Romantic Times Career Achievement Award recipient Keri Arthur has won a legion of fans with her New York Times best-selling Dark Angels novels. The second book in the thrilling series, Darkness Rising follows the psychic half-werewolf, half-aedh Risa Jones as she sets out to avenge her mother's death. The vampire council agrees to aid her in her quest-but it asks for a deadly favor in return. Meanwhile, Risa finds herself plagued by lingering thoughts of the reaper Azriel.
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"Risa Jones is back for the second novel in the Dark angels series and has done some growing since her debut. In the first book, she was forced to come to grips with her abilities and the new dangers that came to surround her. It ended with her mother's murder, a tragedy that shook her up badly, as well as a number of unresolved issues that prevent her from resuming a normal life. "Darkness Rising" begins two months after the conclusion of "Darkness Unbound" and shows Risa ready to deal with these problems she put off. The first being to find the keys to hell that her Aedh father demands she locate, and he is growing impatient with her delays in obtaining them. The other is Madeline Hunter, from the vampire council, who is holding Risa to her promise to serve the council in exchange for aid in finding her mother's killer. Madeline wants her to look into an attack on council members and lets her know failure will not be tolerated. These two issues become top priority now that Risa is back in the game.She isn't alone in dealing with them, though. Her roommates Ilianna and Tao both step up to help, putting their lives at grave risk in the process. Yet they refuse to take no for an answer, wanting to be there for their friend. Azriel is even more active in watching over Risa than before and Lucian (her current lover) takes a more prominent part in her life, which seems to have positive and negative effects. There are brief moments with Risa's extended family, including her aunt Riley, but she generally tries to avoid them in this book, not wishing to put any more people she loves in harm's way than absolutely necessary.I must say I liked this novel even better than the first. It was clear Risa was less reluctant to do what needed to be done and more confident in herself. She still had some doubts in her abilities, but managed to overcome those by being willing to ask for help. She depended on Azriel even more heavily this time and he seems to be growing more attached to her. I enjoyed seeing the byplay between them. There is definitely chemistry there and the two are becoming much more aware of each other in ways that have nothing to do with their "duties". I'm hoping they give in to their needs soon as I think they could be really great together.Lucian's behavior is becoming more suspect, as I guessed might happen. Not enough for Risa to push him away, yet, but she is discovering there is more to him than she originally believed. This causes her to become frustrated because she realizes everyone, aside from her family and close friends, has an outside agenda and is using her for their own purposes. I could certainly understand her bitterness, though I also felt she was somewhat blind to certain realities.Regardless, Darkness Rising proved to be well worth the read. I enjoyed the action, character relationships, and world building that has made this series unique from others I've read. The story progressed further in most areas and came to a satisfying conclusion, even if it was expected to end on another cliffhanger. The Dark Angels series is excellent and not one to miss if you enjoy the urban fantasy and paranormal genres. I'll be ready for the next book, Darkness Devours, which is set to be released July 5th, 2012. The novel can't come fast enough, as far as I'm concerned!"
— Mistress (5 out of 5 stars)
“Arthur just keeps ’em coming! Darkness Rising, the second in the Dark Angels series, picks up right where Darkness Unbound left off…And the plot keeps spinning.”
