Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 3)

Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 3)
by J.R. Ward

Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 3)
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Book Summary Information

Author: J.R. Ward
Edition: Mass Market Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2006-09-05
ISBN: 0451219368
Number of pages: 464
Publisher: Signet
Product features:
  • ISBN13: 9780451219367
  • Condition: New
  • Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!

Book Reviews of Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 3)

Book Review: A Truly Complex and Intriguing World
Summary: 5 Stars

JR Ward's "Awakened Lover" deftly portrays the results of sexual
abuse and humiliation, as well as the dynamics of obsession and
abuse. She understands the self-betrayal a person makes when
he chooses to do evil and its toll. He loses his soul when his
arrogance, isolation from any real connection to other humans,
and his lust for power grow. "Lover Awakened" is a book that
makes profound comments about life by creating a complex world
of vampires, their hunters, and humans.

I am sucker for the beauty and the beast plot and also for a h/h
who has been sexually damaged, although I definitely do not want
graphic details. I really appreciated how Ward chose NOT to show
beatings, etc., so I would rate the violence as pretty minimal. She
is more interested in demonstrating the effects of degradation:
Zsadist's ongoing self-destruction, isolation and alienation as he
focuses on revenge. I can't remember reading such a realistic
(yeah, I know: this is a book about vampires!) portrayal of the
effects of abuse.

Zsadist, after decades of sexual, physical, and
emotional abuse and isolation, is only comfortable living as close
to death as possible. He eats almost nothing, sleeps on the
freezing floor, connects minimally with other people. In short, he
is a man totally uneasy with any pleasure which has the power to
change his frozen and deadened condition. Although anguished
that Bella, whom he truly loves, has been kidnapped, when she is
finally rescued, Zsadist knows that he is unworthy and too
damaged to help her. Yet it is this past abuse that connects him
to her, that gives him the power to comfort, empathize, and
ultimately restore her. For once, the motivation of a hero
rejecting the heroine "for her own good" is serious and believable.
Zsadist's inability to ejaculate or to enjoy any sexual feeling and
his alienation from his own body make his gradual
transformation, courage, and commitment to Bella poignant as he
tries to overcome his fears to be worthy of her.

I also loved Ward's deft portrayal of Bella, a character I didn't
particularly care for in the previous book, with her combination
of strength, her need, understanding and compassion for Zsadist,
coupled with her fear of O. She is committed to being with
Zsadist, without being strident, overbearing, or unrealistic.
Sometimes a heroine who is independent is almost cold in her
competence; this was not true of Bella who is rightfully terrified
of O, and yet reacts believably and righteously when she is
confronted with him at the end. Ward does an excellent job in
balancing Bella's need for Zsadist with her ability to "do the right
thing" to protect him.

And now for the villain. . . like all of Ward's characters, he is
complex. His obsession with Bella, his out-of-control fury and
violence toward her make him a perfect foil to Zsadist who is
willing to deny himself for Bella's own good. In the past, O gave
up his humanity to attain power, not realizing the losses he would
suffer for such a choice. Like Zsadist, he too is dead. I think
Ward's portrayal of the motivation and result of such decisions is
realistic and thought-provoking. Like Zsadist, O has been
damaged; unlike Zsadist, his lack of compassion with his
continuing arrogance and desire to gain more power have warped
his ability to love. Loving Bella because she apparently does not
fear him and is willing to fight, he also is enraged if she opposes
him. Consumed by his obsession and need for her, it never
occurs to him to do what is best for her. He is an accurate picture
of an obsessed and abusive man whose distortion and desires
may kill the object of his love.

Unlike the world created by Christine Feehan, Ward's world is rich
with unique and fascinating characters of depth. Unlike Feehan
who keeps repeating the same plot, Ward's imagination takes us
on a roller coaster ride, filled with individuals. I can't wait for her
next book!

Summary of Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 3)

A former blood slave, the vampire Zsadist still bears the scars from a past filled with suffering and humiliation. Renowned for his unquenchable fury and sinister deeds, he is a savage feared by humans and vampires alike. Anger is his only companion and terror his only passion?until he rescues a beautiful female from the evil Lessening Society.

Bella is instantly entranced by the seething power Zsadist possesses. But even as their desire for each other begins to overtake them, Zsadist?s thirst for vengeance against Bella?s tormentors drives him to the brink of madness. Now Bella must help her lover overcome the wounds of his tortured past and find a future with her....

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