Helpful Score: 15
I liked this book, but I think potential readers should keep one thing in mind; this, despite the classification, is not a romance. Yes, there is a love story, but the primary focus of the book is world building, and the story is a paranormal thriller with a romance sub plot. If I judge the book this way, I like it a lot. If I were to judge it as a romance, it would fail, because Viehl's primary purpose is not developing romantic love; it's the story of one a woman and her brother and their dangerous involvement in the world of the Darkyn and the Brethren (enemies of the Darkyn). The world building is intricate; Viehl has a strong and compelling voice, and the characters are nicely drawn.
Unlike other reviewers, I did not dislike the heroine. She can be a bit abrasive, but I found this more realistic and true to life. I am heartily sick of sweet, silly, perfect heroines. Alex read to me like a real woman, who had real issues stemming from losing her parents and her brother. She also had the distinction of being one of the few Romance heroine surgeons, who I actually believed was a surgeon, rather than Doctor Barbie. The hero was slightly more problematic, because he did not seem to be as developed, and his motivations were less clear.
This book is part of a series that I am enjoying, and reading it is necessary to really appreciate the other books. If you approach this expecting a good paranormal, rather than a good Romance, I think you will find yourself pleased and intrigued enough to continue with the rest of the Darkyn saga.
Unlike other reviewers, I did not dislike the heroine. She can be a bit abrasive, but I found this more realistic and true to life. I am heartily sick of sweet, silly, perfect heroines. Alex read to me like a real woman, who had real issues stemming from losing her parents and her brother. She also had the distinction of being one of the few Romance heroine surgeons, who I actually believed was a surgeon, rather than Doctor Barbie. The hero was slightly more problematic, because he did not seem to be as developed, and his motivations were less clear.
This book is part of a series that I am enjoying, and reading it is necessary to really appreciate the other books. If you approach this expecting a good paranormal, rather than a good Romance, I think you will find yourself pleased and intrigued enough to continue with the rest of the Darkyn saga.
Helpful Score: 9
Pretty good! As I was reading, I realized how easy it was to tell that this was an experienced author. As much as I like paranormals, this one really pointed out how often little moments of unlikely dialogue or badly phrased, flowery descriptions pop up in so many of them. Viehl has a long-standing successful sci-fi series and it shows. (And I do believe her other series has a doctor as the main character too!)
The story itself is not at all cutesy like many paranormals are these days. No sweetsy pet demons in this one! That could be good or bad, depending on your mood. The story really worked and the characters were interesting -- I hope we learn more about them in future books. I wasn't sure John's storyline was going to add much at first, but his story grew on me a lot as the plot unfolded.
All in all, definitely recommended, and I'll be continuing with this series.
The story itself is not at all cutesy like many paranormals are these days. No sweetsy pet demons in this one! That could be good or bad, depending on your mood. The story really worked and the characters were interesting -- I hope we learn more about them in future books. I wasn't sure John's storyline was going to add much at first, but his story grew on me a lot as the plot unfolded.
All in all, definitely recommended, and I'll be continuing with this series.
Helpful Score: 7
This is one of those books that you pick up and do not want to put down. My poor family had a very late dinner.
I really enjoy the whole vampire/paranormal romance genre. However, I don't like reading the same storyline over and over again. So I was pleased to see a new 'side' to vampires in this book. I found the idea that they needed a surgeon to heal themselves very intriguing.
Good book!
I really enjoy the whole vampire/paranormal romance genre. However, I don't like reading the same storyline over and over again. So I was pleased to see a new 'side' to vampires in this book. I found the idea that they needed a surgeon to heal themselves very intriguing.
Good book!
Helpful Score: 3
Disappointing. I had high hopes from this series and this author who is one of my favorites. Alex, the heroine, is bitchy and nasty through out the book. I couldn't connect with her sarcasm on this one, and Michael, the Darkyn of this book was fussy. I didn't find a shred of masculinity in him. This book can't hold a candle to J.R. Ward's "Black Dagger Brotherhood".
Helpful Score: 3
I like the overall idea of the series but I disliked the main female character in this book. Unpleasant personality, rude, and indecisive.The ending was flat as well. I liked it enough to try the second in the series.
