense of urgency in this story. Aside from the BioMed rescue scene, which was probably the only exciting thing out of this whole story, everything else was very stale, tired, predictable and repetitive. Which is rare for a BDB book. The whole JM/Xhex side plot especially seemed like recycled rehashed forced drama that was as obvious as Blue's Clues. I’m sorry but we all knew John wasn’t going to die and his sudden wave of 'where do I belong?' crisis seemed old. We’ve already been through this drama in 2 other books with him. This arc just felt very tired and unoriginal.
What I did enjoy? Devina’s return for one (which covered about 2 pages). Finaaaaaaally! The crazy bitch is back. I’m officially scared for everyone in that mansion. This character is terrifying and I hope Ward doesn’t handicap her capabilities. I know I’m going to be eating my words by saying that but yeah, I need that excitement back. I’m also excited and curious to see what’s in store for our new post-trans character Nate. His situation and how he was discovered was heartbreaking. I'm so glad he has Sarah and Murhder now. He needs that solid footing. And can I just say I'm relieved we have a couple who aren't moving into the damn mansion? Cause I swear....Ward's really been pushing it.
May 21, 2019
I’ve waited for this story since The Thief when we got a glimpse of a destroyed Murhder at his B&B in South Carolina. He has the distinction of being the only member of the Brotherhood to be expelled. Over 20 years ago, he left Caldwell a broken and damaged man after having taking revenge on some really bad people who brought harm to a pregnant woman who still haunts him. Wrath declared him insane and kicked him out. He’s headed back now as that woman has asked for his help in finding her son. Meanwhile, Sarah Caldwell, a researcher for a biotech lab, has discovered some disturbing information about her company and her covert investigation has her crossing paths with Murhder.
As with every one of these books, there’s a lot going on. Rather than go into detail, I’ll give them a brief mention. Throe moves forward with his diabolical plan, which has entangled John Matthew in a terrible way and he’s resigned to a fate only he’s aware of. There are some strange shadows that pose critical danger to the vampire community.
But the heart of the story is all Murhder as we’re given so much insight from his point of view. He’s a complicated man who’s been disconnected for two decades. His relationship with Sarah was a lifeline, for both of them. It was lovely being a part of their discovery and his reawakening. I like seeing a misunderstood character triumph, not necessarily in others’ eyes but his own and I was rooting for him like I had some investment in the outcome. I guess I did because the author took me there.
Another unexpected aspect was Murhder’s developing relationship with John Matthew. I’d forgotten that Darius was his best friend and he was unaware of his death. Since Darius was killed in the opening chapter of the first book in this series, it was a real gift to learn more about the man who fathered John Matthew and built the enclave for the Brotherhood.
I really enjoyed this story and can’t ever imagine not hearing Jim Frangione narrate the story. The time just melts away as I’m transported into this world that’s like catnip for me. I’m now team Murhder and I loved the ending. And, this was a kinder, gentler Brotherhood and I think that was to give way to this man. Nicely done! 4.5 stars
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
As with every one of these books, there’s a lot going on. Rather than go into detail, I’ll give them a brief mention. Throe moves forward with his diabolical plan, which has entangled John Matthew in a terrible way and he’s resigned to a fate only he’s aware of. There are some strange shadows that pose critical danger to the vampire community.
But the heart of the story is all Murhder as we’re given so much insight from his point of view. He’s a complicated man who’s been disconnected for two decades. His relationship with Sarah was a lifeline, for both of them. It was lovely being a part of their discovery and his reawakening. I like seeing a misunderstood character triumph, not necessarily in others’ eyes but his own and I was rooting for him like I had some investment in the outcome. I guess I did because the author took me there.
Another unexpected aspect was Murhder’s developing relationship with John Matthew. I’d forgotten that Darius was his best friend and he was unaware of his death. Since Darius was killed in the opening chapter of the first book in this series, it was a real gift to learn more about the man who fathered John Matthew and built the enclave for the Brotherhood.
I really enjoyed this story and can’t ever imagine not hearing Jim Frangione narrate the story. The time just melts away as I’m transported into this world that’s like catnip for me. I’m now team Murhder and I loved the ending. And, this was a kinder, gentler Brotherhood and I think that was to give way to this man. Nicely done! 4.5 stars
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
November 29, 2019
Insanely good!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have to admit it took me a few days to get into this story. I have only read one other of the books in this series and I was having a bit of difficulty settling into the story and getting to know everyone. But that soon disappeared and the magical storyteller finally got her way with me.
This book floods the mind with so many emotions. Tension, anticipation, happiness, sorrow. Your heart will feel like a roller-coaster. You will come out feeling a bit beat-up but with a smile on your face. But you truly will understand what the Brotherhood really means when you read this story!
For those that love a great paranormal read, Ward takes us on a journey like none other. Intensely romantic and straight up flipping steamy, violent and gruesome, heartbreaking and deep. Her addictive writing tells a story like none other. She has quickly become a favorite of mine.
If you are looking for a novel that contains so much emotion and imagery you will gasp, cry, and smile within the same chapter, you have to check out this book! She is just flat out an amazing storyteller you will not forget!
*copy received for review consideration
full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-savior-b...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have to admit it took me a few days to get into this story. I have only read one other of the books in this series and I was having a bit of difficulty settling into the story and getting to know everyone. But that soon disappeared and the magical storyteller finally got her way with me.
This book floods the mind with so many emotions. Tension, anticipation, happiness, sorrow. Your heart will feel like a roller-coaster. You will come out feeling a bit beat-up but with a smile on your face. But you truly will understand what the Brotherhood really means when you read this story!
For those that love a great paranormal read, Ward takes us on a journey like none other. Intensely romantic and straight up flipping steamy, violent and gruesome, heartbreaking and deep. Her addictive writing tells a story like none other. She has quickly become a favorite of mine.
If you are looking for a novel that contains so much emotion and imagery you will gasp, cry, and smile within the same chapter, you have to check out this book! She is just flat out an amazing storyteller you will not forget!
*copy received for review consideration
full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-savior-b...
April 23, 2023
5 We're all a little mad Stars
Spoilers Ahead
Reread 4/2023
I'll be honest the first time I read this, it didn't make much of an impression on me. So when I went into this reread I didn't remember anything about the book. All I knew going into this book was the worry that Murder would mess up Xhex and JM's relationship. I am very glad that is not the case. I ended up really loving Murder and Sarah. Their love was a insta-love but that works well in this series. Murder was such a good male. I love how much him and JM bonded. I felt really bad for Murder and Sarah because once again the brothers especially Tohr were judgy asses that treated him like he was the bad guy. Sarah was so sweet and smart. She really went out of her way to help and the brothers still made her leave which again a total jerk move on their part.
John finally became a brother in this book and really it's about damn time. I loved how strong and supportive Xhex was in this book. Any book with JM and Xhex is a damn good time for me. I just love them as a couple. I also really loved Nate. He was so sweet, but damaged. I love how Sarah and Murder took to him like he was their own child. I love that in this book Sarah was not a jerk when she found out that Murder and the others were vampires. She didn't act like they were evil and she didn't treat them like crap. That is how Sola's judgy ass should have acted just saying.
