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| Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 6) | 
 enlarge | Author: J.r. Ward
Publisher: Signet
Category: Book
List Price: $7.99
Buy Used: $3.20
You Save: $4.79 (60%)
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Avg. Customer Rating:  274 reviews
Sales Rank: 520
Media: Mass Market Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 560
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.6
Dimensions (in): 6.6 x 4.2 x 1.3
ISBN: 0451222725
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.6
EAN: 9780451222725
ASIN: 0451222725
Publication Date: June 3, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: cover slightly scratched, page edges on bottom slightly stained.
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Product Description
As Primale of the Chosen, the fiercely loyal Phury has sacrificed himself for the good of his race. But his first mate, the Chosen Cormia, wants not only his body but his heart for herself. As tragedy looms over the Brotherhoods mansion, Phury must decide between duty and love
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| Customer Reviews: Read 269 more reviews...
 Denial Aint' Just a River in Egypt and This Isn't a Romance. June 3, 2008
193 out of 261 found this review helpful
this is my last JR Ward book---
To be bought new,
With joy,
And with great anticipation.
If there is a word for disappointment squared, I'd like to know what it is. Until then, just use your imagination.
What made JR so special was that she could write people---relationships, loyalties and yes, ROMANCE....
The stories, characters, plots etc I didn't like and skimmed in the first 5 books are now the focus of this book and upcoming books.
And to my greater sorrow, the stuff I adored is now missing and not coming back (so we are told).
What we have is Urban Fantasy (Which I don't read and I resent being tricked into reading).
Romance is what JR did best and what made her special, amazing and a gift to readers.
Urban Fantasy is not her strength....she reads like all the other vamp writers now. Like if you've read one, you've read them all (and I have read them all!)
So yeah, I cried, but not for the right reasons.
I cried over 8 bucks lost, 5 hours wasted, 3 months of hopes for something better mocked.
In LE, she's now just doing something mundane, ordinary and overdone---
Vampires at war as the story and
OH! Here are a few pages of romance to keep the book on those shelves in the bookstore. Why?
No joke, less than 1/5th of the book even has Phury or Cormia's names on the pages. It's pathetic. There should be a law, like if a book has less than a certain percent devoted to the couple, it can't call itself a romance.
They do it with fruit juice!
That is the root of my heartbreak (not the juice, the denial).
What set JR apart was the quality of the story, the emotions and interactions of the lead couple--- the lessers, Scribe Virgin, the Omega etc could have been by any writer anywhere. I mean, Vamps at War is what ALL ALL ALL these books are about.
I won't lie--
Ward's first three were brilliant from a romance standpoint
(nothing new from the evil beings standpoint, but it didn't matter ).
I didn't mind LR or LU, though I simply thought they were a slump in her writing.
Now I know better--- LE is the 'new' and clearly devolved JR Ward--
Urban Fantasy Author Faking Romance.
OK, in LE...
What I liked?
Some of the sweeter scenes at the end (Though by then it was too little to late). By then my head hurt and I was so insulted I think I cracked a molar from grinding my teeth.
What I hated?
The absence of the brothers POV
The absence of most of the shellans and their POV.
The absence of the basic loyalty, the brotherhood, camaraderie etc that made the books great.
The acting out-of-character by beloved characters and far too much page time devoted to characters that are just not remotely likeable. The imbalance is surreal and disquieting.
What annoyed me?
Too much devotion to secondary plots, sub-plots, side-plots, new plots, more plots, OhIforgottoaddthis Plot!
PLUS, introducing new characters,
PLUS the exposition and expansion it seems on every character who has ever breathed in a BDB book.
PLUS adding new everything from information to Wow, we have a wizard?!?!
IOW, way way way way too much stuff and far far far too little about the couple on the cover.
What I missed?
The romance. It reads like one day before handing in the final draft she thought--- "Oh crap! I FORGOT! They've got Phury and Cormia's picture on the cover, I promised all my fans a romance--- CRIKEY!!"
Yes folks, it is that bad: 500 pages of UF and a romance that reads like a 110 page Harlequin stuck on top.
Denial ain't just a river in Egypt, and JR Ward is now writing urban fantasy (pay no attention to the man behind the curtain). If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck it's a duck. Yet, we are repeatedly told that no! She is a romance writer (see my law of percentages) Yet the last few books have had "novel" on the cover.
Seems someone knows the truth--- and it appears the author is the last one to know.
Oddly, it's very very clear that JRWard is either being dishonest with her fans and no longer wishes to write romance, but can't bring herself to fess up
OR, Even stranger,
JR is being dishonest with herself about still being a romance author..
Which is worse, I don't know.