Helpful Score: 3
This is the beginning of the Darkyn-series, books about vampires and their fanatical enemies, the Brethren, who torture and kill the "demons" wherever they can. Doctor Alexandra Keller gets drawn into the conflict when she operates on Cyprien, who has been mutilated by the Brethren. Soon the Darkyn and the Brethren are after her.
The characters are interesting and the world complex enough that you can look forward to other books of the Darkyn.
The characters are interesting and the world complex enough that you can look forward to other books of the Darkyn.
Just finished this book, and am very glad I have another one of the series to read. If it is as good as this one, I will be reading the entire series. Fast read! NO SPOILER. It begins as a story about a plastic surgeon who by accident, becomes a vampire. New 'take' on vampire stories! Well, for me.
Helpful Score: 1
As someone who has discovered an interest in vampire genre I was hoping to enjoy this but was turned off by the strong anti-Catholic theme in the book. I don't think I am overly sensative about this issue but the main villains are part of the Catholic hieracrchy which turned me off.
Helpful Score: 1
I agree with a previous review I read on this novel. If you read it expecting a romance you will be highly disappointed. And to go on and agree with another reviewer - no it has nothing on JR Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series. I did however really like the premise and the fact that the heroine is not some wimpy sweet girl who gets her life taken from her only to say "oh it's ok your hot so I can change everything for you." I truly loved the fact that she is not brought into the world because of superficial reasons, but she does so as a way of staying in touch with who she really is. Her need to aid and cure the ills of others is believable because it doesn't leave her when she changes.
I feel like this book is one big set up for all the others. The world building was great but the character development of the hero was non existent.I get that he is used to being the leader and that he was born in the 12th century, but to have survived he should have at least learned that times had changed.
Overall I will give the second in the series a try then see how it goes.
I feel like this book is one big set up for all the others. The world building was great but the character development of the hero was non existent.I get that he is used to being the leader and that he was born in the 12th century, but to have survived he should have at least learned that times had changed.
Overall I will give the second in the series a try then see how it goes.
Helpful Score: 1
I've heard and agree that this is not the best book of the series. The characters are poorly developed and there were too many subplots sprinkled in to the meat of the main characters. The romantic connection of Alexandra and Michael was not believable. While we know this is a series, I didn't feel that the ending wrapped up an of the characters dilemmas, certainly not the struggle of the main character, Alexandra over her feelings about becoming a Darkyn. On the positive side, it's an easy read and the dialogue between Michael and Alexandra and Phillipe and Alexandra was amusing, but there was frankly more interesting connections between Phillipe and Alexandra-it makes you wonder why they didn't fall in love. He went to the trouble of trying to learn English for her sake.
Helpful Score: 1
I had high hopes for this book since it is part of a genre which I have read so much of in the last few years. This book was a gross disappointment. I find it frustrating when an author uses created words that have no immediate clarified meanings, or when they use words in French. I don't speak French so those words may as well be blank spaces. Another issue I had was with the violence. I am used to some measure of violence in paranormal novels but some of the scenes in this book were disturbing. There was no real connection between the main characters and was left to wonder why they were attracted to each other. I did not feel at all invested in their "relationship" and basically skimmed the last third of the book because I simply could not take it anymore.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a great book that gives a twist to the traditional vampire lore. The characters are strong - and you find that you can love them and hate them at the same time.
Helpful Score: 1
Lynn Viehl is an excellent writer. I bought this book for the title alone. It intrigued me. I found her characters to be fully realized and interesting. If you like her Darklyn books, try her Stardoc Science fiction series writing as S. L. Viehl.
Helpful Score: 1
This is an excellent vampire novel with a bit of romance mixed in. I definitely had a hard time putting this one down, and I can't wait for the next in the series.
Helpful Score: 1
Book 1 of a series...I liked it, however, I thought it was a bit vague at times...almost as if some of the words/story was cut out...(maybe it was the editor and not the author?).
Helpful Score: 1
I was really wanting something new and different and Lynn Viehl definitely provided that. I love that the males are older and view women in the way they did before they changed, and the main female is so self assured and stands up for herself and twists the men around...very funny. Every vampire series has their own version of what a vampire should be and how they came to be. Ms Viehl's explanation is a doozy! I absolutely love it! This book is most definitely a must read...
