"Strong romantic urban fantasy"

Christopher Bartholomew is an Eskarian, a two hundred year old immortal who drinks blood for nourishment but can go out in the sunlight. He is not a vampire but a Defender who protects humanity from evil entities like Bermudan water dragons or demon wolves who change into animal form every night but keep their human intelligence. A bite from one of them turns a human into a demon wolf. After killing one such creature in the backyard of Mackenzie Wallace, he notices she was bitten by a demon wolf and is due to turn very soon. Normally, he would kill her without a qualm but he realizes she is his benekeda, his soulmate and instead of destroying her he turns her into an Eskarian.

When Mackenzie is convinced that her life has irrevocably changed, she finds she loves Christopher as much as he loves her. They would be devilishly happy but Christopher and his Defenders must prevent The Triad, a trio of powerful sorcerers, from completing the rites that would allow the dark evil wizard Uleah from entering and laying waste to the world.

This romantic urban fantasy is refreshingly original using concepts that will appeal to lovers of this sub-genre. It will appeal equally to readers of fantasy and romance because it has the elements of both genres. Christopher is a delightful protagonist who, for all his many powers, finds himself feeling vulnerable when it comes to Mackenzie. There is plenty of action and surprising twists which keeps readers eagerly turning the pages to see what happens next. This reviewer would love to see more stories written about the Eskarians, a very special group of people worth reading more about.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted August 12, 2005