Rating: 
Summary: OK... but not as good as other Dark Series
Review: I don't like this book as much as I like other Dark Series. It sets up my expectations for the Dragonseekers and the futher of the Carpathian race. But I don't find the main characters equally interesting.
Rating: 
Summary: He Became Her Secret Obsession...
Review: Byron was Carpathian, a species as old as time. He could shift shape and soar high, run with the wolves, hunt those who threatened the innocent. But he was also a gem finder, a sophisticated man of the arts, and in self-imposed exile from his people for endangering his Prince. He was not a natural hunter, but he forced himself to become one to atone for his mistakes. Byron believed that he would live the rest of his life alone, for, without his lifemate, it would be so easy to give into dark whispers of temptation. So easy to become wholly evil, a vampire or member of the undead, as so many of his kind had chosen to do. But then he heard the music...Antonietta Scarletti played like an angel and was world-renowned for her beautiful compositions. She ran the powerful Scarletti empire and was the heart of the emotional Scarletti family. For those who knew her, it was easy to forget that she was blind, scarred in a terrible accident that claimed the lives of her parents when she was a young girl. Byron entered her life suddenly, saving her beloved grandfather from what surely would have been a fatal car accident. She would often sense Byron's silent presence in the room where she played music, beautiful and passionate music to call to him. Byron quickly became her secret obsession. Byron was determined to give her time to adjust to the idea of becoming Carpathian before he brought her over and had courted her in the way of humans for months, but when Antonietta was poisoned and kidnapped, Byron felt he had no choice but to claim her as his own... Dark Symphony is quite different from other books in Feehan's Dark series, especially in her hero, Byron. Byron is much more patient, more human like and not afraid to admit that he has weaknesses. He still is fiercely possessive and easily riled, but he is not a natural hunter - he drove himself to become one. Antonietta is a fun heroine to read about. She is handicapped, but refuses to see herself as such and so she isn't. I enjoyed reading about a strong, capable woman who just happened to be blind. Antonietta's family was also very interesting in that they all had flaws and they made mistakes, but each fit into the family as a whole and were defended from outsiders. It is interesting that Feehan chose to start the book with Antonietta and Byron knowing each other and already trusting each other. It is almost like we joined them in the middle of their courtship instead of at the beginning. This was nice because the book didn't end when Antonietta chose to join Byron as Carpathian as many of the other books do. If you have enjoyed the other books in the Dark series, this one will be a fun new addition to your collection!
Rating: 
Summary: The Symphony and The Curse
Review: I found Dark Symphony to be a beautiful and well-written continuation of the Carpathian legacy. The combination of the Dark Series with that of the Scarletti Curse was a wonderful idea. I also loved the inclusion of Eleanor and her family--her son reminds me so much of my own nephew--he's not a rapper, but he once painted a rather risqué picture and gave it to our Pastor to encourage him to marry one of the ladies in our church--I thought we'd have to move to another country (smile). In this story line, I feel that Byron has grown so much as a man and a friend. From the first time he was introduced to us in Dark Prince, I hoped he would have his own story. I was also glad to see the reparation of his friendship with Jacques. And Antonietta...well what can one say about a woman who is mature (comfortable in her own skin), beautiful, smart, and the bind that holds her entire family together? Maybe it was her age, maybe her imperfections, maybe even the constant chaos with her family, but I felt I could truly relate to this woman. She is the perfect lifemate for Byron. My hat goes off to Ms. Feehan for once again bringing edge of the seat talent to the literary community. Michele Bowie
Editor, OSI
Rating: 
Summary: It Should Have Stayed In The Dark
Review: First, I think the Dark Series is cool. Yeah for the plump lady in the book. Unlike others I do like reading about "overweight" women in romance novels. After all women with curves read them too and not all of us have dream of being "slim". Unlike the other novels that grabbed you this one did not. I read the first chapter and prayed it would get better. It did not. I enjoy complex stories but this one was overkill. This book dragged on and I did not finish it. I thought that it was just me so I asked a friend that likes the series and she agreed. It is a terrible rush to the publisher style of book. I for one was greatly disappointed in Byrons' story. The Byron from Dark Desires was a tragic hero;however,this one was not. He was weak and his lifemate was weak. My advice read the other books in the Dark Series some are better than others but none were this bad. The main question is will I purchase more of the Dark Series? YES, I will not give up on one of my favorite authors. My fingers are crossed.