Helpful Score: 1
I like vampire books. I like romances. I hated this book. This book is torture porn. There was way too much violence and rape than was needed to move the story. It was gratuitous. After the first couple of characters were tortured and raped, I thought the story would start up, but there was just more violence. All of the violence didn't leave much room for character development or any kind of plot. If you're into that sort of thing, go for this book, but if you want vampires and romance, there are much better books out there.
Helpful Score: 1
A slow start, but worth sticking with. A wonderful author. A cross between Sherrilyn Kenyon and Christine Feehan.
Helpful Score: 1
I thought it was ok. Not good, not bad. It might have been better if the heroine Alex knew what she wanted. I don't like the I love you/I hate you/Love You/ Hate you, thing she had in her relationship with Michael.
Helpful Score: 1
It was entertaining to a certain extent. But I was definitely more invested in certain characters and way less interested in others. Therefore, I found myself jumping around a lot and reading ahead, then going back. So overall, if you are looking for a light read with some semi-steamy love scenes, this is your book. If you are looking for something that you will get really invested in, I would say keep searching.
Helpful Score: 1
good begining to a series, lots going on, lots still left to be covered, not a typical happily ever after, which was good for this book.
Helpful Score: 1
Pretty good. A bit violent, but not too bad. I bought the second one in the series and the 3rd comes out in June!
Helpful Score: 1
pretty good vampire romance, unusual heroine, interesting medical twist
Helpful Score: 1
Pretty good. A little slow to start. I piked this up because I'm a big fan of her scifi series Star Doc written under S.L. Viehl. Can't wait for the next one.
Helpful Score: 1
Nice gothic feel to a vamp story. A different take with the heroine thinking she can cure herself after being turned. I wish the hero and heroine had gotten together earlier, tho.
This is an interesting start to this series, it was a little hard to get into at first, but you really need to read this book to get to the other books of the series which are awesome! I would suggest this book, but make sure you have number two and three waiting on your shelf, cause you may not be able to stand waiting for them to get in your hands.
I very much enjoyed reading this book! I ordered it on a whim, having never even heard of it or the author before and was instantly hooked! I HIGHLY recommend this one!
This book was a very good book and had excitment waiting around every corner. The romance was good and the story flowed very well. I can't wait to finish the rest of the series!
The beginning third of the book kept me entranced, the middle part, confused and the last part, bored. I don't think I'll read the rest of the series!
This is the story of a human plastic surgeon, Alex, who is brought in to fix the decimated face of an Darkyn, Micheal. Whilst in the attempt she is sucked into the world of the Darkyn, a powerful but heavily hunted species. She is determined to keep that world at arms length, while Micheal is determined to have her as his own.
Now, this really sounds like a romance novel and that's what you would expect, given the fact that it's located in the romance section. Thus I feel I must warn readers that it's really not all that romantic. The love story takes a back seat to all of the world building and fantasy drama. Looking at it as a fantasy novel, it's quite good. It has an intense and well paced plot, plenty of spooky stuff, and a lot of subtle humor. As for the characters, I found Alex to be sharp, whitty, and a little mean. Micheal, on the other hand, can only be described as blah. The chemistry between the two was just not there for me.
So, if your looking for a vampire based, urban fantasy sort of series, this is a decent pick. It's just not great romance.
Now, this really sounds like a romance novel and that's what you would expect, given the fact that it's located in the romance section. Thus I feel I must warn readers that it's really not all that romantic. The love story takes a back seat to all of the world building and fantasy drama. Looking at it as a fantasy novel, it's quite good. It has an intense and well paced plot, plenty of spooky stuff, and a lot of subtle humor. As for the characters, I found Alex to be sharp, whitty, and a little mean. Micheal, on the other hand, can only be described as blah. The chemistry between the two was just not there for me.
So, if your looking for a vampire based, urban fantasy sort of series, this is a decent pick. It's just not great romance.
I really enjoyed this book, although in some places it got slow and was hard to get over. But that could have also been me, as i was pre-occupied with other things. All in all the book was very good.
