Born of Silence by Sherrilyn Kenyon
The League, Book 5
Grand Central Publishing
Paranormal, Fantasy, Suspense
ISBN: 978-0446573313
Reviewed by Miranda




Darling Cruel lives a double life.  To most of the Ichidian universe Darling is thought of as a weak gay noble with a feeble mind but that is far from the truth.  He must put on a show for his treacherous Uncle.  Darling must never threaten his Uncle’s position until the perfect time for him to take his rightful spot on the throne.  He has honed his mental and physical skills by taking on a second identity of Kere, a founding member of the rogue Sentella organization.  As Kere, Darling can express his darkest thoughts through physical violence, fighting for his people that have been mistreated under his Uncle’s rule.  One woman has captured Kere’s heart and trust, but how will she handle it when she discovers his true identity?

Zarya Starska grew up a royal but was thrust out when her father was betrayed by Darling’s Uncle.  Now, Zarya is leader of the resistance, fighting the royal government against its mistreatment of the people.  She never thought it was possible but she has fallen in love with Kere a Sentella warrior.  She may have never seen his face but she knows his spirit and loves him dearly.  When it looks as if they might start a life together and she might see the real Kere, he disappears.

Just as Darling’s dreams of love and retribution are coming to fruition he is betrayed by the only person he ever let himself be vulnerable with.  A weapon he forged as Kere and gave to Zarya for protection is used against him and his beloved sister.  The betrayal doesn’t stop there and it precipitates his decent into madness.  Scarred, abused and betrayed, Darling descends into a dark and lonely place.  The only one who might possibly bring him into the light is Zarya.  Will he give her a chance to rebuild his broken soul?

Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Born of Silence is a dark gripping romance that engulfs the reader with its powerful heartfelt story.  This is my first League story and I can tell you that you don’t have to read the previous four stories but I’m sure it would help you enjoy some of the secondary characters more.  After reading Born of Silencen, I am definitely ready to go back and dig into the previous novels.  Ms. Kenyon has built an amazing and intriguing world with characters that are fierce and sensual.

Born of Silence is at times hard to read because of its brutal story.  Darling and Zarya have both led difficult lives but Darling’s suffered such abuse it’s hard to imagine it’s possible for him to have kept his sanity.  The atrocities he has suffered at the hands of people who should have protected him are so terrible it’s hard to forgive them.  Darling constantly battles his enemies and his self-hatred.  The scars on his face are only the tip of the horrible things he must overcome.  You have to wonder; is it possible for him to love and let himself be loved?

Zarya and Darling have an epic love story in Born of Silence.  They share plenty of passion and love.  They begin the story with love and trust but then lose it and must re-earn them again.  Their journey is a long and arduous one but it is truly worth it.  Ms. Kenyon has masterfully crafted an all-encompassing love affair in Born of Silence.

There is one character that is so important to the story and that is Darling’s best friend Maris.  Without Maris I don’t think that Darling would have survived most of the things that have fallen upon him.  Maris brings much comic relief to this sometimes tragic tale.  However, Maris’ scenes are tipped with pain as it is obvious that he is truly in love with Darling.  One of the reasons that I love Maris so much is that he can see through his love to what his friend truly needs and he makes sure Darling gets it.

If you’re a fan of brooding heroes and tough as nails heroines who share sizzling chemistry and a one of a kind paranormal story that will take you on a thrilling journey then Born of Silence is for you!  I thoroughly enjoyed this story about love, loss and never giving up. I’m Joyfully Recommending it!