Book Review: Taken by Midnight by Lara Adrian

Taken by Midnight

Midnight Breed series

by Lara Adrian

Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages

Publisher: Dell; Original edition (September 28, 2010)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0440245273

ISBN-13: 978-0440245278

Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.

AT THE CROSSROADS OF DEATH AND DESIRE, A WOMAN TASTES A PLEASURE NO MORTAL IS MEANT TO SURVIVE.
 
In the frozen Alaskan wilderness, former state trooper Jenna Darrow survives an unspeakable breach of body and soul. But with her narrow escape comes an even greater challenge. For strange changes are taking place within her, as she struggles to understand—and control—a new hunger. To do so, she will seek shelter in the Boston compound of the Order, an ancient race of vampire warriors whose very existence is shrouded in mystery. Perhaps the most mysterious of them all is Brock, a brooding, dark-eyed alpha male whose hands hold the power to comfort, heal . . . and arouse. 

As she recovers under Brock’s care, Jenna finds herself drawn to the Order’s mission: to stop a ruthless enemy and its army of assassins from subjecting Earth to a reign of terror. Yet in spite of their resolve, a purely physical relationship without strings soon binds Brock and Jenna together with a desire fiercer than life and stronger than death itself—until a secret from Brock’s past and Jenna’s own mortality challenges their forbidden love to the ultimate trial by fire.

3 Loveys

Taken by Midnight is a paranormal romantic suspense. Jenna has been altered by her encounter with the Ancient one and her outcome is uncertain. Brock is instantly protective of her but fears his capabilities to keep her safe because of his failure to protect the woman he loved over a century ago. Together they fight with the Order to stop the evil Dragos and his army of assassins from ultimately changing the world while struggling to keep their attraction from becoming too deep.

The novel started at a fast, interesting paced but slowed towards the middle. It is literally overflowing with suspense; what is Jenna turning into? What is Drago’s up to? And a few other twist and turns were thrown in. Jenna was a hard heroine for me to like, she is pretty tough and doesn’t have much of a soft side but fights for life everyday. Brock has the potential to be a great charter but really lacked depth, though he is a sweet guy who is dedicated to Jenna. Brock and Jenna together was intense, their attraction palpable, but their relationship was predictable. I think this all could have been turned around though if they were given the time they deserved in this novel but a lot of the plot was filler. Readers do receive a deeper look at the villain, Dragos and plenty of interactions with the series other characters.

I felt that the end of the novel did not wrap up Brock and Jenna’s story; I was left with several questions concerning their relationship and Jenna herself. It still remains a good read despite my problems with it and for new readers this novel can be read as a stand-alone. I am looking forward to the next installment in the Midnight Breeds series.