My heart broke for Boone but I was so glad he did the right thing even against his own father. Lassiter was so good in this book. I loved the way he revealed that he has taken over for the SV. Lassiter is truly becoming one of my favorites in the series. What in the hell is going on with Throe. He has really did it this time and I'm pretty sure that there won't be much more of Throe in the books. This reread I have been listening to them all on audio book and can I just say Jim Frangione really brings these stories to life. Over all I really loved this book and can't wait to see what is next for the BDB series.
Spoilers Ahead
Reread 4/2023
I'll be honest the first time I read this, it didn't make much of an impression on me. So when I went into this reread I didn't remember anything about the book. All I knew going into this book was the worry that Murder would mess up Xhex and JM's relationship. I am very glad that is not the case. I ended up really loving Murder and Sarah. Their love was a insta-love but that works well in this series. Murder was such a good male. I love how much him and JM bonded. I felt really bad for Murder and Sarah because once again the brothers especially Tohr were judgy asses that treated him like he was the bad guy. Sarah was so sweet and smart. She really went out of her way to help and the brothers still made her leave which again a total jerk move on their part.
John finally became a brother in this book and really it's about damn time. I loved how strong and supportive Xhex was in this book. Any book with JM and Xhex is a damn good time for me. I just love them as a couple. I also really loved Nate. He was so sweet, but damaged. I love how Sarah and Murder took to him like he was their own child. I love that in this book Sarah was not a jerk when she found out that Murder and the others were vampires. She didn't act like they were evil and she didn't treat them like crap. That is how Sola's judgy ass should have acted just saying.
My heart broke for Boone but I was so glad he did the right thing even against his own father. Lassiter was so good in this book. I loved the way he revealed that he has taken over for the SV. Lassiter is truly becoming one of my favorites in the series. What in the hell is going on with Throe. He has really did it this time and I'm pretty sure that there won't be much more of Throe in the books. This reread I have been listening to them all on audio book and can I just say Jim Frangione really brings these stories to life. Over all I really loved this book and can't wait to see what is next for the BDB series.
August 3, 2024
I really enjoyed this book.
I am so glad it feels like we are back to the old BDB books. I had missed that feeling in previous installments and I hadn't realized it until now. My excitement for this series is back on!
I feel like I had been waiting forever I didn't understand what was the wait. Finally, the moment arrived here and it felt so good!
I can't wait for the next installment. What an addiction!
P.S: This series has to be read in order.
BDB #1: Dark Lover - 4.5 stars
BDB #2: Lover Eternal - 4 stars
BDB #3: Lover Awakened - 5 stars
BDB #4: Lover Revealed - 4 stars
BDB #5: Lover Unbound - 4 stars
BDB #6: Lover Enshrined - 4 stars
BDB #6.5: Father Mine - 3 stars
BDB #7: Lover Avenged - 4 stars
BDB #8: Lover Mine - 5 stars
BDB #9: Lover Unleashed - 3 stars
BDB #10: Lover Reborn - 4 stars
BDB #11: Lover at Last - 5 stars
BDB #12: The King - 3 stars
BDB #13: The Shadows - 4.5 stars
BDB #14: The Beast - 4.5 stars
BDB #15: The Chosen - 4 stars
BDB #15.5: Dearest Ivie - 2 stars
BDB #16: The Thief - 3 stars.
BDB #16.5: Prisoner of Night - 3 stars
BDB #17: The Savior - 4 stars
BDB #17.5: Where Winter Finds You - 3 stars
BDB #18: The Sinner - 3.5 stars
BDB #18.5: A Warm Heart in Winter - 3 Stars
BDB #19: Lover Unveiled - 2 Stars
BDB Prison Camp #1: The Jackal - 3.5 star.
BDB Prison Camp #2: The Wolf - 1 star.
I am so glad it feels like we are back to the old BDB books. I had missed that feeling in previous installments and I hadn't realized it until now. My excitement for this series is back on!
I feel like I had been waiting forever I didn't understand what was the wait. Finally, the moment arrived here and it felt so good!
I can't wait for the next installment. What an addiction!
P.S: This series has to be read in order.
BDB #1: Dark Lover - 4.5 stars
BDB #2: Lover Eternal - 4 stars
BDB #3: Lover Awakened - 5 stars
BDB #4: Lover Revealed - 4 stars
BDB #5: Lover Unbound - 4 stars
BDB #6: Lover Enshrined - 4 stars
BDB #6.5: Father Mine - 3 stars
BDB #7: Lover Avenged - 4 stars
BDB #8: Lover Mine - 5 stars
BDB #9: Lover Unleashed - 3 stars
BDB #10: Lover Reborn - 4 stars
BDB #11: Lover at Last - 5 stars
BDB #12: The King - 3 stars
BDB #13: The Shadows - 4.5 stars
BDB #14: The Beast - 4.5 stars
BDB #15: The Chosen - 4 stars
BDB #15.5: Dearest Ivie - 2 stars
BDB #16: The Thief - 3 stars.
BDB #16.5: Prisoner of Night - 3 stars
BDB #17: The Savior - 4 stars
BDB #17.5: Where Winter Finds You - 3 stars
BDB #18: The Sinner - 3.5 stars
BDB #18.5: A Warm Heart in Winter - 3 Stars
BDB #19: Lover Unveiled - 2 Stars
BDB Prison Camp #1: The Jackal - 3.5 star.
BDB Prison Camp #2: The Wolf - 1 star.
April 4, 2019
Seriously tho, the series started in 2005 so it's been 13 years. We've actually achieved a longer waiting than Sirius. The only Dementors we had to fight were Layla and...Layla.
Man, I can't wait to finally read about Murhder!
Finally more Xhex!
~~~~~~
AFTER READING
So, this was different than expected. Better in many aspects. Some things were meh, other annoying, but overall another improvement but it can only get better after most of the last few books were shit.
Okay, the comments come now. XD
1. Murhder was not as expected but I think this has something to do with the fact that the series is 14 years old and the initial intention changed. With more books and time passing, the dangerously crazy Murhder became a normal dude and his craziness not dangerous but result of a) a missunderstanding, b) psychological torture and c) grief. And I actually like that he's not a psychopath.
2. So the heroine, Sarah, is a scientist and plans on...leaving her life behind because of her dead fiancé and the fact that she's in mortal danger. She lists her savings and says that they're modest. Let me give you a full list:
- 100k in investments from her inheritance
- 401k from whatever
- 6 months full salary compensation; let's be greedy and say a top-tier scientist in a lab only earns 8k a month, that'd still be 48'000
- she has a house price at 325k
- she has a car; I'll tag it at 20k
- she has a full year's salary in savings which is, with the 8k, 96k in total
So in total, Sarah has assets around 990k, meaning she has AT LEAST a liquidity of 1 MILLION DOLLARS to her name and the book, aka Ward, pretend that this isn't much.
