Having received a free arc of Lynn Viehl’s new release, “SHADOWLIGHT”, I couldn’t wait to get into it. Unfortunately, that was weeks ago, and life kept getting in the way, durn it.
I’m now happy to say I’ve finished reading the novel.
I’m also happy to say I enjoyed it thoroughly and, although I’m no reviewer, would definitely recommend it to others. :)
The first thing I noticed when I saw the cover (well, once I finished checking out the droolworthy guy) was Uroborus, the snake swallowing its own tail. I’d used it in a story once as a symbol of something cyclical, constantly reinventing itself. Which is not only part of the paranormal characters’ development in this storyline, but what the Darkyn series itself seems to be capable of doing.
“Shadowlight” is the first in a series of novels about the Kyndred, beings who seem to be older than Viehl’s original Darkyn heroes, now discovering themselves as a new breed. There’s enough of the Darkyn presence to satisfy readers of the original series, and the connection is smoothly made. Ms. Viehl has the ability to write characterization, action, and romance equally well–something those who write understand is not easily done.
Jessa is a young woman who’s survived certain death, only to discover that she has the power to see the trouble in people’s souls by touching them and slipping into a sort of dissociative state—the Shadowlight.
Matthias is an ancient Kyndred, determined to keep her away from the genetic experiments of his old enemy’s ancestor. The romance is moving, the characters engaging (especially Matthias—the scenes from his earlier life were probably the most captivating in the book to me).
The Kyndred are not nobility, or knights embarked on some sacred quest. This is a tattered, scattered band of cursed/gifted people who appeal to that quality in all, that small, still voice that whispers of something different about each of us, something lost.
A multi-layered read that’ll keep you turning the pages and wanting to learn more about the Kyndred. Good stuff!
I’m looking forward to the next installment. :)