Anyhow, when the truth comes out, call me (I'll be over in the paranormal romance section reading well, paranormal romance).
Oh, and why one star? Dishonesty in advertizing.
 A 4 star book with a 2 star romance June 4, 2008
114 out of 131 found this review helpful
*No spoilers*
I started out reading Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series because I enjoy the Paranormal Romance genre. The love stories in the prequels to LEn are excellent (with the exception of Lover Unbound) IMHO. But it looks like this series has come to a fork in the road. Choosing the Urban Fantasy route verses the Paranormal Romance one. I don't mind the change in genre so much (as Ward is a captivating writer) but others might and may feel duped. So you've been warned.
I didn't particularly care for the romance in this book. A quick recap: Phury is the Primale. Essentially the Brother chosen to breed more Brothers. He is the sire of a 'harem' of forty Chosen females. Phury is supposed to mate with them and produce many children, the males of which will hopefully become the warriors (Brothers) who defend the vampire race from the evil lessers. Phury's first mate is Cormia. Their romance is tepid at best. I did not *see* them fall in love at all. More like I got the vibe that Cormia is merely a soothing and gentle influence on Phury's tumultuous life. She came across as a helpful friend rather than mate potential. Not the I-would-die-without-your-love feeling I got in the previous books. Since those books were so smack down emotional, I hoped this one would be too. I just didn't feel it.
But, BUT, and this is a big one. The rest of the book rocks! As I recall the lessers were sadly missing in LU. They are back in a BIG way here in LEn, specifically with the Omega making multiple appearances. John, Qhuinn and Blaylock also all have prominent roles in this book. Their stories make major advancements as well. With tons of surprises. And Rhevenge's and Xhex's characters are spot lighted too. There are also some very interesting twists (including new characters) to the series which leads me to believe that Ward is going in the Urban fantasy direction.
So although I think the romance is lack luster, the rest of the book is keeper material. I don't mind that LEn read more like three stories in one rather than a central romance with two subplots. Fans of Paranormal **Romance** will be VERY disappointed. But I still recommend reading LEn just for the advancement of other character's plots. Skip this one if your in it for the romance or wait to get the book at the library if your skeptical.
And for anyone new to the series? Don't start here! You'll miss out on a lot of the back story. These books are NOT meant to be read stand alone. Besides the previous books have some awesome romance.
Nothing Heroic Here June 12, 2008
58 out of 78 found this review helpful
First off, I don't write this review lightly. And after the brutal light that has been shined down in recent months on reviews in general I hesitated to offer my opinion. However, as a long time fan of Ms Ward, I was shocked, and frustrated by the turn this book has taken in a series that was fresh and entertaining. I'm not going to go into plot, as this has been done over and over...but I do want to add my two cents worth. My biggest complaint for this entire book is this...It read as if Ms. Ward forgot who her characters were.
I fell in love with Phury...books ago, this was the Brother I couldn't wait to read. He had it all, imperfections in body but a mind that was...well, in the end it doesn't really matter as this book proved Phury is no hero and the letdown and disappoinment of this is more then I can stomach. Even previous "hero's" were different...and not in a good way. As I stated in a comment on EZ Burns, this 500pg+ book reads like a huge prologue for upcoming titles. Titles I can't be bothered to purchase...which is sad because this was unlike anything I'd read previously.
Readers that started this series with book one are expecting a romance as this was originally marketed as a paranormal romance...those wanting to read a romantic story...or a story with a strong romantic thread will want to stay clear of this one. Sorry, I calls them like a see them. This is a urban fantasy with weak romantic elements. Very weak. In fact, I'll go on record saying in my opinion there wasn't any romance here...I don't count rape romantic...If you come to the book understanding this...you'll do fine...oh and have patience with oodls of pop-culture references...then you'll do fine.
 5 Klovers - Courtesy of CK2S Kwips & Kritiques April 1, 2008
47 out of 86 found this review helpful
Phury has given endlessly of himself to others, both before joining the Black Dagger Brotherhood and as part of the elite group of vampire warriors. He strives to be what everyone needs of him, but such sacrifice ultimately comes at a price. Phury's price? Debilitating addictions that finally begin to take a deadly toll on his sanity and his health. These addictions only grow worse as he faces the ultimate sacrifice, having given himself in service to the Scribe Virgin as the Primale, whose duty is to breed with all of the Chosen and repopulate the dwindling ranks of the Brotherhood.
But this is one sacrifice Phury finds difficult to follow through with, especially as he finds himself unable to think of bedding any of the Chosen but his First Mate, Cormia, a female of worth so far above him that he finds her untouchable. That doesn't stop his longing for her, however, and proximity to the lovely Cormia only exacerbates his desire, driving him to extremes that will soon come to a head in dangerous ways.