Do you know how much the average person her age, aka """millennial""", has with all savings and assets and whatnot? Usually, zero. If we're being generous maybe 20k. This lady as ONE MILLION DOLLARS to her name and it's played as if it's peanuts. And I'm being exceedingly generous by giving her only 8k/month for a salary.
This is fucking ridiculous.
3. I constantly forget that Cormia and No'One exist and I think that's because they're absolutely irrelevant and have no personality whatsoever. And I don't dislike Cormia but she's so fucking useless. No'One on the other hand I despise but solely because of how Ward uses her. She's a McGuffin so that Tohr has a mate, in other word a living sex doll, to compensate for the loss of his unborn son and wife, both of which were brutally murdered.
4. More Xhex and John. Yesssss!!!!
5. Qhuinn's appearance doesn't spark join anymore. Just sadness, regret, hatred, and resignation. His books were garbage. His children are garbage. Layla is the embodiment of abuse, toxicity, and narcissism. Qhuay is dead to me.
6. I like Nate and Sarah. I hope he gets his own book.
7. The ending was really nice and bumped the book to three stars.
8. Lassiter. I love him. Period.
9. I almost forgot that the timeline makes no sense. Sarah references Sharknado which came out in 2013 but mentions a period before the movie came out. She's been in Ithaca for 4 years. V says that everything started 3.5 years ago. However, the whole series' plotline started in 2005. But this means that Sarah's been longer in Ithaca than the happenings from book one even exist, which would mean that she's been in Ithaca at least since 2012, which makes for years later 2016...
I'm confused but I think the timeline hasn't made sense for a long, long time.
April 12, 2019
4.5-5 ⭐'s
“Who’s your daddy?” (<-OMG...that was perfect!)
This book's been a long time coming....so I was thrilled to get my grubby little hands on it. And it was a-mazing!
Flat out...I LOVE Murhder and I kind of thought I would so that's not surprising. What was surprising was his relationship with my other love, John Matthew. Those two together was my ultimate fantasy. ~Sigh~
But...back to the real world. The book is not without some issues, namely, I was expecting a more insane version of Murhder and I expected him to stir up all kinds of trouble.
And the book was like BDB on valium...where did all the craziness go? Where was all the over-the-top testosterone fueled mania? Even Throe in his whacked out state was much more subdued. Don't get me wrong...I think I kind of liked it?
Sarah was really sweet. My heart hurt for what she went through but I loved the way she "connected" with Murhder. And OMG...what Murhder did for her when he took her home? Big. Time. Swoon.
I think we pretty much got cameos of everyone else. I liked that the main focus was primarily on Murhder and Sarah with some JM/Xhex thrown in.
What we didn't get was ANY mention of the couple in the next book (Jo Early and Syn from BoB in The Sinner) which was another surprise. I was also taken back by some totally sweet and emotional moments by Z and Tohr.
So, overall, I guess I'm saying that this book is a sweeter, more emotional, less name dropping and funky sayings kind of book...and me likey. Me likey a whole lot.
BTW...I've heard there's a Christmas novella coming out that has a whole lotta Lassiter in it. Now that I'm definitely looking forward to!
“Who’s your daddy?” (<-OMG...that was perfect!)
This book's been a long time coming....so I was thrilled to get my grubby little hands on it. And it was a-mazing!
Flat out...I LOVE Murhder and I kind of thought I would so that's not surprising. What was surprising was his relationship with my other love, John Matthew. Those two together was my ultimate fantasy. ~Sigh~
But...back to the real world. The book is not without some issues, namely, I was expecting a more insane version of Murhder and I expected him to stir up all kinds of trouble.
And the book was like BDB on valium...where did all the craziness go? Where was all the over-the-top testosterone fueled mania? Even Throe in his whacked out state was much more subdued. Don't get me wrong...I think I kind of liked it?
Sarah was really sweet. My heart hurt for what she went through but I loved the way she "connected" with Murhder. And OMG...what Murhder did for her when he took her home? Big. Time. Swoon.
I think we pretty much got cameos of everyone else. I liked that the main focus was primarily on Murhder and Sarah with some JM/Xhex thrown in.
What we didn't get was ANY mention of the couple in the next book (Jo Early and Syn from BoB in The Sinner) which was another surprise. I was also taken back by some totally sweet and emotional moments by Z and Tohr.
So, overall, I guess I'm saying that this book is a sweeter, more emotional, less name dropping and funky sayings kind of book...and me likey. Me likey a whole lot.
BTW...I've heard there's a Christmas novella coming out that has a whole lotta Lassiter in it. Now that I'm definitely looking forward to!
April 3, 2019
Well this was just........a let down. Oh it was well written, slow beginning but picked up. Nothing bad about it other than the fact that Murhder was not Murhder. We were built up to think this guy was bat shit crazy. All the brotherhood goes on and on about how unstable he is. Then Murhder shows up. And he’s.........a great guy. Wants to rescue and helpless female vampire and her son. If fact, he makes more sense and is more stable than any of the other brothers besides Rhage and JM. So Murhder is just a nice vampire trying to do right by his race. Not what we were told he would be. He’s done an atrocious act in the past that was warranted in a way. But what he did was no worse than anything any of these guys have done in the past. I don’t get it. He’s not crazy and they hate him for no reason. He’s given a heroine and the brotherhood of course doesn’t want him to have her. Then we get to an Angels series crossover which I am not happy about. And she leaves loose ends, of course, as always. Three stars ✨
June 24, 2019
2/5- I feel like I just broke up with a long time boyfriend.
⚡️ I FIGURED OUT WHY THIS BOOK BOTHERS ME!
⚠️ THIS IS IT... this book it bugs me because it’s not really necessary for anything BDB. You could skip it as a reader and not miss anything about the war. That’s the problem. It’s like a BDL book, centered on 2 ships and nothing else. All you would miss is Murhder’s boring HEA and JM being angsty AF, JM. Neither of those things change the course of the war with the Omega.
🔑 This book has been branded the book to either make or break the series. For probably 99% of the fandom it made the series. For me... I never had a “problem” I questioned ships and decisions but never thought “this series is dying.” Well, the old BDB is dead baby — welcome to the new and highly problematic BDB 2.0
💯 Up to about 75% in I was at the crossroads of angst-ville and boring-town-USA. Meet cute wasn’t until 35% in, too long. But we had to goto med school as readers, first, and learn medical terms that were reminiscent of watching the 1994 OJ Simpson murder trial during the forensic and DNA testimony. But ya know it was all very important — no it wasn’t.
I can’t even review this book properly but I have a rant no one wants to hear. Well more, I warmed up above.
💔 I’m not one of those BDB fans that *FIVE STARS* a book just because it’s BDB. You also have to know that my heart is breaking for how this book turned out. BDB is my favorite series for very personal reasons and I am so sad to have a book I can’t even rate properly. Ward is my ultimate writer and the move to Gallery hasn’t worked for me. Consumed, Prisoner of Night, and now, The Savior - have not been the same caliber as past Ward novels.
