REVIEW: The Savior by J.R. Ward

In The Savior (Black Dagger Brotherhood #17) by J.R. Ward, Even though it shattered his world, Murhder understood the reason why he was cast out of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. He had become more of a liability to his Brothers than asset after madness took over his mind. Holed up in a historic B & B in the South, Murhder’s past failure catches up with him when he receives letters begging his help. Not sure he’ll be of any use to anyone, he decides this will be his last chance to prove his worth to his Brothers–and to the woman he let down two decades ago. But when Murhder comes face to face with a human who has haunted his dreams, his future takes on a new shape. One that includes hope and love for the first time in what feels like forever.

‘Times had changed. The Brothers had changed.
And yet Murhder had stayed the same, stuck in the past, in his madness.’

Biomedical scientist Dr. Sarah Watkins has thrown herself into her research since the sudden death of her fiance Gerry, who was also a scientist at the same firm she works for. It was the only way she could deal with the tragedy. But in the back of her mind, Sarah feels like there was something amiss even before Gerry passed away. When she learns of his potential involvement in the holding and torture of a young man at the firm, she’s horrified. It’s when her plan to free the boy goes awry that Sarah learns part of the real truth. That there are things, other beings, in this world she never dreamed of. And one of them is Murhder, whom she learns is a Vampire. As they work toward a common goal–saving young Nate–their own lives will be altered with the force of their attraction and the bond they form together.

She fell back into the chair and stared up the commando’s powerful body.
Abruptly, she realized she had been asking the wrong question.
It was not “who”.
“What are you?” she breathed.

The Black Dagger Brotherhood is back and after the events in The Savior, they’re even better and stronger than ever. Ultimately a story of loss, revenge, loneliness and redemption, book seventeen (!!!) in the series will surely make your pulse race and your heart happy.

‘For a passion like they had just found? Only forever would do.’

J.R. Ward is one of my go-to authors, no matter the genre. But her Black Dagger Brotherhood series is an awesome blend of paranormal/fantasy elements, romance, action, and humor I just can’t get enough of. And it’s done in such a way as only Ward can do it. I was excited to finally learn more about former Brother Murhder and the reason(s) behind him going off the rails and being kicked out of the Brotherhood two decades ago. You just knew that there had to be more to his story. And boy was there–as heartbreaking and awe-inspiring as it turned out to be.

Murhder was a truly tortured hero, but one that I think readers will empathize with and cheer on right away. The last twenty years had been some of the most difficult of his long life. It was letters from someone from his past that brought Murhder out of seclusion and gave him a new mission to focus on. Even if it might get him killed. It was so interesting how Ward wrapped Murhder’s portion of the story around a couple of other subplots (as is normal for her writing) and how it all worked so well together. Bringing in human scientist Dr. Sarah Watkins was icing on the cake. As much as I adored Murhder–his courage and loyalty–Sarah wowed me with her strength, humbleness and compassion. The two of them together were nothing short of spectacular. But then again, Ward is known for her astute pairings. Something we got to revisit in this installment while we caught up with the rest of the Brotherhood cast.

An unstoppable force in literature today, J.R. Ward gave her fans the epic, thrilling ride they were gunning for in Murhder’s story. The Savior was the perfect vessel for a true look at the love and the bonds formed inside the Brotherhood as well as everything they stand for.

Book Info:

Publication: April 2nd 2019 | Gallery Books | Black Dagger Brotherhood #17

In the venerable history of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, only one male has ever been expelled—but Murhder’s insanity gave the Brothers no choice. Haunted by visions of a female he could not save, he nonetheless returns to Caldwell on a mission to right the wrong that ruined him. However, he is not prepared for what he must face in his quest for redemption.

Dr. Sarah Watkins, researcher at a biomedical firm, is struggling with the loss of her fellow scientist fiancé. When the FBI starts asking about his death, she questions what really happened and soon learns the terrible truth: Her firm is conducting inhumane experiments in secret and the man she thought she knew and loved was involved in the torture.

As Murhder and Sarah’s destinies become irrevocably entwined, desire ignites between them. But can they forge a future that spans the divide separating the two species? And as a new foe emerges in the war against the vampires, will Murhder return to his Brothers… or resume his lonely existence forevermore?