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A Roman general in a previous lifetime, Valerius Magnus is even more hated in his current new good guy avatar of a Dark-Hunter by the other largely Greek hunters, all patrolling the Daimon-infested streets of New Orleans. Although Valerius knows and regrets the reasons why, he's used to it and keeps his pain and loneliness hidden away behind an cold, uncaring demeanor. Until the day he meets, is accidentally stabbed by and later on taken care of by Tabitha Devereaux, self-proclaimed human Daimon hunter who's also the twin sister of the wife of his bitter enemy, Kyrian.
Pleasantly surprised when her empathic abilities detect Valerius to be truly unlike his vile reputation, in her usual direct fashion Tabitha makes it clear that not only does she not hate him, but also is irresistibly attracted to him. Moved and provoked by her simple acceptance, Valerius discovers in Tabitha the soulmate he'd never even hoped for, fiery temper, scars and all. But soon an enemy from the past comes back to get his revenge on Tabitha and a bloodbath like never before ensues. With Valerius and Kyrian still feuding over two thousand-year old differences and with Acheron distracted by his own troubles, who's going to make sure the right side wins?
With this stunning new addition to the Dark-Hunter series, Sherrilyn Kenyon throws a lightning bolt similar to what the ancient gods in her books are wont to and jolts the world of her characters and overall shakes the foundation of the fascinating paranormal world she's created. Kenyon's novels are normally never predictable, but even then this story takes the cake. Pre-conceived notions, prejudices, reputations and even lives are shattered and reformed as the devious plot produces development after shocking new development. Finally Valerius, the character whose vile reputation has been cemented in book after book, gets to be the good guy and the change is surprisingly agreeable. With his tortured past and aristocratic manners, he's both easy to like and dislike, but he improves as the story progresses.
It makes for very spirited and poignant reading as Tabitha with her sincere understanding, brutal frankness, boundless courage and razor sharp temper wins the day as well as Valerius' stubborn heart. The way these two love and fight, mutually and otherwise, contributes plenty to the general drama and action. Characters both new and old are essential to the complex plot and enhance it greatly. There are chills, spills, blood, gore and action galore as New Orleans once again becomes battle central between good and evil. Truly irresistible and simply not-to-be-missed, "Seize the Night" takes the New Year off to a splendid start!
Reviewed by Rashmi Srinivas
for The Road to Romance
February 7, 2005
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