I didn’t cry at all. The emotion everyone brags about was absent for me... Besides anger. I waited a very long year for this book. I got, I don’t know what I got.
🌀some observations:
I love Ward’s writing although she seemed to need extra words here and there, do I need to know that Sarah puts her right shoe on then left? That’s editing 101. And it doesn’t drive the plot anywhere but to boredom-ville.
⚠️ The timeline is fucked to hell. The raids have always been 75 years ago but now they are 25 years ago? Murhder and Xhex were together for 20 years but met in the 1990’s? According to a scene in the book it’s only been 3 years from Dark Lover to The Savior??? Yet Sarah knows about Orange is the New Black TV show?
⬇️ Ward wrote this book to audience. Moreover, to appease all the bloggers and reviewers that have one major bitch: Vishous having too much page time. They got their wish he has about four scenes. Jane is in the book more than V. And Vishous is painted as a major asshole. That’s good, add more fuel to the Vishous public execution. And he lost his “true?” again. *snapshot of V in this book: pissed off, mean and smoking*
Tohr is back in the game again, why, because Vishous was side-lined and left to get his freeze out on with Butch and all the OG Brothers. Anyone ever pick up on why V was around a lot?? BECAUSE Tohr was gone. V had to become second-in-command! Tohr went from maniac in the Chosen to solid in the Savior, which is about a couple weeks?
Phury makes a guest appearance for a whole 4 pages. Butch has ZERO lines and is referred to as the stocky one next to V and that’s it. Z, yep he’s around again - his role- to try and ease us on to the JM lovefest train.
While I don’t really froth for Wrath he’s even more assholish than normal. And not funny, he’s always funny. He’s like a giant baby throwing a tantrum in this book.
🚫 There’s very little humor in this book. Lass being a dipshit doesn’t count. What he said to V, if reversed would have had all V haters foaming at the mouth, but with Lass it’s funny #nope
⏩ Look if you LOVE the angsty couple that is JM and Xhex then this is your book. If you’re into JM boo-hoo‘ ing about NOT being a Brother this is your book. If you like characters keeping secrets for no known reason this will be an awesome read.
Ⓜ️ Murhder is supposed to be the crazy one, the Brother that was kicked out (the Bloodletter was also, thanks for confirming that finally Ward!) because he went insane. Yeah no, he’s not crazy he’s a recluse. Telling me a character is crazy but they don’t do crazy shit doesn’t make them crazy. Murhder is a badass and was shafted by the Brotherhood and lived a lie for Xhex. She’s written like she gets a pass because she does right in the end — too little too late for me. Murhder is a standup guy. I love him, not in a my-favorite-brother way but he’s a solid character. He’s really a gooey cinnamon roll like Rhage.
Sadly, Murhder is a cut and paste of OG Brothers. He says lines others Brothers have said, like “there is no good-bye for us” ok V said something similar to Jane in Unbound. He broke an arm off a sofa... Butch did that in DL, shower sex = Manny cornered the market on that activity. Marking Sarah in the shower, Assail broke the readers in on that move. Maybe Rehv too, can’t remember.
🛑 Lassiter. Really? Why does he have to be naked in the Tomb? Why does that scene need to be anymore cringier? When did he get his “jesses” back? Gold lamae ass-less chaps, why? And using Murhder to explain why Lass is a great choice for being their leader, I’m not buying it... because the stuffy rigid rule gets tiring so it’s better to have a god with a sense of humor? A fallen angel that the vamps basically hate? WHY?! Why is Lass the overseer of the race? He caused the deaths of thousands of humans... why will he be better with vampires?!!!!! He’s all ready passing out diamonds like they are candy, where’s the balance? P.S. Lassiter wants to be a Brother so bad it’s painful to watch. Why is he still at the Compound? His mission was over in Lover Reborn. Fly away to the Sanctuary, please.
📚 This book can be read without reading any of the other books. Ward info dumps on each character for a brand new reader. None of the loose ends from The Thief (BDB 16) crossover. The tease that Devina is in the book while technically true is about half a page. She does nothing but come back.
⚡️Have I completely broken up with BDB, no not yet. I still have a thread of hope for The Sinner (2020) — at least I know Butch will have lines and HOPEFULLY we will get back to he and V as a team again. And my babes Eddie and Adrian are supposed to join the team as well.
🤬 Every time I think about this book I want to take a star away. BRING BACK MY BROTHERS WARDEN!
⚡️ I FIGURED OUT WHY THIS BOOK BOTHERS ME!
⚠️ THIS IS IT... this book it bugs me because it’s not really necessary for anything BDB. You could skip it as a reader and not miss anything about the war. That’s the problem. It’s like a BDL book, centered on 2 ships and nothing else. All you would miss is Murhder’s boring HEA and JM being angsty AF, JM. Neither of those things change the course of the war with the Omega.
🔑 This book has been branded the book to either make or break the series. For probably 99% of the fandom it made the series. For me... I never had a “problem” I questioned ships and decisions but never thought “this series is dying.” Well, the old BDB is dead baby — welcome to the new and highly problematic BDB 2.0
💯 Up to about 75% in I was at the crossroads of angst-ville and boring-town-USA. Meet cute wasn’t until 35% in, too long. But we had to goto med school as readers, first, and learn medical terms that were reminiscent of watching the 1994 OJ Simpson murder trial during the forensic and DNA testimony. But ya know it was all very important — no it wasn’t.
I can’t even review this book properly but I have a rant no one wants to hear. Well more, I warmed up above.
💔 I’m not one of those BDB fans that *FIVE STARS* a book just because it’s BDB. You also have to know that my heart is breaking for how this book turned out. BDB is my favorite series for very personal reasons and I am so sad to have a book I can’t even rate properly. Ward is my ultimate writer and the move to Gallery hasn’t worked for me. Consumed, Prisoner of Night, and now, The Savior - have not been the same caliber as past Ward novels.
I didn’t cry at all. The emotion everyone brags about was absent for me... Besides anger. I waited a very long year for this book. I got, I don’t know what I got.
🌀some observations:
I love Ward’s writing although she seemed to need extra words here and there, do I need to know that Sarah puts her right shoe on then left? That’s editing 101. And it doesn’t drive the plot anywhere but to boredom-ville.
⚠️ The timeline is fucked to hell. The raids have always been 75 years ago but now they are 25 years ago? Murhder and Xhex were together for 20 years but met in the 1990’s? According to a scene in the book it’s only been 3 years from Dark Lover to The Savior??? Yet Sarah knows about Orange is the New Black TV show?
