John Matthew has come a long way since he was found living among humans, his vampire nature unknown to himself and to those around him. After he was taken in by the Brotherhood, no one could guess what his true history was- or his true identity. Indeed, the fallen Brother Darius has returned, but with a different face and a very different destiny. As a vicious personal vendetta takes John into the heart of the war, he will need to call up on both who he is now and who he once was in order to face off against evil incarnate.
Xhex, a symphath assassin, has long steeled herself against the attraction between her and John Matthew. Having already lost one lover to madness, she will not allow the male of worth to fall prey to the darkness of her twisted life. When fate intervenes, however, the two discover that love, like destiny, is inevitable between soul mates.
4 Stars!
Review: So, let me begin by saying that I loved this book, and I loved John Matthew's story. He has been such a steady and, for me, important character throughout each book. I have not really understood his attraction and connection with Xhex before now, not because she is a fighter and supposedly masculine - but because she is so closed off, and John Matthew has been looking for connection his whole life. I was really expecting to just have to accept that this is who he will mate with, and I will continue to like him and just not like her. I. Was. Wrong.
There is a lot of depth to Xhex, and there is a huge connection between the two characters that I truly did not expect to have happen. This author does continue to amaze me with her storytelling abilities and how she adds new layers and new depths to each character, as well as each couple's story. For some, it happens very slowly, while others arrive with a bang. John Matthew and Xhex's happens slowly, for the most part, and then BANG...something happens that completely and forever ties them together - if they can find one another.
I don't want to give too much away, however, I will say that the fight against Lash and the lessers continues because Lash has captured Xhex, and the Brotherhood is having a very difficult time finding him. John is going crazy and Blay, Q and even Tohr, are having a difficult time reigning him back in. Meanwhile, Xhex is experiencing some pretty horrible things that are testing every bit of her inner and outer strength. Even if the Brotherhood wins this battle, the war is still going, and there are definitely still casualties.
I did have a few difficulties with this book. I enjoyed the back story of Darius and Tohr, but I think I was under the impression that there would be this big reveal where everyone realized that John is the Brother Darius, reincarnated. That did not happen, however, which was frustrating. Why is that the back story if it will not be figured out - as opposed to John just being Darius unknown son? Also, I could not quite understand why Muhrder was mentioned, as his story was amusing, but not connected back to the Brothers. Especially, as his story included a side story about a producer and tv show host that took up several chapters of the book. Will more come back around regarding this? It feels strange, otherwise.
I will say that there is one thing that continues to sadden me with each new book. The Scribe Virgin. She seems to slowly be fading away, and no one that notices seems at all concerned or willing to help her in any way - and she is supposed to be the mother of their race. It seems as though everyone is really more concerned with themselves than her - when history, custom, laws, etc, previously were all about her. I'm not sure what, if anything, will happen with this storyline, although I am curious, as the next book is about her daughter. Hopefully, this will answer some questions.
Jessica
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