— RT Book Reviews (4 stars)" devoured this book and had to re-read it again. I cannot wait for the next in the series to be released "
— Daniel, 2/11/2014" I absolutely loved this book! I like the first one too, but Darkness Rising was even better. "
— Heather, 2/8/2014" This book was kickass from beginning to end. I can't wait till later this year we get to more and the cover of one is kindof a spoiler to me. I so hope I'm wrong but I think I know who is the bad guy. Ris should really listen to her gaurdian angel more. :) "
— Bamafever, 2/3/2014" Keri Arthur does not disapoint. This is a must read if you were a Riley Jensen fan. I really want Risa and the reaper to get together. I'm not sure yet how I feel about Lucien. Risa is going to have to get her stuff together in the next book. Towards the end of this one she has a major set back. Can't wait for the third one next year! "
— Jenne, 1/31/2014" Another WOW!! for Keri Arthur. Risa's story just keeps getting better. "
— Lori, 1/19/2014" Amazing! Intriguing! Action Packed! Darkness Rising by Keri Arthur is nonstop action and mystery! In Book 2 the plot thickens and Risa finds herself deeper and deeper into the unknown and unwanted. While she is still in the throes of grieving for her mother, she is thrust into a race to save the world. Risa will do everything in her power to protect those she loves, even if it means dying. Madeline Hunter has a come calling, and no less handing out ultimatums. Risa either cooperates or she faces death. While she is forced to find a killer for the Directorate, "Daddy Dearest" turns up and is turning out to be one sick puppy. He will stop at nothing until she does his bidding, even if it means killing Tao and Iliana, her best friends. Risa will not face the unknown alone, she has Azriel, the badass reaper at her side. Azreiel is all kinds of yummy, he is aloft and serious, but he's always there when Risa needs him. I, personally, am on Team Azriel, I want him and Risa to hook up more than I want chocolate chip cookies! Although I'm all for my boy Azriel, Lucian has Risa's number, and it doesn't seem she's about to say good bye anytime soon. Lucian just happens to be her Aedh lover, and he has offered to help Risa in her search. Arthur describes Lucian in the sexiest way, drawing a gorgeous picture of him, but I have my doubts about him. As things start to heat up, so does the knowledge that all is not what it seems. There are secrets around every corner not to mention trouble. Darkness Rising is a wonderful sequel to Darkness Unbound! Everyone on board has a unique kiss ass power that takes this book into the unknown. Keri allows us delightful glimpses of Riley Jensen and the gang from her prior works. Over all this Darkness Rising is an urban fantasy pleaser. The best part is that our little Risa 1.0 becomes an enhanced Risa 2.0, but you'll just have to buy the book to find out more! "
— Dana, 1/16/2014" I enjoyed it very much. Action, sexy scenes, demons, magic and handsome heroes. Can't wait for the next one. "
— Johanna, 1/16/2014" I loved it!! it continues well from the first book in the series but I am gutted with the cliffhanger ending. I'm looking forward to the next book of the series already! "
— Laura, 1/8/2014" Action packed from beginning to end! I love the allure Azriel brings...leaves me wanting more and more of him. "
— Ashley, 3/14/2013" Risa is in the thick of it trying to find the 'keys' to the portal that were hidden years ago with her repeater by her side. Her Aedh lover could be a traitor or not as we haven't really figured out his game. I'm voting traitor with the reaper but Risa is still 100% trusting of him...we shall see "
— Denise, 1/23/2013" Very good and rather fast paced PRN novel. I liked the first one in the series, so I decided to read the second one. And it did not disappoint!I am looking forward to read the third book when it comes out! "
— Tatiana, 6/30/2012" interesting fun and slightly racy read. "
— Alison, 6/30/2012" another good installment in this spin off!! Looking forward to the next one! I'm really liking Azriel! A little unsure about Lucien, I feel like he's up to something nefarious! "
— Susan, 4/22/2012Keri Arthur is an Australian fantasy, horror, and romance author. She is known for her New York Times bestselling Riley Jenson Guardian series and is also the author of the Spook Squad series, the Ripple Creek series, and the Dark Angels series. Her books have received many awards and accolades; most recently she won the Lifetime Achievement Award for Urban Fantasy from Romantic Times. She lives with her daughter in Melbourne, Australia.
Saskia Maarleveld is an experienced voice-over actress and Earphones Award–winning narrator. Raised in New Zealand and France, she is highly skilled with accents and dialects, and many of her books have been narrated entirely in accents other than her own. In addition to audiobooks, her voice can be heard in animation, video games, and commercials.