Dark Symphony

Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Read
Review: Dark Symphony is a wonderful addition to the Dark Series. The characters were strong and very likable. Although Byron was not a hunter I thought that it added a little more to the story. It was different from the other books and that's why I liked it. I would recommend this book to anyone.

Rating:
Summary: Don't read this if you've never read Feehan before!
Review: This is not a stand alone book. If you haven't read anything by Feehan, read other books in her "Dark" series and Lair of the Lion and Scarletti Curse before reading this one. Otherwise, you will be very confused.

Rating:
Summary: A new trend for Ms Feehan?
Review: This book was boring. I made myself read it. I am a huge fan of the earlier books so I expected a better read. I found the female character (I've already forgotten her name) to be unintersting, and she is described as fat and unattractive. Who wants a fat heroine? In addition, I wasn't interested in her family memebers who comprise a lot of the book. Byron also was lackluster. From reading descriptions of future books planned (on her website,) I am afraid they will be bombs as well. One book will feature a pregnant future lifemate. I think Ms Feehan has forgotten the fantasy element of a romance novel. The majority of the women who read them like to place themselves in the lead role. My own daydreams certainly don't feature me as pregnant, nor do they feature me as fat. I am slim, why would I identify with an overweight character? I could never find a pregnant woman being wooed an entertaining thougnt and don't even plan to read that one. In one past novel, she enjoyed exploring the heroine's history of rape. Who wants to go into that in books meant to be read for their entertainment value? I've noticed a trend to introduce "women's issues" of rape, ideals of beauty, mutual respect for each other, etc . .into her books and all she is doing is killing the romance! We have Oprah for the other stuff. Her books are becoming lectures on proper male coutship and it is just overdone. Let's return to the escapism of a good read.

Rating:
Summary: Confusing, disjointed.....i could not finish it!
Review: i would like to know how anyone finished this book. It is an advertisement for future books per and simple. it was so irritating to me that i am writing this review. i would have given it a minus zero if the computer would have let me. i know everyone reads for different reasons and some will like this book but if you want to be stimulated, amused, enthalled or if you simply like strong characters - do not look for it here!i guess the bottom line is i feel cheated!

Rating:
Summary: 5 stars!
Review: From Timeless Tales and BEE AKA ESI

Byron is a Carpathian, an ancient species of the earth. Bound to find their lifemates or face the possibility of turning Vampire. Antonietta is a Scarletti, a family whose lineage goes back centuries. A famous pianist, who lost her sight, as well as her parents in a boating accident, the passion in Antonietta's music has drawn Byron to her and he sees colors for the first time in centuries, he's found his lifemate. Due to hard lessons learned in the past, Byron is determined to rein in his impetuous nature and woo Antoinette slowly. The question is, will he have the time to take the time? Something is not quite right in the Scarletti household. Heirloom treasures are disappearing, and there have been wild animal attacks in the vicinity of the Scarletti villa. Attempts on Antonietta and her grandfather's life demand that Byron move up his agenda to claim her as his lifemate. To Carpathians there is nothing as important as keeping their woman safe. Byron is adamant, however, that Antonietta be given the time to chose him as her lifemate. How will Byron balance these two goals? Dark Symphony tells the story.

It is difficult to believe that Ms. Feehan has raised the level yet again on her Dark Series, the riveting stories of an ancient race struggling to beat extinction. With the addition of Byron's story, we see a continuation of the Carpathians who are willing [barely] to wait to claim their lifemates and a new lineage that may help to solve the problems the Carpathian race faces. She has seamlessly merged her Gothic story line from Scarletti's Curse into her Dark Series in a manner that makes this reviewer giddy with the possibilities for her future books. The richness of her characterizations and the broadening of an already extensive world will delight her already dedicated fan base. The compulsion to read her books will only draw more and more fans as her books continue to draw the critical praise they so richly deserve. The only problem you face after reading Dark Symphony is the interminable wait for Dark Descent, part of The Only One anthology coming in May.

