Title:  Blood Instinct
Series:  Blackthorn #6
Author:  Lindsay J. Pryor
Genre:  Paranormal
Published:  May 5, 2016
Publisher:  Bookouture
My Rating:  5 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

‘I think what is inside of you triggers the worst of me’

Sophia McKay has always had a reckless streak, but falling for lycan leader Jask Tao gave her something to live for. Now, cursed with a serryn bloodline, a darkness inside Phia is awakening. A darkness she knows could prove deadly to those she loves most.

Approaching a blue moon, Jask Tao and his pack are living close to the edge due to a delay getting the herbs required to stop their morphing. Worse still, the growing strength of Phia’s serryn powers are dangerously provoking the lycan in Jask.

At a time when Jask and Phia need each other more than ever, their very passion has become a poison that puts both their lives at risk.

With Sirius Throme, leader of the Global Council, on the verge of invading Blackthorn – working together is the only chance of survival. But Jask is holding on to a secret that could just blow everything apart.

And so is Phia.

Will the truth destroy them all?

Read on for my thoughts on Blood Instinct.  No true spoilers, promise.

Finally, I can return to Blackthorn and catch up with what evil is being done and how my heroes are countering it.  Yes, there are some ongoing series that I completely look forward to the next peek into their world with longing and a bit of fear of what is to come.  What you, the reader, needs to know right up front – this is not a standalone story – it’s not a sweet romance between a couple different species that will end up riding off into the sunset – there are no true beautiful sunsets in Blackthorn.  If you have not yet read the earlier books in this series I highly recommend, no scratch that, I beg you to go to the beginning and read this series from the very first glimpse of this amazing world.  It will not be a waste of your time for you will find yourself deeply embedded in the lives of all the characters, good and bad, that make up this richly detailed series.

In Blood Instinct we will again be following Jask and Phia’s continuing love story as things turn darker, war is close at hand and secrets not shared could be the death of a dream.  We will also run into all of our favorite characters, in one manner or another, who inhabit this dark, dangerous world.

If you’re looking for a review that will give you tons of spoilers, or worse, tell you the entire story so you don’t have to read this book… nuh nuh, ain’t gonna happen.  I’m certain, if that is what you truly want there are lots of them scattered around.  But not here.

This is an intriguing, dark story with twists and turns that make you think you’re navigating the back alleys of Blackthorn – and maybe you are.  Up is down, left is right… and nothing is quite what it seems.  Secrets, lies and danger are rampant and just when you believe it’s safe… guess again.  There will be nails bitten to the quick, tears shed and perhaps a good shot of whiskey might help at some points – but you will never be bored.

If you enjoy dark paranormal tales, then the world of Blackthorn is where you’ll want to visit with the latest novel in this series, Blood Instinct.  I don’t think I could recommend this story or this series highly enough.  Once you’ve stepped into Blackthorn you’re hooked for life.

*I received an e-ARC of Blood Instinct from the publisher, Bookouture and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

Available in paperback and for the Kindle