Although Carpathian, Francesca has managed to fly "under the radar" of the all-knowing Carpathian males, including Mikhail, their prince, all of her life. After escaping in childhood from her homeland, she makes a life as an artist and philanthropist in Paris, by daringly shielding herself from the powerful Carpathian males. Gabriel, half of the powerful, legendary twins, who went to ground after a terrible batter, has awakened to find his world much changed. He meets Francesca upon rising and realizes almost immediately that she is his lifemate.

Their story is different from the other Carpathian tales in that Gabriel, while incredibly powerful, is not quite a domineering as some of Feehan's other characters. Also, he deeply loves his brother, Lucian, who has become a vampire, and is tormented by the idea of having to kill his brother. While I thought that Gregori was my favorite Carpathian so far, Gabriel leaves him in the dust lifemate-wise.

This book also sets up several intriguing new characters, who I'm sure will have stories soon.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book. I really think it's the best of the series.


A great addition to the series....   January 6, 2002
 24 out of 27 found this review helpful

I have been hooked on the Dark series since the first book and have not been disappointed with any book. With each new one, Christine Feehan adds more and more to the stories, keeping readers enticed. This newest book tells the story of Gabriel, one of the legendary ancient twin brothers that have been mentioned in past books. I loved both Gabriel and especially Francesca, who despite everything was able to accept Gabriel and not overlook her duties as his lifemate. With Dark Legend we are introduced also to Lucian, Gabriel's twin and his seemingly dangerous foe, or is he? Lucian was captivating, and it was refreshing to see the protagonists overcome something other than vampires or human enemies. The question in the book was centered around the fact that Lucian may have turned, and if he did, how is his twin to deal with him? This dilemna added a refreshing change to the book, keeping you in suspense. Along with interesting new characters (who I hope we will see more of), Dark Legend was a great addition to the Dark Series. I cannot wait until the next book.


Horribly disappointed   April 21, 2002
 17 out of 20 found this review helpful

I've read all the dark books, but this will probably be the last one I buy. There was a lot of repetitive phrases such "He could do no other." I kept feeling that this was just another retelling of all her other books. Same basic plot, same characters and I found the relationship between the brothers unrealistic. How many innocent humans did Lucian kill?

And why did Gabriel not recognize his mate? In the other books they see color immediately, but in this one, they were together forever before he finally saw color. Granted, that was "different" but it was inconsistant with the rules Ms. Feehan has established in her previous works.

There was no setting. Its supposed to be France and yet there was nothing in it to indicate that, not even the names of the characters. It could have taken place anywhere in America.

I guess I'm in the minority here, but to me the book felt rushed and I felt cheated. I got hooked on the series with Dark Prince and keep waiting for a return to that kind of magic and quality, but I haven't seen it in the last 3 books so I'm assuming the series has run its course and is no longer for me.


A wonderful delicious read....Christine does it again   January 11, 2002
 14 out of 14 found this review helpful

This is the 8th story in Christine Feehan's Dark series, of which their are 7 full length novels and 1 novella. Even though the books are in a series, it is not necessary to read the others books prior to reading Dark Legend. The stories are written in such a way that they can stand alone. Though I would definitely recommend that you read the whole series. The world of the Carpathians is a fascinating place to visit. The Carpathians are a race of beings that are of the earth with special abilities that differentiates them from humans. (You'll learn more and more about the Carpathian people and their plight as you read the previous novels.)

The characters in Dark Legend are well developed and with an emotional depth that has the reader laughing and crying right along with them. Francesa is a strong heroine that has already decided the fate of her life and her world is turned upside down upon the arrival of her lifemate, whom she had thought was dead. Gabriel is a hunter whose only goal is to find and stop his identical twin brother, Lucien who had lost his soul by turning vampire. Gabriel loves his brother but knows if he doesn't destroy him that the world of humans and Carpathians alike are in danger. In the midst of trying to stop his brother Gabriel finds his lifemate Fancesa and has to deal with becoming a part of her life while protecting her from his brother at the same time. The book has many twits and turns. It is filled with romance, suspense, friendship, family, action, adventure, horror, love and laughter. This is a fantastic book that you won't want to put down. It is a great read that captures your attention from page 1 and keeps you enthralled to the very last page. It is a book that belongs on your shelf of keepers.


And the story continues...   February 4, 2002
 14 out of 17 found this review helpful

I got hooked on Christine Feeham last fall and have been fascinated by her "Dark" series every since. If you haven't read anything by Ms. Feeham, each story follows the Carpathians, a race of people who are of the earth. For lack of a better way to describe them, I guess you could say they are prevampires. Each male Carpathian must find his true-life mate to continue his existence. If he can't find her there is nothing left except to end his life by facing the sun or giving into the urge to become a vampire.

In Dark Legend, Ms. Feeham gives us the story of Gabriel. Throughout her previous books, she has told the story of twins, Gabriel and Lucian. One has turned and the other has dedicated his life to tracking down his twin to keep him from destroying mankind. No one knows what has happened to the brothers. Now centuries later, we find out. Apparently in a fierce battle, Gabriel was able to trap is brother into a deep sleep in a cemetery. Things could have gone on like this for many more centuries but their resting-place was disturbed by heavy duty machinery. Now both have awakened with a terrible thirst for blood. Gabriel must track down his twin before he can do any damage.

Francesca Del Ponce was Gabriel's life mate. Instead of claiming her, he left her. Francesca leaves the Carpathians homeland has made a new life for herself afraid if she stays she will torment the others looking for their mates. She knows she must hide her existence since an unattached female has great value in her society. On her own, she has become a great healer. But after centuries of being alone, she has decided to end her existence. Now Gabriel must track his brother and convince Francesca that he is the one for her.

It is really hard to describe with any accuracy a book by Christine Feeham and do it any justice. There are so many little details that makes the "Dark" series fascinating and not enough space to fully flesh out the details and plots. If you like your romances with dark brooding heroes, strong women who can tame them, hot sex, violent fight scenes, and the unknown then you have to try a book by Ms. Feeham. You won't be disappointed.