Rating:
Summary: 4.5 star review
Review: from Timeless Tales and Amy L Turpin

Byron Justicano knew Antonietta Scarletti was his lifemate before he even met her. The music she played called to him and he knew he had found his other half. Knowing she will never be rushed into anything, knowing she does not expect to marry, he sets about showing her what it means to have a lifemate.

Antonietta comes from a great family. Blinded as a young child, her family heritage gives her strength and drives her to always do what needs to be done, no matter what the personal cost. When she meets Byron, she rapidly becomes obsessed with him, something she simply cannot accept of herself. Never realizing Byron is simply giving her time to get to know him and be accepting of his presence and his own heritage, she unintentionally falls in love with him. Which is exactly what Byron is counting on!

Being a Scarletti is not with out its quirks however. The legendary family has always been surrounded with mystery and tragedy. That has not changed in modern times. As it becomes apparent that someone in the Scarletti household is robbing their treasure vaults and attempting to kill its family members, Byron knows that he must keep Antonietta safe. He can only hope that she understands their differences and can be accepting of he and his people.

With the unique ancestry of the Scarletti's suddenly manifesting itself in the most dangerous ways and the attempts at killing various members of the Scarletti family increasing, Byron and Antonietta must find the killer before they can begin their life together. But what do you do when every member of your family has reason to be part of the conspiracy?

I have read every "Dark" book and I believe this one is the most unique of any of them. Ms. Feehan has taken a proven character type and altered him just enough to give a fresh perspective on her beloved Carpathians.

As a separate work, this book is still a winning romance. With heart stopping action, enticing mystery, sexy devoted characters, and just the right blend of humor, this book will definitely be a pleasing addition to the shelves of romance lovers everywhere.

Rating:
Summary: Ok, but not her best
Review: I am a big fan of Christine Feehan's Dark Series, and can usually finish one of her books in a single night. Dark Symphony though, just didn't have the punch that her other works had. It was ok. If you are a big fan of the Dark Series and the 'Scarletti Curse' I would recommend buying it used or borrowing it from a friend, its just not worth it to buy it bran new.

Rating:
Summary: continuity stinks
Review: The worst aspect of this book is that the continuity STINKS. I've never read a book that took less care to be internally consistent. This problem could have been easily identified and fixed by a complete novice, but the author & publishing company just didn't take the time. Shame on them!

That said, the rest of the book is enjoyable. Unlike her previous books, Mrs. Feehan gives the couple a bit of time to get aquainted before they commit to each other, which helps keep the second half of the book interesting. The secondary characters have good character development, more than the author's usual. The hero and his lady aren't simply clones of some previous book, and the plot contains a few surprises. In all, the author's writing style is still steadily improving, which is in my opinion rare after about a dozen published books.

At the very end of this book is an interesting and appealing chapter from Feehan's upcoming book.

Rating:
Summary: Is there a lesson in tolerance?
Review: The story line has been reviewed by others so I won't address it. I do think its one of Feehan's best. There is less hostility and a significant tolerance to other people's differences, something we all need in our reality world.
I usually prefer renaissance and gothic romance, but I love Christine Feehan. I just came upon her 6 months ago, and have read all of the DARK series. Each one has been a re-read. Like others of the DARK series, I begin to read one, then want to stop and go find a previous one to help set the scene. For me that's a positive. It keeps me seeking. Dark Symphony's story line is similar to previous in the series. But they are all a great relaxing escape from everyday stress and challenge, just a 'sit back and enjoy'. Christine Feehan's books are not traded off from my library shelf. They are cherished, savored and will definitely be a future reread.

Rating:
Summary: The Dark Queen Does It Again
Review: Chris Feehan has done it again. She ventures into territory other writers shy from. Antonietta is a strong, capable woman. She is also in her late 30's, has gray in her hair, is full figured and blind; yet she is the object of affection for one of Feehan's heros, Byron - another one of her devastatingly handsome and magical Carpathians. Ms Feehan manages to blend sensitivity toward Antonietta's impairment, with her independence and strength in such as way that this woman is believable, real and very likeable. Byron isn't out to be her seeing eye dog - he lets her be who and what she is and instead of rescuing her, he completes her in a way that is touching and romantic. Another great book by the Dark Queen of the Paranormal.