Rating:
Summary: Painful!
Review: The male Carpathian population must be in greater peril than previously believed if testosterone-deficient Byron is the among the scant remaining members. With every page I turned in "Dark Symphony" I became increasingly dissatisfied with the story. I even shelved it for a week before finishing it. (I never did THAT before with a Christine Feehan book.) "Dark Symphony" is a painful read and an unworthy addition to the Dark Series. Stick with the tried and true, Christine Feehan.
Rating:
Summary: I could barely find the plot for all the SEX!
Review: Plot? What plot? There was actually a plot? The whole mystery of who is trying to kill Antonietta and her family is lost in the whole courtship between her and Byron. Don't get me wrong, the erotic scenes were certainly erotic--though they did get repetitive; how many times was I to read "the swell of her breast"? The Carpathian world was intriguing, as well, and there was enough information for me, as a first-time reader of the series, to catch on to the nuances of this breed. And I liked that the heroine was blind and overweight. Curves are good! But the plot was weak, and seemed to serve as bridges between the erotic parts, when it should be the other way around. Oh well. It was a good beach read, which is what I used it for!
Rating:
Summary: Hated to read the last page
Review: Dark Symphony is a great addition to the Dark Series. I felt that the characters were very intriguing. I liked that fact that Byron is a gem caller (a craftsman) not just another alpha male. Bryon is not just a hunter but a creator of art. Antonetta is such a great heroine for this book and for Byron, she is independant, understanding, strong and courageous, and she's blind! I also liked the fact that the characters did not just jump in bed together and took time to get to know each other. Additionally, the fact that she falls in love with him knowing that he is different and still loves him once she learns the whole truth. However having her own family secret helps to make her more accepting of his Carpathian background than most. Furthermore, I liked that idea that he was willing to join her world and not make her join his. The ending of the book was great. I can usually figure out the endings of most books but with this one, I did not expect Helena and her son to be the villians, even with the clues that were given by Ms. Feehan. If you have read the other Dark books, you have to get this one. There are new developments in the Carpathian world that the reader will need to know to read the future Dark Series. I love the Dark Series, I am so intrigued with the Carpathians and the new spin on the 'vampires'. I have read all Feehan's Dark books and cannot wait for each new book. Keep them coming Feehan, we are waiting anxiously!
Rating:
Summary: Another Good Book from Ms Feehan
Review: Although this is mor or less the same story that Ms Feehan has told throughout the series she continues to breathe new life into the characters. We get to return to the Scarletti plazzo with all its intrigue and death. Byron has found his lifemate whose music calls to his soul. Antoniette is the heir to the Scarletti fortune and concert pianist. She was blinded in a "accident" that killed her parents. She doesn't trust any man as they only want her fortune. She is attracted to Byron and longs to take him as a lover. Byron wants more than a temporary relationship. It is a wonderful book of what patience and love can overcome. Plus you are introduced to some wonderful new characters. This is a great romance.
Rating:
Summary: A major disappointment
Review: I usually run to the bookstore the day they release Ms. Feehan's novels and for the most part I love them. Dark Symphony however just did not work for me. Her attempt to marry her Scarletti novel with the carpathian novels just didn't jive. I liked that she included more characters into the novel like Antonietta's family and Byron's family. I was very happy that the character had some differences and was not the perfect young twenty something but the intrigue and mystery just did not work. I was just unhappy that it did not flow and it got too busy for me , the dialogue was not all that great, and frankly I couldn't wait for the book to end. I was really disappointed. I wouldn't recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: I enjoyed the book
Review: I too am a Dark Series lover. I felt this book was very good except for the part about the dragon, which was too cartoonish for me. I think the reason some are giving bad reviews is that Byron wasn't quite alpha male enough. I enjoyed the combining with the Scarletti's and the cat people. It opens up a whole new area and will probably be what saves the Carpathians in the end. While this book was different, it probably had to be the way it was to give us the facts we need to understand the books to come.
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