Darkest Before Dawn is the tenth installment in the KGI series; it’s been a while since KGI has been heard from. I had high hopes for this novel and sadly they were never reached. ~ Autry, Guilty Pleasures
Description:
The Kelly Group International (KGI): A super-elite, top secret, family-run business.
Qualifications: High intelligence, rock-hard body, military background.
Mission: Hostage/kidnap victim recovery. Intelligence gathering. Handling jobs the U.S. government can’t…
The enigmatic Hancock has been both opponent and ally to the KGI teams for as long as they’ve known him. Always working a deep game, Hancock’s true allegiance has never been apparent, but one thing is for certain—he never lets anything get in the way of duty.
But now, his absolute belief in the primacy of his ultimate goal is challenged by a captive he’s been ordered to guard, no matter how much she suffers in her prison. She’s the only woman who’s ever managed to penetrate the rigid walls surrounding his icy heart, but will he allow his perplexing feelings for the beautiful victim to destroy a mission he’s spent years working to complete or will he be forced to sacrifice her for “the greater good.”
Review copy provided for an honest review
Hancock and Honor was both tough as nails, and brave enough to forge ahead in war torn countries for the greater good of the people. One has an outpouring of support for people in need and willing to risk her life to provide aid. The other is willing to jump out of airplanes and drive for days on end for a mission. Sympathy has no place in Hancock’s life; emotions allow things to get messy and complicated, screwing up his missions, risking his men’s lives.
From the start of Hancock and Honor’s relationship it was clear it would be two hardheaded individuals battling each other and the terrorist looking for her. Each one bringing in a very strong, dominate personality into a very tense situation. It takes a long while before each one realizes their feelings for each other. Unsure of how their situation plays out, they both decide to give each other their all for at least one night. That night was the night that broke through Hancock’s walls and the relationship takes flight from there.
Darkest Before Dawn was a long awaited novel to many readers; it however did not live up to my expectations. I did not really feel any type of emotion towards Hancock or Honor until 60% of the way through the book. It was a real struggle to continue to read the dialogue between the two. It seemed to read in circles, she would always remind Hancock and his men of her stance on her job and how no one will tell her that where she will work. And in his response, or yelling at her, he reminds her what will happen to he if he leaves her behind or the terrorist finds her. I had many times while reading, my mind couldn’t believe anyone would think or act as Honor and Hancock were. There would be a great amount of spoilers if I listed everything that made me think this is not up to Maya Banks standards. It almost as if someone else wrote the first half of this novel, then Maya stepped in to finish it up. The last couple of chapters are where the intensity cranks up and KGI actually becomes part of the novel, until then they are barely mentioned. Overall I am disappointed in Darkest Before Dawn, more novels have been confirmed and I hope they will be filled with new, fresh ideas that draw the read in from the start.
I’m not a fan of repetition…thanks Autry for the review
I’ve heard from other people that got to read this early, that it hit its mark and Hancock was too much. Thanks for the review, I will still read it since I’ve read every KGI book so far, but will be cautious going in.
I would love to know what you think about Darkest Before Dawn. When you’re finished let us know 🙂
I’ve enjoyed previous KGI books, but not sure if I’ll read this one. Thanks for the review.
Thanks for the review, a little bummed, love the series, but there have been a few books now that have not been what I was expecting, not sure if I will buy this one