This book should not be categorized as romance. There really is nothing romantic about the story. Alex is a doctor who is called to perform a medical miracle on Michael.
Since this book is first in the series it talks a lot about the Darkyn and the Bretheren who are out to kill the Darkyn. Alex is a very outspoken woman and pushes Michael to his limits. However I really did not feel as this was a romance. She meets him, helps his other Darkyn. If your looking for a love story I don't think you'll find it here. It is interesting how the author creates the Darkyn and the Brethren. I did not find Michael to be caring at all but at the same time neither was Alex. I'll read the second one and see if it's better.
Since this book is first in the series it talks a lot about the Darkyn and the Bretheren who are out to kill the Darkyn. Alex is a very outspoken woman and pushes Michael to his limits. However I really did not feel as this was a romance. She meets him, helps his other Darkyn. If your looking for a love story I don't think you'll find it here. It is interesting how the author creates the Darkyn and the Brethren. I did not find Michael to be caring at all but at the same time neither was Alex. I'll read the second one and see if it's better.
Not your typical vampire book. It was interesting, made me want to read. A few sex scenes. Very adult writing, deals with relationships in an odd sort of way. I found it to be very well written.
This book was a little too strong with details of pyscho-serial killer thoughts/actions. I liked the book otherwise, but cannot read another in this series due to that, unfortunately.
From the back: Beneath the foundation of a mansion in the heart of the Garden District, Alexandra will perform an illegal surgery. Her patient's disfigurement is beyond medical repair. But his body's ability to recuperate from his wounds borders on the miraculous.
Very enjoyable read.
This is a decent story, but not great. It also has some pretty strong anti-Catholic themes.
Good book!
First book of a really good series.
Dr. Alexandra Keller is Chicago's most brilliant reconstructive surgeon.
Michael Cyprien is New Orlean's most reclusive millionaire--and in desperate need of Dr. Keller's skills.
Beneath the foundation of a mansion in heart of the Garden District, Alexandra will perform an illegal surgery. Her patient's disfigurement is beyond medical repair. But his body's ability to recuperate from his wounds borders on the miraculous. Alexandra knows Michael Cyprien is no ordinary patient. Intrigued by how his remarkable physiology might benefit medical science, she is even more compelled by his presence--and the mystery surrounding him and his associates, a cadre of immortals who call themselves the Darkyn...
Michael Cyprien is New Orlean's most reclusive millionaire--and in desperate need of Dr. Keller's skills.
Beneath the foundation of a mansion in heart of the Garden District, Alexandra will perform an illegal surgery. Her patient's disfigurement is beyond medical repair. But his body's ability to recuperate from his wounds borders on the miraculous. Alexandra knows Michael Cyprien is no ordinary patient. Intrigued by how his remarkable physiology might benefit medical science, she is even more compelled by his presence--and the mystery surrounding him and his associates, a cadre of immortals who call themselves the Darkyn...
I read this on Ladiibbug's recommendation. All right, you win - I'm hooked! I need the next book...
Darkyn
1. If Angels Burn (2005)
2. Private Demon (2005)
3. Dark Need (2006)
4. Night Lost (2007)
5. Evermore (2008)
6. Twilight Fall (2008)
7. Stay the Night (2009)
Darkyn
1. If Angels Burn (2005)
2. Private Demon (2005)
3. Dark Need (2006)
4. Night Lost (2007)
5. Evermore (2008)
6. Twilight Fall (2008)
7. Stay the Night (2009)
Interesting take on the genre.
great book
She, the doctor, restores the light of hope...
He, Michael Cyprien, dwells in shadow...
A new dawn awaits them both...
He, Michael Cyprien, dwells in shadow...
A new dawn awaits them both...
Dr. Alexandra Keller is a brilliant reconstructive surgeon.
Michael Cyprien is New Orlean's most reclusive millionaire anad in need of Dr. Keller's skills, and a member of the Darkyn.
So when Alex agrees to operate on him she sees things that she that are beyond miraculous.
Michael Cyprien is New Orlean's most reclusive millionaire anad in need of Dr. Keller's skills, and a member of the Darkyn.
So when Alex agrees to operate on him she sees things that she that are beyond miraculous.
