Book Review: Edge of Dawn by Lara Adrian

Title: Edge of Dawn
Series: Midnight Breed, Book 11
Author: Lara Adrian
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Sensuality Rating: Steamy
Source: review copy from publisher via NetGalley
Published: February 26, 2013 by Delacorte Press

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.

Reviewed By: J9

In a Nutshell: Excellent series addition that reenergizes the series storyline enough to keep me coming back for subsequent books.

The Set Up: Twenty years after Breed vampires came out to humans, tensions between the two are still high. Mira was raised within the Breed military order and fell in love with her childhood friend only to lose him in battle. Kellan didn’t know how to tell Mira and his other fellow soldiers that his path was different than theirs so he let them believe he was killed. Now six years later Kellan and Mira cross each other in a battle neither wants to win.

Why I Read this Book: I’m a Midnight Breed series fan and loved little Mira in the previous books and was curious how her character would develop.

What I Liked: I was worried this series was running out of steam but this book brings back the excitement for me. I love the new secondary characters (hello hot new male Breed warriors!). I also like the tentative truce with humans as it allows for a lot of different storylines to progress. I also love the brief look at the couples from the previous books. The character development of Mira and Kellan is noteworthy too. Mira is a breedmate, a human woman who is compatible with a Breed vampire, and has a unique psychic ability that captured my attention as a series’ fan. I was so pleased with how Mira’s ability progresses and what it says about her personality and depth of character. Kellan was a series mention but I loved his developed character here with his self-determination and commitment to his principles.

What I Also Liked: I’m not usually a fan of reunion romances but this one is done very well. Mira and Kellan's separation wasn’t a misunderstanding trope that I can’t stand. When they reunite they’re honest about both their hurt and their current emotions about each other. They don’t play games with each other emotionally or sexually and I really liked that about their romance. This author does a great job of allowing their circumstances to keep them apart, not their own stupidity. Perhaps my memory has faded since I’ve read the previous ten books but this romance seemed more erotic than the other romances and in my opinion that’s a great thing.

What I Didn’t Like: There is nothing I’d change about this book. The leads have a great romance, the plot is fast-paced and the series has been revitalized with new characters and plots.

IMO: This is a must read for series fans. Non-series fans can jump in here as it is only loosely connected to the previous ten books and still enjoy the romance and plot.

J9’s Rating: