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Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny, #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It is the year 1582 when Julia returns and it is seventy years since we last heard from her, she is passing the time learning from Samuel and the rest of the resistance fighters she agreed to help as part of the deal of her living within Samuel’s group, her ka-tet. It has been a peaceful time and she has grown to love and care for those she is living with and they have carved out a place in the society around them, but all that changes with the arrival of Valentino, he is a long term enemy of Samuel and has intended on hurting him and the Resistance he leads for a long time.

Samuel knows that Julia and the rest of the ka-tet are nowhere near strong enough to face Valentino between Julia being a mere fledgling as well as some of the others who aren’t in much better situation, so Julia reluctantly agrees to flee to safety before the Vampire King can get to her, this however, doesn’t go to plan!

As they escape, it becomes clear that fighting is inevitable ans Julia throws herself into the fray to protect those around her, but their ka-tet is in more danger than ever as attacks come from all around them, but will they be able to stick to their plan, or is the danger too great? This is an emotional rollercoaster of a fight where good and evil cover a lot of grey areas, danger lies around every corner and relationships are in jeopardy for both internal and external forces. This is a sequel which will keep you hooked from the start and keep you on the edge of your seat throughout.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Jamie Truex

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny, #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an amazing series so far! Julia is such a complex character. Having a very difficult time dealing with loss and memories of the past. I want so much for her to have a great future. In this story she struggles with visions, more loss and decisions about who she is. I can’t wait to read the third book to find out what happens next!

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Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Susan Ratchford

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny, #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Pursuit Into Darkness
War Of Destiny: Book 2
By: Theresa Van Spankeren
Review By: Susan Ratchford
4 Stars

Set 70 years since Julia had accepted Samuel’s deal to become a vampire and help the resistance overthrow the Vampire King. Julia’s vampire abilities have developed greatly, even though she is still a fledgling, and her new family, the ka-tet have been able to live peacefully. This all changes when Valentino learns of this resistance and the rising threat to his power. He seeks to destroy them all. Knowing Julia is still too young and inexperienced to defeat the Vampire King, Samuel’s decision is to run before it’s too late. With her ka-tet’s safety in jeopardy, and new dangers lurking around every corner, even her mind, Julia must find a way to stop Valentino or lose everything.
Such a Uniquely wonderful series! I love Spankeren’s twist on the traditional vampire tale. This installment was just as gripping and addictive as the first. Her writing style and use of language really made me feel like I was transported into her world. Spankerens’s characters are well thought out and developed. I really liked seeing that this book took place 70 years later, and how Julia and Adam were doing. This Fast paced second installment is packed with plenty of action, adventure, vampire politics, and a little blood, with twists you’ll never see coming. I cannot wait to sink my teeth into book 3, Between Darkness and Light!

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Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Trish Ann

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny, #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This second book continues to be an interesting take on the vampire lore. The characters are well developed and the plot makes sense. I read the first one so I appreciated the continuation. I look forward to seeing where it goes next. The author does a good job keeping you hooked in.

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Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Desiree Ottinger

Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny #3)Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Five years after Juliana’s betrayal, everyone is still reeling from the fallout. The Ka-Tet is fractured, and no one really wants to have anything to do with her. She left defenseless against foes, and isolated from everyone. This causes her to fall into a very deep depression that leads her to doing self-harm. Slowly progress is made toward her sorting everything out with the help of a friendly spirit, an old friend, and a new friend. As everything comes to light as to what exactly her powers are and that she isn’t crazy, Gregory’s obsessed spirit possesses the soul of his descendent and sets his sights on destroying Juliana. After thinking she had come to terms with everything from her past, she realizes that she hasn’t dealt with most of it. Can she work through her past trauma to defeat Gregory once and for all? Will she be able to bring the Ka-Tet back together and prove her loyalty once and for all?

This was an excellent addition to this series. Julia struggles with some very deep feelings and the ramifications of not dealing with everything. While she doesn’t choose wisely on how to deal with it, she finds help in her friends on how to deal with it all in a healthier way. I appreciated the insight into how damaged people sometimes choose to deal with their extreme feelings. We are all damaged in our own way, and this shows the importance of the power of forgiveness, true friendship, and not always believing what other say but to come to our own conclusions. Well done!! Looking forward to book 4!

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Lost Soul (War of Destiny Series Book 1) by Theresa Van Spankeren- Review by Desiree Ottinger

Lost Soul (War of Destiny # 1)Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Juliana is a young woman whose one, true love is the help’s son, Adam. Her father has higher aspirations for her though and forbids her to marry Adam but instead marries her off to Gregory! Unfortunately, he turns out to be an awful, and extremely abusive husband. When she doesn’t provide him with a male heir, his threats turn toward their daughter, Marie. One fateful night, Gregory crosses the line and murders their daughter in front of Juliana and almost kills her as well. However, as fate should have it, her rescue comes in the form of Samuel, a vampire. He offers her a different kind of life; one of freedom, power, and safety in friends, known as a Ka-Tet. She chooses this life but finds that she still has a lot of traumas to deal with from her past. Slowly she comes to terms with her choice, only to find out there is a threat to it all, too. Valentino is Samuel’s sworn enemy and will do everything in his power to eliminate their Ka-Tet. Can she come into her own power soon enough to help her friends that have given her freedom that she used to only dream about? Can she learn to love again despite her horrible past?

This is a very fast-paced read. There’s a lot of action, conflicts, and some romance thrown in there. It was hard for me to connect to Juliana because of her abusive background. I imagine that this would be very triggering for people who do have that kind of history in their lives. I did feel like the author did a good job conveying the abuse, the emotions, and the fall out of said abuse. The story drew me in rather quickly and before I knew it, the book was over! Looking forward to book 2!

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Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Desiree Ottinger

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny, #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book finds Juliana’s story continuing 70 years after book 1. The Ka-Tet is still together, she and Adam are still together, and everything seems to be going strong. However, Valentino is determined to kill Samuel and the Resistance group. The Ka-Tet finds themselves caught between England and Spain’s political unrest and Valentino’s relentless attempts to end them. As the hits keep on coming, Juliana begins to hear a voice she hasn’t heard in a very long time. She wonders if she is slowly going crazy or if what the voice tells her is true of her. A shocking twist at the end of the book leaves her and the Ka-Tet reeling. Can they ever recover? Or has Valentino finally beaten them all?

This was fast paced for a second book in a series! Usually, second books are more filling in information that the first book only touched on. The author did an excellent job of balancing both the information side and the action side to the story. I am truly hoping book three sorts out all the unexpected twists this book dealt out!

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Pursuit of Darkness (War of Destiny #2) by Theresa Van Spankeren-Review by Amanda Kimble

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny, #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5/5 Stars

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny #2) by Theresa Van Spankeren

Another great read by the author. Pursuit into Darkness is the second book in the War of Destiny Series. It follows Julia, Adam, Samuel, and the rest of the group on their journey. You will need to read book 1 before this one.

Julia is now happy with Adam although she hasn’t forgotten what Samuel has done for her. When Valentino finds where they’re at they have to flee. She loses Adam in the battle as well as herself. She turns herself into the enemy and hurts her group. The quote I chose for Julia is: “You’re wrong, Samuel. Gregory has won, I’ve turned into him. I hurt . . . kill as easily as he had. You’re so good, Samuel . . . I’m so sorry you wasted all that time and effort on the likes of me. The voices said everyone’s deaths were my fault. My ability did not work because I really wanted them dead. Stay away from me, Samuel. Stay far away, I’m not good for you.”

Samuel is coming to terms that Julia is with Adam. Coming to terms with that is easier than not remembering a lot of what has happened. That couldn’t be the worst thing that happens to him, right? You could be wrong and now he’s got to learn to trust Julia again. The quote I chose for Samuel is: “Nay. He would not say a word about it to me. Did he tell you anything?”

Highly recommended for Vampire Paranormal lovers.

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Lost Soul (War of Destiny #1) by Theresa Van Spankeren-Review by Amanda Kimble

Lost Soul (War of Destiny # 1)Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5/5 Stars

Lost Soul (War of Destiny #1) by Theresa Van Spankeren

This is the first book I’ve read by the author. Lost Soul is the first book in the War of Destiny Series. I recommend getting all the books available because it will be hard to put it down. I didn’t want to stop and I loved this book.

Julianna (aka Julia aka Sunshine) grows up close with Adam, her brother and her sister. When the time comes for her to be married off she is. Then her husband becomes violent and she is a victim of abuse. She has a baby, but it’s not the son he wants. She is found by a vampire, but will she want that? The quote I chose for Julia is: “Stop calling me Sunshine, Sammy. And yes, I can stand on my own. Though I could use some help walking.”

Samuel is a friend of Julia’s brother-in-law. Her younger sister is worried for her and the baby. Can Samuel help her? Will he be able to save her in time? Will he be able to gain her trust and help her learn to love again? The quote I chose for Samuel is: “Do not worry, Julia. He’s probably killed many an innocent during his robberies.”

Highly recommended for Vampire Paranormal lovers.

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Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Tausha Treadway

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny, #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren. This is a great Vampire Paranormal read. Its set in the 16th century Elizabethan London and its about new and old vampires! There is a fight against Valentino the strongest Vampire of them all. Samuel and a new vampire Julia are leading the fight against Valentino. The battle is intense and seems to get very risky. Samuel and Julia know they are outmatched but they have to use their brains to figure out how. This story would be enjoyed more if you read the first book. The author writes so well that you truly feel like you are in 16th century England. This isn’t my favorite genre but I have really enjoyed this series so far! Beware when you start reading be prepared to finish because you won’t want to put it down!

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Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Cindy Rushin

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny, #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The second book in the War of Destiny series was good. Julia’s story has always had twists and turns, but this book took it to the next level. I was so not expecting the twists that occurred in this installment of the series. I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more from this author and continuing Julia’s story.

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Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Amanda Leite

Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny #3)Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was so good! This journey was so much fun to be on and I was so sad when it ended! This series was so good and I didn’t think it could get any better but it did! These characters and their stories grew on me and I couldn’t be any happier to have read and immersed myself into their world!

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Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Cynthia Tuck

Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny #3)Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ll start off by saying that I did not read the first books in the series, however I stick found it enjoyable. The main character Julia gives a recap in the beginning of her past, that helped slightly but once I got into the story I got the gist of things. Julia is dealing with the consequences of her betrayal of her Ka-tet. It’s like a bonded group of Vampires. She feels herself losing her mind all the while yearning to fix things between her and her friends. But honestly some betrayals are just too much to forgive. The fear of her apparitions returning and ruining her life again, has her seeking aid from Mathew who at first is very reluctant to be near her again but eventually realizes that something more sinister is happening .
The author has constructed an amazing world lore around Vampires and I think most will enjoy it.

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Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Angela Plate, June 2022

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny, #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an entertaining read. The plot was easy to follow and characters were well written. This author keeps things interesting. I would recommend reading the series in order.

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Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny #3)Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars
Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren

Between Darkness & Light is the third book in the War of Destiny series. This is a Paranormal Fantasy that I truly enjoyed reading. This is a fast paced story that once you start reading its really hard to put down. I highly recommend reading the first two books if you haven’t already started them as they are just as good as this one. Julia is back and tales us on quite the adventure .She finds herself having to ask for help with repairing relationships. Her and Matthew are determined to figure out who is behind Destiny being altered? Can they figure it out? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.

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Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Rebecca Hill

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny, #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is the 2nd book in a series. I loved the first book and was so excited to read this one. I felt like the 1st book was almost a vampire tale of domestic violence. At the beginning, I was a little disappointed in the first half of the book. Julia was kind of wishy washy and completely naive about Samuel. But then I really got into the book! The second half was so good! The Resistance’s fight with Valentino picked up. Julia definitely took a step back into domestic violence which is so true to what many women experience. I loved it and cannot wait to read the 3rd book!

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Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Heather Goodman

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny, #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This second book is much more action packed but allows you to see more of Julia’s life. There is love, war, and tragedy in this second one. I can’t wait to read the third book and I’m hoping there is some redemption in it.

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Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Heather Goodman

Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny #3)Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is not just another book. It draws you in and actually has depth. You really get to see more into Samuel and you get to learn more about Julia also. There are some interesting new characters. It has more action, romance, and friendship.

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Lost Soul (War of Destiny Book 1) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Heather Goodman

Lost Soul (War of Destiny # 1)Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book has you drawn in from the very beginning. It’s paranormal but in a different twist. You fall in love with Julia and Samuel from the beginning. It is thought provoking and action packed.

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Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Tausha Treadway

Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny #3)Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren. This is the 3rd book in this series and its really good. Julia is back and her vampire family is shunning her due to things that happened in the previous book. She starts to hear things that no one else can hear so she really thinks she’s losing her mind. When Simon comes up missing she has to enlist the help of Matthew from the Ka-tet family which is the family she betrayed. Julia asking for help is huge because she’s never been good at that. During all this time Julia is feeling very alone and then on top of everything else Hunter’s arrive. Julia knows something very dark is happening all around and she is terrified. Julia feels like she knows the Hunters and that makes her feel even more crazy. Will Julia survive the whole ordeal or will this be the end for her. Read this fast paced paranormal book!

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Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Moriah Venable

Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny #3)Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In the third installment, Julia is plagued by apparitions that only she can see and hear. This causes her to betray people she calls family to Valentino, The King of Vampires.

The last thing Matthew wants to see is Julia after her betrayal. He is finally building a new life for himself.

