(I like the blue – but we have seen tattooed torsos so many times before)
Shadowlight – Lynn Viehl
October 6, 2009
Paranormal Romance
336 pages, paperback
Onyx
Jessa runs her own firm doing background checks for large companies. She is successful because when she touches someone, she can see their darkest, deepest most evil secret. When this happens she goes into shadowlight. When she emerges back to reality, she is back in sunlight. Because of this she is alone in the world. Never dates because as soon as she touches, she knows something she doesn’t want to know about the person. When she discovers someone who committed a crime by using her talent, she places an anonymous call to the FBI. She has done this for several years and although has gone unnoticed by the feds, another group has become suspicious.
The Kyndreds, just like Jessa, each have a special power – some can change into different people, others can control the weather. While they use their gifts for the greater good, GenHance corporation has found a way to abuse their power. Scientists there under Jonah Genaro and his assistant Bradford Lawson have found if you harvest Kyndred cells, a serum can be made to make someone into a super human. Although only in the testing stages, the corporation kidnaps these Kyndred and while taking their cells, kills them.
The Kyndreds have decided to fight back. They know this corporation is after Jessa and when they learn she is to have a business meeting with Lawson, Gaven Matthias makes a plan to take her first.
Jessa is terrified of Matthias. He tells her he is the good guy and he takes her to safety somewhere deep under the city but all she wants is out. She is held as his captive along and lives underground with Matthias’ co-Kyndred Rowan. Although they don’t harm Jessa and continually tell her they are just like her, she doesn’t trust them.
Meanwhile Lawson wants revenge and he turns into a indestructible monster. If Matthias lets Jessa go, he knows she will be immediately hunted down by Lawson yet it kills him to see the hurt and distrust in her eyes. He knows she is destined to be his mate, but that will never happen if she can’t let go of the fear and start to trust him.
While Shadowlight definitely kept my interest throughout the book, I had a little trouble connecting with Jessa. She has been special her entire life. She can see every one’s darkest secrets so she obviously knows she has a supernatural talent. She even finds others online with similar talents and they form an anonymous online friendship that they obviously keep under tight wraps.
After Matthias bursts in and saves her from Lawford, she does not trust him at all. Yes, she had no idea Lawford was a bad guy but she can’t even admit to Matthias she has a special gift, even when he tells her exactly what her gift is. For days she lives with Matthias and Rowan and is never once threatened, yet never trusts them. Always looking for a way out no matter how many times they tell her she will be killed if she goes above ground. Even when Matthias teaches her about vampires, she doesn’t believe vampires exist. Well, why not? She has a supernatural talent so it is not that far of a reach to believe other supernatural species exist.
Speaking of vampires, one thing I really enjoyed about this book was Lucan. I believe he is the hero in Lynn Viehl’s Darkest Night book. His mate, Samantha, is a homicide detective and she is called to duty when Lawford starts on his killing spree. They have a secondary story line going on, presumably a carryover from the Darkest Night. I love that she shows them already mated but still having problems. Samantha is a new vampire and must learn to hunt. When Lucan gets angry, which happens a lot around the smart mouthed Samantha, things start breaking- lights, windows, bathroom sinks. It was a really fun supporting storyline.
I liked the premise of this book. The other Kyndred, Rowan and Drew who you later meet have a lot of spunk and Rowan is the next heroine to be featured. I already have a feeling I will like her much better.
Rating: Three stars
This series includes:
Shadowlight – October 6, 2009
Dreamveil – June 2010
Lynn Viehl’s website.
I have got this one to read this week and I'm intriguid now as how I will experience it all. BTW Mandi, isn't Darkest Night book from Viehl's Darkyn series??
Hey Mandi!
Thanks for your review… I loved Lynn Viehl's "Darkyn" series and "Lucan's" story was one of my favorites so it is nice that she is continuing that thread.
Leontine, yes, "Darkest Night", is one of the Darkyn stories.
Despite your mixed feelings about this heroine, I love Ms. Viehl's voice and will pick up this book.
Always appreciate your thoughts Mandy.
BTW, I'm not overly impressed with the cover art either. lol
Have a great week.
L
So this is a new series but set in the same "world" as the Darkyn stories? Sounds interesting…
Leontine – Yes, the Darkyn series
Lea – I would love to try her Darkyn series. Like I said, this book kept my interest, I just didn't like Jessa. Now Rowan – I want more of!!
Patti – yep, same world.
Must say that nothing in that pic does it for me, how sad, but it's just rather…meh.
The story sounds much better
I also have this on my reading list for the next few days -I love everything this author writes…
Her world building is phenominal and I am glad she is continuing in the same world…
Love all the glorified drama that the cast get up.. and also pleased that some of the standard things I love about the Darkyn's carryover to this new series……
Love your thoughts on this book – by the way have you read through the Darkyn series…
E.H>
Blodeuedd – you should check out the story!
Eh – I have not read the Darkyn series – I would really like to start it!!
I really liked the Darkyn series and Lucan and Samantha were my favorite couple from that series so I'm very happy that we get to see them again.
Agree about the cover – like the colors but the chest/tattoo has been done to death.
Loved the review. :)
I'm absolutely 100% with you about Rowan i just love this character and i'm so happy the next book is about her. She nearly stole all the attention for herself, really interesting character.
Lucan is HOT that's all i have to say….now i can't wait to read the Darkyn series and learn more about this hot vampire. *grins*
Hm, looks good. Lucan sounds interesting…I have the Darkyn series on the shelves just need to read them.
Great review Mandi!
Despite the annoying Jessa, I'm really intrigued about this series. Thanks for the recommendation!
;) VFG
Ms. Viehl and I must connect up again! I just love every time I stop by I get see Alan Rickman *sigh* – have you read her Darkyn series? Was wondering if you liked this new series vs. Darkyn series. I like Viehl, but I do find her a little meh at times.
Hey Mandi, nice review! I would've been tempted to read Shadowlight if I haven't read it already. ;)