⬇️ Ward wrote this book to audience. Moreover, to appease all the bloggers and reviewers that have one major bitch: Vishous having too much page time. They got their wish he has about four scenes. Jane is in the book more than V. And Vishous is painted as a major asshole. That’s good, add more fuel to the Vishous public execution. And he lost his “true?” again. *snapshot of V in this book: pissed off, mean and smoking*
Tohr is back in the game again, why, because Vishous was side-lined and left to get his freeze out on with Butch and all the OG Brothers. Anyone ever pick up on why V was around a lot?? BECAUSE Tohr was gone. V had to become second-in-command! Tohr went from maniac in the Chosen to solid in the Savior, which is about a couple weeks?
Phury makes a guest appearance for a whole 4 pages. Butch has ZERO lines and is referred to as the stocky one next to V and that’s it. Z, yep he’s around again - his role- to try and ease us on to the JM lovefest train.
While I don’t really froth for Wrath he’s even more assholish than normal. And not funny, he’s always funny. He’s like a giant baby throwing a tantrum in this book.
🚫 There’s very little humor in this book. Lass being a dipshit doesn’t count. What he said to V, if reversed would have had all V haters foaming at the mouth, but with Lass it’s funny #nope
⏩ Look if you LOVE the angsty couple that is JM and Xhex then this is your book. If you’re into JM boo-hoo‘ ing about NOT being a Brother this is your book. If you like characters keeping secrets for no known reason this will be an awesome read.
Ⓜ️ Murhder is supposed to be the crazy one, the Brother that was kicked out (the Bloodletter was also, thanks for confirming that finally Ward!) because he went insane. Yeah no, he’s not crazy he’s a recluse. Telling me a character is crazy but they don’t do crazy shit doesn’t make them crazy. Murhder is a badass and was shafted by the Brotherhood and lived a lie for Xhex. She’s written like she gets a pass because she does right in the end — too little too late for me. Murhder is a standup guy. I love him, not in a my-favorite-brother way but he’s a solid character. He’s really a gooey cinnamon roll like Rhage.
Sadly, Murhder is a cut and paste of OG Brothers. He says lines others Brothers have said, like “there is no good-bye for us” ok V said something similar to Jane in Unbound. He broke an arm off a sofa... Butch did that in DL, shower sex = Manny cornered the market on that activity. Marking Sarah in the shower, Assail broke the readers in on that move. Maybe Rehv too, can’t remember.
🛑 Lassiter. Really? Why does he have to be naked in the Tomb? Why does that scene need to be anymore cringier? When did he get his “jesses” back? Gold lamae ass-less chaps, why? And using Murhder to explain why Lass is a great choice for being their leader, I’m not buying it... because the stuffy rigid rule gets tiring so it’s better to have a god with a sense of humor? A fallen angel that the vamps basically hate? WHY?! Why is Lass the overseer of the race? He caused the deaths of thousands of humans... why will he be better with vampires?!!!!! He’s all ready passing out diamonds like they are candy, where’s the balance? P.S. Lassiter wants to be a Brother so bad it’s painful to watch. Why is he still at the Compound? His mission was over in Lover Reborn. Fly away to the Sanctuary, please.
📚 This book can be read without reading any of the other books. Ward info dumps on each character for a brand new reader. None of the loose ends from The Thief (BDB 16) crossover. The tease that Devina is in the book while technically true is about half a page. She does nothing but come back.
⚡️Have I completely broken up with BDB, no not yet. I still have a thread of hope for The Sinner (2020) — at least I know Butch will have lines and HOPEFULLY we will get back to he and V as a team again. And my babes Eddie and Adrian are supposed to join the team as well.
🤬 Every time I think about this book I want to take a star away. BRING BACK MY BROTHERS WARDEN!
March 9, 2021
4.5 stars.
April 4, 2019
3 1/2 "Sword of love. (Bwahaha)" Stars!
So... I have to say, I'm a little torn about what to rate this one. First off, it was slow to get going. But looking back, that's okay. Idk what to say really. It was okay, not great, but by no means bad at all. There was a good story going and good characters. It's always good to catch up with the Brothers. I really liked Sarah a lot. She was kind of kickass; smart, brave and strong! I love how she stepped up with Nate. Murdher was... super sweet. He was a super great guy! He was literally The Savior! And there is where part of the problem may lie. He was supposed to be C-R-A-Z-Y, CRAZY! and he wasn't at all crazy. He didn't even seem a little bit crazy. Even the big incident that caused The Brothers to think he was crazy wasn't all that crazy for a warrior vampire under the circumstances. If I saw that on the news, would I think the person that did that was crazy? Yeah, probably so. But I would also think it was probably personal. Kind of a "Crime of Passion" type thing. IDK, I'm rambling... But this also brings me to thinking The Brothers can be some Big Ol' Hypocrites! They have ALL done crazy stuff. Whatever...
Throe... He's an idiot! Kinda interested in seeing where we go from here with that. The bad guys have always been kind of the weak link in this series for me. Maybe that will change soon.
I did love the JM parts (He's one of my favorite guys in the series.) and how Nate's story was somewhat parallel. JM may have pushed this one to 4 stars for me. I still don't like Xhex for him. Again, whatever...
So, this review sound a little on the I didn't like it side, but that is actually not true. I did like it, I think I was just expecting something different out of Murdher. I though he would be more... crazy. What we got was a really great guy just trying to do the right thing. I'm definitely in for whatever comes next. J.R Ward has me hooked on these Caldie vampires. Seriously, I think they really live up there in Caldwell, NY. Happy reading!
So... I have to say, I'm a little torn about what to rate this one. First off, it was slow to get going. But looking back, that's okay. Idk what to say really. It was okay, not great, but by no means bad at all. There was a good story going and good characters. It's always good to catch up with the Brothers. I really liked Sarah a lot. She was kind of kickass; smart, brave and strong! I love how she stepped up with Nate. Murdher was... super sweet. He was a super great guy! He was literally The Savior! And there is where part of the problem may lie. He was supposed to be C-R-A-Z-Y, CRAZY! and he wasn't at all crazy. He didn't even seem a little bit crazy. Even the big incident that caused The Brothers to think he was crazy wasn't all that crazy for a warrior vampire under the circumstances. If I saw that on the news, would I think the person that did that was crazy? Yeah, probably so. But I would also think it was probably personal. Kind of a "Crime of Passion" type thing. IDK, I'm rambling... But this also brings me to thinking The Brothers can be some Big Ol' Hypocrites! They have ALL done crazy stuff. Whatever...
Throe... He's an idiot! Kinda interested in seeing where we go from here with that. The bad guys have always been kind of the weak link in this series for me. Maybe that will change soon.
I did love the JM parts (He's one of my favorite guys in the series.) and how Nate's story was somewhat parallel. JM may have pushed this one to 4 stars for me. I still don't like Xhex for him. Again, whatever...
So, this review sound a little on the I didn't like it side, but that is actually not true. I did like it, I think I was just expecting something different out of Murdher. I though he would be more... crazy. What we got was a really great guy just trying to do the right thing. I'm definitely in for whatever comes next. J.R Ward has me hooked on these Caldie vampires. Seriously, I think they really live up there in Caldwell, NY. Happy reading!
April 14, 2019
I was expecting something more epic.
April 7, 2019
So, book number 17 down and do you know, they just don't get old. I liked this one way more than I thought I would, I loved Murhder, I love that he wasn't crazy, I love how insecure he was at times, I hurt for him - if anyone got a raw deal it was him. And Sarah was just perfect for him, no bullshit, no ridiculous drama either.
Some reviews have mentioned that the first third or so was on the slow side, usually I hate that but Ward worked it and I didn't mind it at all. I think I was just loving how much I was back in the BDB world even though we didn't see much of the Brothers, and the little we did annoyed me for the most part because FIDIOTS!
My rating - all the stars for Murhder, with some for Phury (he was the only one who was man enough to show Murhder some compassion in the beginning) but for the rest of the fidiot brothers .... zeee-roh. What a bunch of bigoted, amnesiac arseholes they've turned in to. I wasn't ever much of a Vishous fan but now, I want to junk punch him in his solo testicle. Me hates him. 🤬
4.25 stars
Some reviews have mentioned that the first third or so was on the slow side, usually I hate that but Ward worked it and I didn't mind it at all. I think I was just loving how much I was back in the BDB world even though we didn't see much of the Brothers, and the little we did annoyed me for the most part because FIDIOTS!
My rating - all the stars for Murhder, with some for Phury (he was the only one who was man enough to show Murhder some compassion in the beginning) but for the rest of the fidiot brothers .... zeee-roh. What a bunch of bigoted, amnesiac arseholes they've turned in to. I wasn't ever much of a Vishous fan but now, I want to junk punch him in his solo testicle. Me hates him. 🤬
4.25 stars
December 16, 2021
I've been on a years-long reading hiatus due to health and other life circumstances, but boy, have I missed the escapism that comes from being caught up in a great story!!
I'm going to keep this short and sweet... I loved this story. It reminds me of the original stories that got me hooked on this series. And spending time with the Brothers again is just what I needed. The romance is real, the backstory is believable, and Murhder now ranks up there with my beloved Zsadist as my favorite Brothers.
I'm going to keep this short and sweet... I loved this story. It reminds me of the original stories that got me hooked on this series. And spending time with the Brothers again is just what I needed. The romance is real, the backstory is believable, and Murhder now ranks up there with my beloved Zsadist as my favorite Brothers.
October 3, 2023
Recently after arriving from ROR, I realized I was many books behind in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series.
How did that happen?
I blame work 100%.
Anyway, this is the love story of Murhder and Sarah. Other prominent characters include John Matthews and Xhex.
Sarah is a scientist working in a lab at Biomed. She discovers that experiments have been occurring in a young male patient. Her fiancée died two years earlier of an insulin overdose. She was devastated when it happened but now she wonders if he knew what was going on at the lab.
Murhder was part of the BDB but he was expelled after murdering humans. Warth believed he was crazy. For the past two decades, he has been living in exile in SC and running a B&B but not really living.
Then he receives letters that can help him right a wrong and Murhder is ready for this. The BDB is the only one who can help him.
During his search, he will cross paths with Sarah. Their connection is instant but can they have a future together?
Emotional at times, and with plenty of action at others, J. R. Ward has created an amazing world that I’m always glad to revisit.
Murhder and Sarah made a great couple together I also enjoyed the second major storyline with John Matthew and Xhex. It tied well together with the main couple.
I'm only sad that my Zsadist had only a few lines but it always makes me happy that the few he has, count for something.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
How did that happen?
I blame work 100%.
Anyway, this is the love story of Murhder and Sarah. Other prominent characters include John Matthews and Xhex.
Sarah is a scientist working in a lab at Biomed. She discovers that experiments have been occurring in a young male patient. Her fiancée died two years earlier of an insulin overdose. She was devastated when it happened but now she wonders if he knew what was going on at the lab.
Murhder was part of the BDB but he was expelled after murdering humans. Warth believed he was crazy. For the past two decades, he has been living in exile in SC and running a B&B but not really living.
Then he receives letters that can help him right a wrong and Murhder is ready for this. The BDB is the only one who can help him.
During his search, he will cross paths with Sarah. Their connection is instant but can they have a future together?
Emotional at times, and with plenty of action at others, J. R. Ward has created an amazing world that I’m always glad to revisit.
Murhder and Sarah made a great couple together I also enjoyed the second major storyline with John Matthew and Xhex. It tied well together with the main couple.
I'm only sad that my Zsadist had only a few lines but it always makes me happy that the few he has, count for something.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
April 8, 2019
The, what, 247th story in this iconic series by which so many other books and writers are measured against brought back elements of the Original 6. Darius’s mansion, Fritz, the Brotherhood, the Purpose...a golden era, one that while many stories since have been right up there for me (Xcor/Layla, Thor/NoOne) have not whispered on that wind. All the core BDB are here, including Darius - Ward has stated no one will ever really know John is not so much a son, as a reincarnation but in this story, there are numerous moments where things almost slip. Just like there are numerous moments when tears almost do.
And that is why the tale of Murhder/Sarah is lovely, but not epic. They fall in love immediately...they fit nicely...you want them to be...and ultimately they are...but it’s so...simple...their struggle is before they meet. The 20 years Murhder was Norman Bates in his Bed & Breakfast...the lonely Sarah, having lost her parents and her questionable fiancé years before. A horror brings them together, a trauma involving John and saving him, keeps them so. I wanted then to be happy...but at the same time Lassiter sprinkles some golden fairy dust on human Sarah and presto...it’s a joy that isn’t quite earned.
What is epic are key moments imbedded here...the sharing of a green apple (now that did have me in tears), the saving of a caged pretrans boy, the inclusion of John into the Brotherhood, and ‘Who’s your Daddy’ Angel Slapstick. The love The King feels and displays when holding and stroking his beloved loyal George, is sweetness.
Perhaps I find a bit of bitter makes a more impactful cocktail.
And that is why the tale of Murhder/Sarah is lovely, but not epic. They fall in love immediately...they fit nicely...you want them to be...and ultimately they are...but it’s so...simple...their struggle is before they meet. The 20 years Murhder was Norman Bates in his Bed & Breakfast...the lonely Sarah, having lost her parents and her questionable fiancé years before. A horror brings them together, a trauma involving John and saving him, keeps them so. I wanted then to be happy...but at the same time Lassiter sprinkles some golden fairy dust on human Sarah and presto...it’s a joy that isn’t quite earned.
What is epic are key moments imbedded here...the sharing of a green apple (now that did have me in tears), the saving of a caged pretrans boy, the inclusion of John into the Brotherhood, and ‘Who’s your Daddy’ Angel Slapstick. The love The King feels and displays when holding and stroking his beloved loyal George, is sweetness.
Perhaps I find a bit of bitter makes a more impactful cocktail.
July 6, 2019
Well Hot Freakin Damn!!! We finally get the back story on Xhex's Ex, the missing Black Dagger Brother, Murhder!
