Helpful Score: 8
The background story iin this one seems a bit lacking. I found myself asking all sorts of questions: How are Paladins made? Were they born that way, or do they go through some kind of transition? What was Devlin's childhood like? Does he have any families? And if the Paladins becomes more like the Others as they die over and over again, why don't they just find out what that threshold is and retire or something? The book is also very lacking in descriptions- nothing is described. After more than 300 pages, I still have no idea what any of the main characters look like, what the Others look like except that they're grey, and all the battles occur off stage. This is just slipshod world-building.
I guess the best word to describe this book would be generic. From the central love story down to the generic title, nothing is what we have not read dozens of times before, at the hands of better authors. And the ending was a cop out, as the problem with Laurel and Devlin's relationship was glossed over and suddenly not a problem anymore. I thought that Trahern and the Other introduced towards the end of the book seem interesting, but that's probably not going to be enough to get me to pick up the next book in the series.
I guess the best word to describe this book would be generic. From the central love story down to the generic title, nothing is what we have not read dozens of times before, at the hands of better authors. And the ending was a cop out, as the problem with Laurel and Devlin's relationship was glossed over and suddenly not a problem anymore. I thought that Trahern and the Other introduced towards the end of the book seem interesting, but that's probably not going to be enough to get me to pick up the next book in the series.
Samantha (msdamgoode) reviewed Dark Protector (Paladins of Darkness, Bk 1) on + 83 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
Interesting concept, but I felt the book lacked in characterization, and the plot fumbled for me. Still, being a freshman effort, the series has potential if the author tightens up the story.
Loretta P. (annpowell) reviewed Dark Protector (Paladins of Darkness, Bk 1) on + 103 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Some parts of this book were good, but it was not one of those stories that will grab my attention and keep it. It took me awhile to read this book since I kept losing interest. I did like the characters, hopefully the next book in this series will be better.
Helpful Score: 2
I didn't think it was a bad book. The story was decent, and I did like the alpha males. It kept me interested, in fact I read it in one day. I am looking forward to the next in the series, and I really liked that character in this one.
Janie T. (FriscoOBX) reviewed Dark Protector (Paladins of Darkness, Bk 1) on + 601 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Interesting storyline with likable characters. Book 1 of series that I believe has potential. Reminds me of a little of Feehan's ghostwalkers series. Worth the read.
Elizabeth R. (reidwifemommy) reviewed Dark Protector (Paladins of Darkness, Bk 1) on + 67 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I was so glad I brought and read this book, it is the first in a series that I hopes continues for a while. I own and re-read them from time to time. It is a entertaining romp and I cannot wait til the fourth one comes out in (i think) Jan 08.
Katherine S. (kathyk519) -
Helpful Score: 1
This book has been on my bookshelf for a while. I picked it up on the site because I read a short story by Morgan in another book, and was tickled enough by her style to try out a whole book. So I have to admit I wasn't immediately sucked into this book as I have been in the past with others in the paranormal genre. It took me a while to get into it. I think that I was about a third of the way into it before I really felt like I wanted to know more about the characters. The story had all the right ingredients - romance/sex, action, and intrigue. The main characters in the story were great - Laurell and Devlin make a good couple - and I enjoyed reading about them - as well as the other Paladin warriors that were introduced - and I am looking forward to finding about the last character that was introduced. I agree with another reviewer that I still feel like I don't have a handle on this world that Morgan presents to us in this book. I am still a little fuzzy about what the Paladins actually are - and what the Others are, and how this pseudo military thing comes together. I think that this was her debut novel, so I am willing to take another chance - the overall story does intrigue me - so I am using another credit to get the second book in the series - I just ordered it - so we will see what happens. I would recommend this book - try it out - here is to hoping that the series becomes a must read.
Harriet H. (southern2005) reviewed Dark Protector (Paladins of Darkness, Bk 1) on + 31 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
HOT!! worth the read..
Alexis Morgan is a wonderful author, what a great start to the Paladins of Darkness--you will enjoy it very much if you like Sherriln Kenyon books you will like Alexis's books.
Alexis Morgan is a wonderful author, what a great start to the Paladins of Darkness--you will enjoy it very much if you like Sherriln Kenyon books you will like Alexis's books.
Cynthia F. (frazerc) reviewed Dark Protector (Paladins of Darkness, Bk 1) on + 672 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Re-reading...
One of the things I like most about the series is that the author managed to write a a paranormal that didn't involve vampires, shifters, mythological creatures or immortal hunters. Not that I don't like those too, but it's nice to run across something different.
The plot is action oriented with lots of layers. The Paladins fight and die in secret to protect the invading Others. They have the ability to return to life with proper care - up to a certain point. After that - they will have taken on too much 'otherness' and must be destroyed. Laurel is their Handler - a doctor who attempts to save them: from injury, from death, from sliding into otherness.
Another series where order is important, especially in the later books.
Paladins series
1. Dark Protector (2006)
2. Dark Defender (2006)
3. In Darkness Reborn (2007)
4. Redeemed in Darkness (2007)
5. Darkness Unknown (2009)
6. Defeat the Darkness (2010)
One of the things I like most about the series is that the author managed to write a a paranormal that didn't involve vampires, shifters, mythological creatures or immortal hunters. Not that I don't like those too, but it's nice to run across something different.
