Review: Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward

Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward
Published: September 5th, 2006 (Signet)
Pages: 434
Age group: adult
Source: bought
Challenge: none
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood #3
Buy the book: Bookdepository
Rating: ★★★★☆

Note: this is not the first book in a series, and can therefore contain (minor) spoilers for the previous book(s) in the series. Reading of this review is at your own risk.

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.

While there is a warning at the top, this review doesn't hold any spoilers. I put it there so you are aware it's not the first book in the series.

From the first book on, I've been curious about Zsadist, even though Dark Lover was about a completely different warrior. Zsadist was obviously part of the Brotherhood, but he was some sort of outcast and I found myself curious about his story. And Ward delivered, without question. Zsadist has a tormented past and mentally, he is still not healed. I really liked how we get to see what happened to him, and how he is doing now, after he's been set free.

While the ending was a bit too sappy for my liking, there was a scene that I thought was wonderful - the scene with the writing. It doesn't spoil you this way, but when you read it, you'll know what I mean. I thought that was a great scene and I really enjoyed reading it, even though it may have been a little on the sappy side as well.

Zsadist has brought me the best story so far in this series, and I really enjoyed reading his story. The Black Dagger Brotherhood series is quickly becoming one of my favorites, and I can't wait to get my hands on the fourth book to see who we'll meet up close this time.