Title: Droknina
Author: Emery Ayres
Series: The Garden of Night (Book 2)
Synopsis: The only light than can defeat this darkness is the light you carry within you.
As the consort of the Prince of the Vampiri, Saphrona resolves not to lose her identity in Gideon’s shadowy world. Though she feels ever more drawn to him and sympathizes with his people’s struggle to emulate human compassion, she refuses to allow anything to threaten her autonomy.
Gideon longs for Saphrona’s love, but he is reluctant to reveal the full reality of their new relationship, for fear it will drive an irrevocable wedge between them before he has a chance to win her heart. When Saphrona discovers his omission, it shatters her trust in him.
Heartbroken, Gideon risks self-destruction to prove to Saphrona that her free will is sacred to him. Even as his gamble leads to a revelation that will bring them forever closer, the consequences of such a risk set the Followers on the path of war with Antonia and tragic betrayal in House Bloodstone.
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My Review:
Droknina is the second book in The Garden of Night series. It continues where the first story left off, with Saphrona agreeing to be Gideon’s consort and accept his bite in an attempt to regain his memories. Once they perform the ceremony, not only do they relive some of their past, but they also encounter conflicts with vampires who wish them harm. Can Saphrona and Gideon defeat the vampires who are against them? Can they protect those they love before it’s too late?
In Droknina, we meet the villainous vampiress Antonia. She and her cohorts are vile, power-hungry creatures. On top of that, Antonia is vengeful and vain. Her obsession with Gideon and relentless pursuit of his destruction is the major conflict of the story. Gideon and his followers are in for the fight of their lives if they want to survive the dark wrath of Antonia.
Of course, the highlight of the novel, much like Ghondatha, is the romance. Though in the first book, Saphrona resists the connection and attraction she feels toward Gideon, in this book, her revelations and Gideon’s actions cement her reciprocated love and desire. Their feelings strengthen, deepen, and develop into a love that transcends time. I adore the way they talk about and to each other with total devotion, loyalty, and love.
“In my protection, no creature in this world or beyond will do you harm. If you accept me, your blood will be my sustenance, your devotion ,my solace, and your loyalty my strength.”
When Gideon vows this to Seraphina, I all but swooned! He doesn’t hide the depth of his feelings, nor does he see it as a weakness. In fact, he often talks about how their bond strengthens him. “When I’m with you, I don’t feel as if hope is a fragile myth I have to keep alive.” Their shared love gives them hope, promise, and power.
This is a well-paced and well-written story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Thanks so much to Booksirens for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review and for introducing me to this wonderful series!
Rating:
Favorite Parts:
- The love story, of course! This romance is EPIC!!!
- Gideon’s back-story and how he and Saphrona are connected.
Favorite Lines:
- “In him she found complete and perfect acceptance of all that she was. No expectations beyond their agreement. Unconditional love and devotion, whether she could return his feelings or not.”
- “The moment I chose to help another, I let myself be ruled by compassion.”
- “Her heartbeat filled his ears, his heart, his very soul. That rhythm was his world.”
Recommendations:
This is the second book in the series, and it is not a stand-alone. So, you should read the first book, Ghondatha, before you read this one. If you enjoy paranormal romance, then this is the series for you!!
Check out my review of Ghondatha here.
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