I really enjoyed this novel. I couldn’t stop myself from reading. The author has a way of making one invested in the characters and the consequences of their actions.

I don’t want to give too much away but I highly suggest reading this series.

I saw that there will be a fourth novel and I am really excited.

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Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Betsy Melano

Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny #3)Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The first time I’m reading a book from this series. I really appreciated the prolog which helped me figure out a bit about the main character and how her vampire family was bound together for a purpose. Julia shares her troubles and learns to ask for help which is new to her. I felt a connection to Julia and her family as they work together. Overall I enjoyed the book even though I may have missed the earlier books.

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Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Moriah Venable

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Seventy years after the end of the first novel, Julia has lived in peace as her powers develop more. But the peaceful days come to an end when Valentino arrives to destroy the threat to his leadership. When fleeing fails, fighting is the only option.

It has been a long time since I read the first novel, however, I was able to keep up and enjoy this novel.

I still have a soft spot for vampire stories and the originality gives this a refreshing and engaging feel while reading.

I see there is a third novel. I look forward to seeing what happens next.

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Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Tina Vega

Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny #3)Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Its the third book 9f the series and the author is still catching me off guard. As things gets even stranger the emotions run high. Her writing style still amazes me. It reminds me alot of the old gothic novels which I really love. One of the best paranormal series!

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Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Tina Vega

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny, #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love how the author opens up her books. Very unique. After reading book 1 i was nervous about what author was found to put me and her characters through. If you want unpredictable and original, this series is for you. I love the character development and the plot as well. Great writing style.

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Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by stephanie nicole

Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny #3)Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the third installment in the series and it really blew me away. Our writer has a very unique writing style and really knows how to take her time and let the characters, plot, and storyline develop beautifully. Her characters show such development and emotions that its hard to not feel like your right in the middle of story going through everything the characters are. Full of actions, emotions, consequences and more this story will blow you out of the water.

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Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Santana Hicks

Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny #3)Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed the first two books of this series immensely. This one is written so differently than the previous two but once again is a masterpiece.

Julia and her relationship with the Ka-tet is shattered after she betrayed them in the previous book. Especially her relationship with Matthew. She is basically disowned by him. Matthew has moved away from the others and started a new life on his own. When Julia’s leader disappears suddenly, she seeks out Matthew to help.

The author once again built an amazing world and the people within. Even though this book was significantly different, it still had me in a vice and I had to finish it! I enjoyed ‘watching’ Julia deal with the consequences and her feelings towards everything that has happened.

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Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Santana Hicks

Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny #3)Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed the first two books of this series immensely. This one is written so differently than the previous two but once again is a masterpiece.

Julia and her relationship with the Ka-tet is shattered after she betrayed them in the previous book. Especially her relationship with Matthew. She is basically disowned by him. Matthew has moved away from the others and started a new life on his own. When Julia’s leader disappears suddenly, she seeks out Matthew to help.

The author once again built an amazing world and the people within. Even though this book was significantly different, it still had me in a vice and I had to finish it! I enjoyed ‘watching’ Julia deal with the consequences and her feelings towards everything that has happened.

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Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Kerry Carr

Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny #3)Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 3rd book in the War Of Destiny Series and I loved it. The author does such a good job with the story and the characters. The story had me totally gripped and spellbound through it all. This book deal with some dark emotions such as guilt, regret, despair and at times complete helplessness.

Julie is back. After her actions from the last book we find her being shunned by her vampire family. If that wasn’t bad enough she also has to deal with the guilt for the loss of some of their people due to her actions. She sees no way through this and when she starts to see and hear people who aren’t there things get progressively worse. While she is dealing with theses feelings and the fear she is going mad, Samuel goes missing.

He is devasted by what has happened and when he disappears Julia knows she needs to find him and fast. Will he accept her presence? Will she get to him before its too late?

Add to this the dangers of the Hunters that have arrived and when one of the Hunters looks familiar to Julie this raises more questions.
Once you start this series you won’t be able to put it down and this one just adds to the already amazing series

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Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Shelly Kittell

Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny #3)Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book three of the series. What a fantastical ride it is. Julia must work with her ka-tet to help her, even with them lacking faith due to her working with Valentino in the last book. Julie and Matthew must save Simon, battle apparitions, and help a rogue vampire. There is a lot going on in the story. This is why it is so good. I was pulled in from the beginning and just couldn’t put it down. I had to continue to know how things were going for Julia. Her loyalies are being tested every time she turns around. She’s seeing things. The plot has a couple of choppy spots but you can get through ok because it still goes together fairly smooth. I loved how the author tied the characters together but life wasn’t perfect; there were still problems. Fun book that I recommend.

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