A scorching forbidden love threatens to tear a rift through the Black Dagger Brotherhood in J. R. Ward’s newest novel in the New York Times best-selling series.
Xcor, leader of the Band of Bastards, convicted of treason against the Blind King, is facing a brutal interrogation and torturous death at the hands of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Yet after a life marked by cruelty and evil deeds, he accepts his soldier’s fate, his sole regret the loss of a sacred female who was never his: the Chosen Layla.
Layla alone knows the truth that will save Xcor’s life. But revealing his sacrifice and his hidden heritage will expose them both and destroy everything Layla holds dear – even her role of mother to her precious young. Torn between love and loyalty, she must summon the courage to stand up against the only family she has for the only man she will ever love. Yet even if Xcor is somehow granted a reprieve, he and Layla would have to confront a graver challenge: bridging the chasm that divides their worlds without paving the way for a future of even greater war, desolation, and death.
As a dangerous old enemy returns to Caldwell and the identity of a new deity is revealed, nothing is certain or safe in the world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, not even true love or destinies that have long seemed set in stone.
Words are powerful and indelible. And often unforgettable. *SPOILERS* An author should be aware of the power of words. Yet this highly experienced writer has Qhuinn saying words that are unforgivable to the mother of his children, Layla. At the conclusion, he simply apologizes to her and everything is forgiven, all pasted over with hugs and “come into the nursery and meet the children.” The very children who Qhuinn endangered by shooting a gun in their presence, in the hope of forever separating them from their mother. Experienced as these males are with…
Long, thorough review – pros and cons I’m going to say what many people aren’t saying: This book was the worst of the series, in terms of plot pacing, unnecessary angst, moral message, and character OOC-ness (out-of-character, as previously established by author).Â
Major baby daddy drama. AKA Qhuinn acts like a total tool. Ward is really shaking things up! The world is sort of fracturing apart and reforming. I guess all that is to be expected since this is such an epic series. So please forgive her for getting all crazy, because I can’t even imagine trying to sort out all the storylines. At this point I know some people are probably getting frustrated. But never me. JR Ward is such an incredible writer that I enjoy the BDB just for how amazing the writing is. That being said…the Chosen…Â