Murhder
Murhder
May 31, 2019
“Grief is a cold stream you acclimate to.”
- Sarah Watkins
* * *
“When do we ever know what we’re walking into. “Destiny is not a straightaway. It’s cluttered with corners and all of them are dark. We make the turns we do … and find ourselves where we are.”
- Murhder
* * *
“If you were loved, if you had people who cared about you, you could be by yourself and never feel alone. But if no one cared? You were isolated even in a crowd.”
- Sarah Watkins
* * *
“When you were out of time, you found forgiveness and acceptance so much easier to give.”
- Xhex
* * *
“Emotion was so much harder outside of the hypothetical. When you were actually standing in front of someone you needed to say difficult things to, when your throat got tight and you felt like you couldn’t breathe right, and your brain—previously spitting out sound bites that belonged on Instagram posts of beach sunsets and mountain peaks with clouds—went blank as a snow field … all of the Hollywood-perfect Moments That Mattered stuff ended up in the crapper.”
- John
- Sarah Watkins
* * *
“When do we ever know what we’re walking into. “Destiny is not a straightaway. It’s cluttered with corners and all of them are dark. We make the turns we do … and find ourselves where we are.”
- Murhder
* * *
“If you were loved, if you had people who cared about you, you could be by yourself and never feel alone. But if no one cared? You were isolated even in a crowd.”
- Sarah Watkins
* * *
“When you were out of time, you found forgiveness and acceptance so much easier to give.”
- Xhex
* * *
“Emotion was so much harder outside of the hypothetical. When you were actually standing in front of someone you needed to say difficult things to, when your throat got tight and you felt like you couldn’t breathe right, and your brain—previously spitting out sound bites that belonged on Instagram posts of beach sunsets and mountain peaks with clouds—went blank as a snow field … all of the Hollywood-perfect Moments That Mattered stuff ended up in the crapper.”
- John
September 25, 2019
This is a Bookbub ebook sale today (9/25/19) for $2.99
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Savior-Black-D...
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-...
******
I feel like I've been waiting eleventy thousand years for the story to swing around to Murhder. Is there any chance I won't be disappointed when the time comes??
***
To answer that pre-reading question - I was not as disappointed as expected, once I got over my initial disappointment. Make sense? Well, let me explain. Murhder, the only brother to be expelled from the BDB for insanity, shows absolutely no signs of insanity. Really. We see he is alone and without purpose, but the madness we've been told about since Lover Mine just isn't here. In fact, Murhder is one of the most selfless of the BDB we've met. We're told that the sympaths rearranged his brain twenty-ish years ago (which also may or may not be permanent or as effective based on the individual) and we're told what his actions were that led to the insanity determination (which really weren't much worse than some actions the other brothers have taken). With that little bit of information we're given (we don't actually get to see him being drummed out) I'm left believing that the BDB were just assholes who did nothing to take care of one of their own - possibly because they all hadn't been whipped into touchy-feely guys by their shellans yet. So despite JR Ward pulling another fast one and changing her mind about Murhder, and after readjusting my expectations and reading it as just another random brother finding his mate, I actually kind of liked Murhder and Sarah's story.
Murhder is a sweetheart even as his former brothers continue to treat him like a wild animal that will turn on them at any moment. Actually, that's being kind. Most of them are pretty shitty to him except of course Xhex, who still has a soft spot for him. This is the perfect way to give Xhex and John Matthew a secondary storyline. The two stories played out together nicely and we weren't distracted by any other couples or characters vying for attention. As the three are out searching for a young male, they run into Sarah who had the same idea. Murhder has sworn to protect the male, Nate, but Sarah isn't going to let the boy go without her. She's pretty feisty and strong under the woe is me set-up she had. She's straightforward and pretty realistic about her situation and the two make a great team.
I've found a lot of the recent revisiting of the older couples not that interesting, but JM and Xhex's story here was touching and meshed well with Murhder's. In fact, it appears that both Murhder and Xhex may actually see beyond the "bloodline" relationship JM has to Darius. JM finds himself in a bit of a bad situation here and Murhder and Sarah are the keys to helping him. Even that may not be enough for the Brothers to get down off their high horses and help a former brother out.
There is just a little bit of movement forward with Throe and his shadows and the book he wants to have sex with. Apparently the crossover with her angels series is here and hopefully, we won't need that backstory since I didn't get past the first book and don't plan on going back. Speaking of backstory, there was quite a bit of unnecessary revisiting of details we already know about the brothers and the world they occupy. I think at this point, if you don't know it then it's up to you to seek it out. I don't need to keep reading the basics over and over again. There were actually times I felt like the book was written by someone else under the direction of JR Ward - the street talk, reality TV references and label dropping were scaled way back. The term shitkickers didn't even show up until the last few chapters (but the timeline was still a bit wonky).
With Xhex featured prominently and the sympaths having a big part in Murhder's "insanity" I was hoping to get more of Rehv than just a mention, but hey, that's better than Butch got here (he was never even named - just referred to by his description whenever he came up - weird).
In the end, I was completely invested in Murhder and Sarah as a couple and was happy to see them find a way to be together. Finally, to cap off the story there is an emotional ceremony that I know many readers have been waiting for. I won't spoil what it is, other than to say no, it wasn't that one. Blay and Qhuinn still haven't had a mating ceremony.
So 4 stars for the Murhder we got, Zero stars for the Murhder we were supposed to get.
(BTW, once again, I can't not mention that the series is still suffering from poor editing. It appears that the proofreaders are relying a bit too much on spell check or just don't have all that much of a command of the English language. For example, when Murhder and Sarah are getting down to business and rubbing against each other, the word you want to use is friction with an r as opposed to when I'm all rubbing up against Chris Hemsworth that, sadly, is where you want to use fiction without an r. I've read plenty of independently published books with no egregious errors in them. I'm certain a big publisher for a big author could do much better with the editing.)
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Savior-Black-D...
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-...
******
I feel like I've been waiting eleventy thousand years for the story to swing around to Murhder. Is there any chance I won't be disappointed when the time comes??
***
To answer that pre-reading question - I was not as disappointed as expected, once I got over my initial disappointment. Make sense? Well, let me explain. Murhder, the only brother to be expelled from the BDB for insanity, shows absolutely no signs of insanity. Really. We see he is alone and without purpose, but the madness we've been told about since Lover Mine just isn't here. In fact, Murhder is one of the most selfless of the BDB we've met. We're told that the sympaths rearranged his brain twenty-ish years ago (which also may or may not be permanent or as effective based on the individual) and we're told what his actions were that led to the insanity determination (which really weren't much worse than some actions the other brothers have taken). With that little bit of information we're given (we don't actually get to see him being drummed out) I'm left believing that the BDB were just assholes who did nothing to take care of one of their own - possibly because they all hadn't been whipped into touchy-feely guys by their shellans yet. So despite JR Ward pulling another fast one and changing her mind about Murhder, and after readjusting my expectations and reading it as just another random brother finding his mate, I actually kind of liked Murhder and Sarah's story.