The plot is action oriented with lots of layers. The Paladins fight and die in secret to protect the invading Others. They have the ability to return to life with proper care - up to a certain point. After that - they will have taken on too much 'otherness' and must be destroyed. Laurel is their Handler - a doctor who attempts to save them: from injury, from death, from sliding into otherness.
Another series where order is important, especially in the later books.
Paladins series
1. Dark Protector (2006)
2. Dark Defender (2006)
3. In Darkness Reborn (2007)
4. Redeemed in Darkness (2007)
5. Darkness Unknown (2009)
6. Defeat the Darkness (2010)
Helpful Score: 1
This book is one of the best, intense and exciting the story is fast paced, the charactors intense and very real. I have every book of this series so far and the story line holds up and moves along in each, each paladin and matching lady compliment each other as two halves of awhole. Hopefully there will be many more books to come
Melissa F. (mitabird) reviewed Dark Protector (Paladins of Darkness, Bk 1) on + 188 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book was pretty ho-hum. Paladins protect the world from the Others. Paladins die, but can be revived. However, there is no explanation on what exactly the Paladins and Others are. We know the Others are bad, but that's it. We don't know what makes them bad and it's very sketchy where they come from. What makes the Paladins tick? Are they born this way? Is there something in their DNA? What? It was very poor world building, in my opinion. None of the characters had any depth and I didn't really care who was trying to kill Devlin. There was a slight spark of interest near the end concerning the Others and I may read the next one because of it.
Not A+ material but good enough that I'll read the next one. I like the charters and the plot, although a little more world building wouldn't hurt.
Kendra H. (kendra-hubbard) reviewed Dark Protector (Paladins of Darkness, Bk 1) on + 49 more book reviews
Liked the sort of sci-fye concept and the action was almost non-stop! The sex was pretty good too! Morgan took time to explain the setting and develop her characters in this one which really helps the reader feel part of the world and those in it. A good read!
I enjoyed this book. It grew on me as the story went on.
Devlin, the tower of strength, furosity and self control. He is a killer, plain and simple. He is their leader, the Paladins, keeping the "Others" from coming into our surface world. Risking life, injury and even death to do so.
Laurell, a researcher and doctor, is what you call a Handler. It is her task to put the Paladins back together again. How many times can she bring them back from injury/ back from being broken? and back from death? Each time a piece of their humanity is missing... but she won't stop watching over them, treating them and maybe even loving some of them...
Devlin, the tower of strength, furosity and self control. He is a killer, plain and simple. He is their leader, the Paladins, keeping the "Others" from coming into our surface world. Risking life, injury and even death to do so.
Laurell, a researcher and doctor, is what you call a Handler. It is her task to put the Paladins back together again. How many times can she bring them back from injury/ back from being broken? and back from death? Each time a piece of their humanity is missing... but she won't stop watching over them, treating them and maybe even loving some of them...
I was looking for a series sort of like the J.R. Ward Black Dagger Brotherhood series. This book is the first in the paladins series and while not as spetacular as the "brotherhood" I have to say that this was pretty darn interesting. I will follow this series to see where the author will take it!
I loved this series, went through these books in a week and left me wanting more.
Someone commented on how Paladins came about, I don't recall what was explained in the first book but as you go through the series it gets explained.
Someone commented on how Paladins came about, I don't recall what was explained in the first book but as you go through the series it gets explained.
Sherri H. (mamadoodle) -
Good but not great.
Caroline N. (sapphiredragon) reviewed Dark Protector (Paladins of Darkness, Bk 1) on + 14 more book reviews
I love this story because it's about two people who love each other for exactly who they are and their passion just lights up the pages. I also love that Devlin likes to carry Laurel around just because she's tired. I wish my husband would do that, it's so romantic!
Frances P. (franniekin) - , reviewed Dark Protector (Paladins of Darkness, Bk 1) on + 276 more book reviews
I loved this entire series. The honesty, courage, adaptability and love Devlin has for his 'brothers' pulled me in from the beginning. His reluctance to openly love Dr. Laurel Young show hie deep integrity as he fears every time he is brought back takes away more of his control of his humanity. Please read them in order.
Mollie G. (amethystlover) reviewed Dark Protector (Paladins of Darkness, Bk 1) on + 330 more book reviews
This was absolutely wonderful
Very Good!
Decent, liked the main characters. Good story.
Sandra C. (stonedpeanut38) reviewed Dark Protector (Paladins of Darkness, Bk 1) on + 44 more book reviews
This is the first in a series of 4 I believe
Sandy H. (hokie71) -
Note: This is a book club edition in hard cover. New type of paranormal with Paladins who defend against the demon world. I enjoyed the fresh approach.
Barbara F. (daylilylover) reviewed Dark Protector (Paladins of Darkness, Bk 1) on + 768 more book reviews
From the back: Devlin Bane is a Paladin, an ancient band of warriors locked in a centuries-old war against evil. Dr. Laurel Young is his handler who revives him time and again when he dies fighting evil!