While Phury struggles with his new role as Primale and his unexpected feelings for his First Mate, the Brotherhood is thrust into the thick of battle with the Lessening Society as the evil lessers gain new ground in their war upon the vampires.
Once again, J.R. Ward has run my emotions through the wringer, but in a way that keeps me coming back for more again and again. I simply cannot get enough of Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series! As with the previous editions in this ongoing saga, Lover Enshrined is not an easy read, but it is a gripping one.
With the sixth story of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, the author tells the story of Phury and Cormia as they both enter new worlds. Phury must learn to deal with his new role as Primale and the strange, controlled environment of Sanctuary, where he is revered by the Chosen. Cormia finds herself in a total sensory overload as she tries to cope with the wild, colorful world outside of Sanctuary. As each of them search for their place in these worlds, their journeys grow into a true searching of the soul for both as they discover who they really are and what their most heartfelt desires and needs truly are.
Alongside the main story of Phury and Cormia, we revisit many of the characters we have come to know, love, and wanted more of in previous stories. Many secrets are revealed in this book and just as many more intrigues are introduced.
We learn more about the Omega, and even read part of the story from his perspective.
John Matthew and his friends Blaylock and Qhuinn play a much larger role in this story, and we learn more about each of these characters, as we do their nemesis, Lash.
Zsadist and Bella return as her pregnancy advances and Zsadist realizes he must intervene with Phury's growing problems.
One of my favorite characters has a much bigger part in Lover Enshrined as we see more of Rehvenge and his myriad secrets.
We catch a few more glimpses of Xhex's life, but only enough to promise her a more prominent role in future stories. Still, the bits we see are definitely titillating...
There is more, of course, but I've told everything I can without giving spoilers. I certainly wouldn't want to ruin any surprises for other readers. Suffice it to say that I think other fans of this series will be as taken with this book as I am.
I cannot recommend Lover Enshrined highly enough. With an intense, gritty storyline infused with potent sensuality, Ms. Ward delivers a compelling tale that will keep you biting your nails on the edge of your seat while wiping away the occasional tear. Lover Enshrined packs plenty of surprises, and although it is an emotional read, it ultimately leaves the reader with hope for these characters' present and their future.
Series Order:
Dark Lover: A Novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood (The Black Dagger Brotherhood)
Lover Eternal (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 2)
Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 3)
Lover Revealed (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 4)
Lover Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 5)
Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 6)
Connected Books:
The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider's Guide
Disappointed with Author's Genre change midway thru Series June 4, 2008
47 out of 54 found this review helpful
I am disppointed that JRW has chosen to attempt to be a mainstream author midway thru this series. I have found that many authors tend to decide they want to write "more important" books than romance after they have built up a solid fan base. It's sad and disappointing and a little insulting, but that's how it goes.
However, I've never seen an author change styles/genres in a series. Especially when that series has fans as passionate as the BDB fans were for the first 3 books. My guess is someone along the way said "You're such a great writer and look at the legions of fans you've garnered. Imagine how many MORE fans you'll pick up if you write for the mainstream crowd. This series is so hot, nobody will complain."
Unfortunately, lots of fans noticed and some have become non-fans. As a reader, it's upsetting to invest so much time and money into an author, only to be dumped for a "better" audience. This is just my opinion of what's going on. I could be wrong.
On another note regarding BDB, (for J Shepherd's review)in response to your first comment:
"...WHO CARES what genre it's in! It's a compelling, multi-faceted story that has such believable characters that I look forward to going on the ride no matter where the final destination is."
Good for you, but most people want to get what they paid for. And if the product is labeled "Romance", it should not be sci-fi, urban, mainstream, etc. It should be "ROMANCE" with maybe a little of the others thrown in for story purposes. If you recommended this book to me and I knew going in that it was not MAINLY a romance, but another genre, then it would be my decision whether to spend my money and my time on a genre I don't usually care for. I may love the book after all or I may not be into the same things you are, but at least I was able to make an informed decision BEFORE purchasing. When books are mislabeled, no matter how good they are, they are taking the choice away from the reader of how to spend their money.
As for your last comment:
"...I will continue to recommend this incredibly well written series to my romance loving friends as well as my friends with a taste for something a little more sophisticated and less predictable then your typical romance novel."
As a Romance reader, I find this comment incredibly offensive. Your comment suggests that Romance readers are not as "sophisticated" or exciting as Mainstream readers. Note how you separate your "Romance loving friends" from your "friends with a taste for something a little more sophisticated and less predictable then your typical romance novel."
One genre is no better than another. It's a matter of preference. And it's MY choice what I choose to BUY, so I expect the "labels" to be accurate.
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