Surrender to Darkness by Annette McCleave
Paranormal Romance- Jan. 4th, 2011
4 ½ stars

Annette McCleave's strong writing brings this 3rd installment in her Soul Gatherers series to an exciting new high. This is an attention-grabbing and sexy read. It can easily be read alone but since many characters from prior books make their appearances, it would probably be a richer read if you have read the earlier books.

In this story, the hot-headed berserker Jamie Murdoch is sent in disgrace to find an evil artifact of power in Japan. His uncontrollable battle skills led to a disastrous fall out and their new leader wants him in a less volatile situation. But trouble follows him when he arrives in Japan. He meets Kiyoko Ashida, whose sense of purpose and peace is his complete opposite. He quickly realizes she is hiding something from him, yet he cannot help being attracted to her quiet strength.

Kiyoko has a secret - she fights the forces of darkness. She is a woman born of destiny and uses a powerful veil to help sustain her life and it also gives her incredible abilities. But this veil is an artifact of power and everyone wants it, especially a malicious and devious fallen angel. Kiyoko is distrustful of Jamie but he draws her like no other. Can she trust her instincts?

This is a highly entertaining read. I liked how the author intertwined the Japanese culture/myth into her story, which added drama and made the book more mysterious and even exotic. There other side plots also added extra depth such as Emily's, who has really grown up. I really liked how evenly matched Kiyoko and Jamie are. Both are strong and confident in their skills. I also enjoyed how Kiyoko's sense of peace pulls at Jamie who is troubled with `rages.' They really complemented each other, and their attraction to each other is palpable.

This is a spectacular new installment in the Soul Gatherers series. The mystery behind the veil, the thrilling action and the breathtaking romance made for a phenomenal read.

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club

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I enjoyed this installment of the Soul Gatherer series very much. I thought it had lots of action, furthered the ongoing story of the battle of good versus evil, and I really liked Murdoch and Kiyoko as a couple. They were perfect complements to each other - he with his out of control "beserker" and she being a master of self-discipline and peace. It was great to learn more about another of the Soul Gatherers and the story of gathering and protecting the dark relics from the evil forces. As was the case with the previous two books in the series, there is a great cast of supporting characters. I have a lot interest in the community of Soul Gatherers that McCleave has created and have developed an affection for each of the various characters of which she's written. I would love to see the saga continue (there's more questions to be answered and more characters' stories to be written), but I read on her website that the publisher has not committed to any more books. McCleave says on her website that she will/may write some related short stories to help answer some of the outstanding questions and tie up some of the loose ends. I hope she does follow through with this. I'd love to know more about Emily's destiny and if she and Carlos get together and what is going on with him while he's away from the others.

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As an immortal, Jamie Murdoch has spent lifetimes battling demons. But he's cursed with an inner berserker, and his expertise as a Soul Gatherer is overshadowed by uncontrollable rage. Sent to Japan to investigate a mystical weapon that can destroy demons, Jamie feels out of place in a society that values tranquillity and self-control.

Kiyoko Ashida has dedicated her life to fighting evil. Now she's dying, and her remaining days are linked to a mysterious artifact, which is the only thing keeping her alive. Still, her path is clear--until the day a valiant Soul Gatherer storms into her life and, with one fateful touch, steals her heart.

The Veil is both destroyer and healer, and Jamie knows Kiyoko cannot survive without it. But when the malicious ambitions of a fallen angel target the artifact, he's torn between fulfilling his duty and saving the life of the woman he loves.


***
3rd in the series, and my least favorite so far. It's a nice story, but not a page-turning thriller. This book was easy to put down, but it kept my interest just barely enough to finish it. This series is interesting in the fact that it is very different than most paranormal romance. It centers, loosely, around religion and demons. The religious aspect is not heavy, or off-putting. And it's just different enough to get your attention. Murdoch and Kiyoko are not a very passionate couple. Their love affair is played out in mental dialogue and dreams. And the Japanese angle gets a little annoying. But the plot of the overall series moves ahead a little, and was very anti-climatic for me. Not to say I won't keep reading this series, it just won't be my first pick off the shelf.


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