review: Edge of Dawn by Lara Adrian

Edge of Dawn ~ Lara Adrian 

4 of 5 stars

In this pulse-pounding and thrillingly sensual novel, New York Times bestselling author Lara Adrian returns to the mesmerizing world of the Midnight Breed, following new characters into a dark future where an uneasy peace can unravel into war—and a great betrayal can mask an all-consuming love.

Twenty years after the terror of First Dawn—when mankind learned that vampires lived secretly among them—the threat of violence reigns as the two species struggle to coexist. The only group preserving the fragile harmony is the Order, an elite cadre of Breed warriors dedicated to protecting humans and vampires alike. And in this precarious world of torn loyalties and shattered trust, Mira, a fiery squad captain, finds that every fight bears an intensely personal cost.

Raised among the Order, Mira has always believed in the warrior’s code of swift—and even lethal—justice. But the one thing she desires more than the Order’s hard-won acceptance is Kellan Archer, a sexy but troubled Breed fighter. In love with him since childhood, Mira once broke through his tough exterior during an unexpected night of rapture, but the next day he mysteriously disappeared, never to return.

Kellan didn’t think he would ever see Mira again—or have to confront the truth of why he left. After abandoning the Order years ago, he now leads a band of human rebels intent on carrying out their own vigilante rule of law. Yet a high-profile kidnapping assignment brings him face-to-face with the past he sought to avoid, and the striking woman he has tried desperately to forget. And as tensions mount and the risk of bloodshed grows, Kellan and Mira must take sides—between the competing missions that dominate their lives, and the electrifying passion that claims their hearts. (summary thanks to GoodReads.com)

Review:

**SPOILER ALERT**

So the beginning of the book kinds of throws me off, just because it jumps right to the future – 20 years after the violent attack on humanity called the First Dawn. It took a bit to get used to, the world being upended and always on the cusp of war between races. I liked the character of Mira and who she grew up to be, but I didn't love her. I also wanted to pummel Kellan for most of the book. I can not stand, absolutely abhor, stories/situations when the man makes some kind of decision without talking it out with anyone and totally let it rule his life. Ugh. Seriously. He made his vision come true. Had he not acted, none of it would have happened. He realized that, but way too late in the game.

I love this series and thought it was a good addition, but it's not my favorite book in the line. I think if the author maybe would have started off the book with glimpses of their past together, maybe the chemistry/passion/love would have shone through a little stronger. It was there, it just didn't grip me or make me feel it. Don't' get me wrong, their sensual scenes were hot – as Lara Adrian can so excellently write them – but it felt more like hookin' up sessions than makin' love sessions, if you know what I mean.

The progression of the story is fast paced and interesting. I enjoyed the bits of past characters and the bits about new ones. I think some interesting lead-offs are in our near future. Great story, great series!!