The Sinner

THE SINNER is the nineteenth instalment in JR Ward’s contemporary, adult BLACK DAGGER BROTHERHOOD paranormal, romance series. This is Band of Bastards mercenary and vampire Syn, and journalist Jo Early’s story line. THE SINNER can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and history as THE SINNER ends this particular arc of the series.

Told from several third person perspectives including but not limited to Syn, Jo, Butch and Devina, THE SINNER follows several paths -the building relationship between Syn and Jo; Butch’s destiny as The Dhestroyer; the reappearance of Devina and the revelation of her true identiy, and the inevitable end of the war with the Omega but the beginning of another.

Journalist Jo Early has been investigating the paranormal including the possibility of dragons and vampires but our heroine never expected to come face to face with a man who may or may not have been sent to kill her. As well as investigating the supernatural, Jo begins looking into a series of brutal killings that are linked to the mob, a investigation that place Jo in the direct line of fire. Syn considers himself of mercenary for hire. Working with the Brotherhood, as well as taking side jobs in an effort to quell his need to kill, Syn finds himself facing his future when a half-breed vampire, just entering her transition, is Syn’s fated mate. What ensues is the building but heart breaking relationship between Jo and Syn, and the potential fall-out when secrets and lies are revealed.

Meanwhile, Brian ‘Butch’ O’Neal aka the Dhestroyer knows his destiny to take down the Omega is about to come to fruition. Believing he will meet his maker, Butch struggles knowing he may not survive the upcoming battle, a battle meant to end the war.

The relationship between Jo and Syn struggles in the face of preconceived notions and Syn’s battle with the demons from his past. Jo suspects Syn is one of the mythical vampires but has no idea that her fate is in the hands of the BDB.

THE SINNER is a detailed and complex story line that ends this particular arc of the series, and sets the stage for the next. As the Band of Bastards begin to find their own happily ever afters, a promise of war is on the horizon, a promise that comes with a surprising revelation. The reader learns about Jo Early’s heritage and her connections to the BDB. We are witness to the Dhestroyer’s purpose, and the end of the Omega. The premise is entertaining and edgy; the characters are broken but spirited; the romance is tense and not without some issues including secrets and lies.

All of the lead up in the books prior to setup this one made it seem like this book was going to be great. It lacked depth, and had weak predictable characters. The story was flip flopping between major character with no substance. With this being a big “ending” in a huge arc of a storey it was a let down. Love JR Ward but the last 3 books in the BDB series have been letdowns.