J.R. Ward, Lover Unbound

Lover Unbound

J.R. Ward

Signet, Oct 2007, $7.99

ISBN: 9780451222350

Raised in a dysfunctional environment by a sadistic sire, Vishous AKA V has always been different starting with his glowing hand. His father hated him before he was born and showed his disdain by torturing him while raising him alone. Eventually V learned why his sire treated him as rubbish; his mother is the Scribe Virgin goddess. She demands he fulfill his destiny as the Primale, who will impregnate the Chosen one; instead of wasting his time as a member of the Black Dagger Brotherhood of vampire warriors fighting the Lessening Society of Slayers in Caldwell, New York

Rushed to the hospital near death, trauma surgeon Dr. Jane Whitcomb miraculously saves the life of V. As he recuperates, he insists she leave the hospital for her safety from the forces of the dark ones. However, as V has finally fallen in love for the first in his tormented life and has someone to live for, his mother the Scribe Virgin warns him to do his duty or his beloved will suffer for eternity.

The Black Dagger Brotherhood "Lover" fantasy thrillers (see LOVER REVEALED, LOVER AWAKENED and LOVER ETERNAL) have been consistently some of the best the sub-genre has to offer. However, the latest saga is the finest of the series to date. V is an incredible protagonist who comes from the poster-parents of abuse, who for the first time finds someone who cherishes him for his sake yet must give her up to keep her safe. J.R. Ward has cursed her audience as this 500 hundred plus page turner will keep readers up late into the night.

Harriet Klausner