Murhder is a sweetheart even as his former brothers continue to treat him like a wild animal that will turn on them at any moment. Actually, that's being kind. Most of them are pretty shitty to him except of course Xhex, who still has a soft spot for him. This is the perfect way to give Xhex and John Matthew a secondary storyline. The two stories played out together nicely and we weren't distracted by any other couples or characters vying for attention. As the three are out searching for a young male, they run into Sarah who had the same idea. Murhder has sworn to protect the male, Nate, but Sarah isn't going to let the boy go without her. She's pretty feisty and strong under the woe is me set-up she had. She's straightforward and pretty realistic about her situation and the two make a great team.
I've found a lot of the recent revisiting of the older couples not that interesting, but JM and Xhex's story here was touching and meshed well with Murhder's. In fact, it appears that both Murhder and Xhex may actually see beyond the "bloodline" relationship JM has to Darius. JM finds himself in a bit of a bad situation here and Murhder and Sarah are the keys to helping him. Even that may not be enough for the Brothers to get down off their high horses and help a former brother out.
There is just a little bit of movement forward with Throe and his shadows and the book he wants to have sex with. Apparently the crossover with her angels series is here and hopefully, we won't need that backstory since I didn't get past the first book and don't plan on going back. Speaking of backstory, there was quite a bit of unnecessary revisiting of details we already know about the brothers and the world they occupy. I think at this point, if you don't know it then it's up to you to seek it out. I don't need to keep reading the basics over and over again. There were actually times I felt like the book was written by someone else under the direction of JR Ward - the street talk, reality TV references and label dropping were scaled way back. The term shitkickers didn't even show up until the last few chapters (but the timeline was still a bit wonky).
With Xhex featured prominently and the sympaths having a big part in Murhder's "insanity" I was hoping to get more of Rehv than just a mention, but hey, that's better than Butch got here (he was never even named - just referred to by his description whenever he came up - weird).
In the end, I was completely invested in Murhder and Sarah as a couple and was happy to see them find a way to be together. Finally, to cap off the story there is an emotional ceremony that I know many readers have been waiting for. I won't spoil what it is, other than to say no, it wasn't that one. Blay and Qhuinn still haven't had a mating ceremony.
So 4 stars for the Murhder we got, Zero stars for the Murhder we were supposed to get.
(BTW, once again, I can't not mention that the series is still suffering from poor editing. It appears that the proofreaders are relying a bit too much on spell check or just don't have all that much of a command of the English language. For example, when Murhder and Sarah are getting down to business and rubbing against each other, the word you want to use is friction with an r as opposed to when I'm all rubbing up against Chris Hemsworth that, sadly, is where you want to use fiction without an r. I've read plenty of independently published books with no egregious errors in them. I'm certain a big publisher for a big author could do much better with the editing.)
April 11, 2019
The Savior by J.R. Ward
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Suspense
4 Stars
Slow start.
A few editing errors.
Loaded with great twist and turns.
Great adult intimate scenes.
Great characters and world build.
Pace is jumpy.
Loved most of it.
Very good action & suspense.
Not my favorite BDB book & I was a bit disappointed.
But....
Not my least favorite & it has some great intriguing elements.
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Suspense
4 Stars
Slow start.
A few editing errors.
Loaded with great twist and turns.
Great adult intimate scenes.
Great characters and world build.
Pace is jumpy.
Loved most of it.
Very good action & suspense.
Not my favorite BDB book & I was a bit disappointed.
But....
Not my least favorite & it has some great intriguing elements.
September 17, 2019
¡Cómo he disfrutado de este libro! He sentido cada página, cada cosa que les ocurre a estos personajes era como si la estuviera sufriendo yo misma. Algunas lagriminas he soltado durante la lectura y eso es algo que dice mucho de este libro, por lo menos para mí.
No esperaba que Murhder me fuera a enamorar tanto y Lassiter... qué decir de mi angelote favorito ^^
No esperaba que Murhder me fuera a enamorar tanto y Lassiter... qué decir de mi angelote favorito ^^
June 8, 2019
I have devoured this entire series over the past year and have become obsessed with this world. I wasn't sure how I felt about Murhder getting his own book since we only briefly met him, but I was excited for another book!
Murhder has been an outcast from the brotherhood ever since his insanity drove him away. Now, though, he's back and entranced by the woman from his dreams. Dr. Sarah Watkins is still recovering from her fiancé's death and doesn't know how to deal with the secrets she uncovers about his work. In her attempt to fix a wrong at the company, she's thrown headfirst into the vampire world and a brooding vampire she can't stop thinking of.
As this series has continued on, I've noticed that the later books don't necessary focus solely on the romance and I felt it really lacking in this book. Sarah and Murhder didn't even meet each other until over 100 pages in and I didn't really care for them together. I did enjoy how Sarah was a doctor and how she was helping the Brotherhood uncover some biological answers they needed to help a brother in need. It was also nice seeing so much of John Matthew and Xhex, but aside from them, I was pretty bored with most of this book.
Since the lessers have been backing off, the new enemy has been growing the last few books in this series. Unfortunately, we still don't really get answers about that enemy in this book. I felt like this book was just a bridge to the culmination of action that is hinted will actually happen in the next book. There wasn't a whole of action here and I found this book just dragged.
Overall, this was a pretty disappointing BDB book. I still enjoyed seeing the brothers, but we didn't really get a whole lot of them aside from Murhder, John Matthew, and Tohr. The rest were just in the background and I wanted to see much more of the BDB world and characters. The plot was slow moving and I was just left wanting more.
Murhder has been an outcast from the brotherhood ever since his insanity drove him away. Now, though, he's back and entranced by the woman from his dreams. Dr. Sarah Watkins is still recovering from her fiancé's death and doesn't know how to deal with the secrets she uncovers about his work. In her attempt to fix a wrong at the company, she's thrown headfirst into the vampire world and a brooding vampire she can't stop thinking of.
As this series has continued on, I've noticed that the later books don't necessary focus solely on the romance and I felt it really lacking in this book. Sarah and Murhder didn't even meet each other until over 100 pages in and I didn't really care for them together. I did enjoy how Sarah was a doctor and how she was helping the Brotherhood uncover some biological answers they needed to help a brother in need. It was also nice seeing so much of John Matthew and Xhex, but aside from them, I was pretty bored with most of this book.
Since the lessers have been backing off, the new enemy has been growing the last few books in this series. Unfortunately, we still don't really get answers about that enemy in this book. I felt like this book was just a bridge to the culmination of action that is hinted will actually happen in the next book. There wasn't a whole of action here and I found this book just dragged.
Overall, this was a pretty disappointing BDB book. I still enjoyed seeing the brothers, but we didn't really get a whole lot of them aside from Murhder, John Matthew, and Tohr. The rest were just in the background and I wanted to see much more of the BDB world and characters. The plot was slow moving and I was just left wanting more.
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