Rating: 
(Black Dagger Brotherhood #3)
A former blood slave, the vampire Zsadist still bears the scars from a past filled with suffering and humiliation. Renowned for his unquenchable fury and sinister deeds, he is a savage feared by humans and vampires alike. Anger is his only companion, and terror is his only passion—until he rescues a beautiful aristocrat from the evil Lessening Society.
Bella is instantly entranced by the seething power Zsadist possesses. But even as their desire for one another begins to overtake them both, Zsadist’s thirst for vengeance against Bella’s tormentors drives him to the brink of madness. Now, Bella must help her lover overcome the wounds of his tortured past, and find a future with her…
Book 1: Dark Lover review | Book 2: Lover Eternal review
*****
DARK. SENSOUS. LIBERATING.
Lover Awakened proved me right when I picked up Zhadist as my favorite among the Brotherhood (back when I was still reading Dark Lover). Man, I could not put this down! Zhadist and Bella sucked me in to their story – original and refreshing, brutal and honest to the core. Hands down it is one of the best vamp stories i’ve read. I demand more, J.R. Ward!
Zhadist is complicated but one thing is clear: he relishes the fear he incites to everyone, even his Brothers. I love how he reacts to things: instantaneous and powerful. I love how he covers his emotions from Phury and Bella that his only way to show it is to be distant and aloof. Most of all, I love how he finally he came to terms with his past, tried his very best to improve his life at present, so he can have a wonderful future with Bella. Oh, Z is not perfect. But his struggle to overcome the ugliness of his past and the hard-sought victory that came in the end – such a joy to read. I guess i have a thing for tortured guys who eventually triumphs. =)
Bella is extraordinary! She goes for what she wants (which is Z) and she fights for it. Finally, a heroine who is strong enough to pursue her happiness even if the object of that happiness does not know joy, or love, for that matter. She is smart, too. The way he handled that lesser was amazing. Yep, the power of a woman and persuasion!
I had to include Phury in this, because even though this is not yet his time, i feel for him. The irony of it all is devastating to him and it made me sad. Still, Z is the lead so yes, I’d take even Phury as a casualty. 😦
Lover Awakened is about redemption. It took me to a journey so dark and hurtful, i thought there could be no happy ending for a tortured soul like Zhadist. But there is! Z, after claiming love and life, was rewarded with the blessings he thought was impossible for him. *hugs Z* i love you, vampire.
#22 Off-the-shelf Reading Challenge 2011
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.: maria :.
“giving up is the ultimate tragedy.”
reading is the ultimate aphrodisiac. 