by Alexis Morgan was another book I received from the Box o' Books. It is the fourth book in the Paladins of Darkness series. (Published December 2007 by Pocket Star Books - Paperback Edition - 347 pages) Genre is Romance (man-woman) with sub-genres of paranormal and fantasy.
A fiercely beautiful female leader from the Other world, Lusahn q'Arc can't forget the Paladin warrior she met in battle -- his chiseled body and piercing, thoughtful eyes still haunt her dreams. While investigating the smuggling of the mysterious blue stones used to light her shadowy world, Lusahn receives word that her missing brother, Barak, is alive -- and working with the Paladins. Although angry at his betrayal, she arranges to meet him. But at the appointed time it is not Barak who arrives, but Cullen Finley -- the enemy warrior who torments her memory.
Intense attraction immediately burns between Lusahn and Cullen despite their rival loyalties, and they can't help surrendering to passion. Their time together is limited, though, for son Cullen must return to his own world -- with or without Lusahn. But when carefully laid plans go awry, together they must fight to keep their forbidden romance a secret -- and keep each other alive.
I was feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the vampire books I’ve got sitting in my to be read pile so picked this one up even though I’ve been waiting to get the first three books. I didn’t need to worry. Even though this is the fourth book in the Paladin series it is a strong stand alone novel. A fast read, of course, I always seem to say that.
I loved that the Paladin, at least in this book, was from Seattle...go Pacific Northwest! Morgan has woven a dark world parallel to our modern day one separated by a barrier reminiscent to the one drawn in Terry Goodkind’s Sword of Truth series. From the reviews I read at Amazon, this is the first book in the series to explore the world of the Others. Readers see a humanized Others -- learn their true name -- instead of demonic killers and they aren’t strangers anymore. The world and culture are loosely drawn, with just enough to get the reader through the scenes, but that in no way detracts from the story.
Cullen was terrifically drawn. He was heroic, virile, and charming. Once his heart was involved, also fiercely loyal. Lusahn was tough as nails, a leader of her own Blade (a team of warriors), yet she was feminine too. When she fell in love there was no half-way, she loved with every ounce of her being. The love story between the two felt a bit rushed even with the premise they wouldn’t see each other ever again once Cullen returned to his world.
Morgan has penned a wonderfully, fresh story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will continue my hunt for the first three in the series (Dark Protector, Dark Defender, and In Darkness Reborn). I will be keeping an eye out for other books by this author!
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