Review: Darkness Rises by Dianne Duvall

Krysta is used to getting the drop on vampires. Her "special abilities" aren't much, but the plan is simple--she plays helpless pretty young thing to lure them in. Then her shoto swords come out and it's bye-bye, bloodsucker. Until one night she finds herself with an unexpected ally. He's a vampire, all right, but different. Mysterious. Handsome. And more interested in saving her skin than draining it.

Etienne has been an Immortal Guardian for two hundred years--long enough to know that Krysta is special. He can't stop thinking about her long legs, even more than her short swords. Then he discovers the vamps she's exterminating have friends in high places, and the Guardians are in danger too. He'll have to accept Krysta's help to save them. The stakes for a mortal are high. But the cost to his heart might be higher.

My Review:

What a phenomenal introduction into the world of the Immortal Guardians!!  This was a completely new spin on the vampire world because in this series..vampires are (after a certain amount of time) the bad guys.  There is a race of humans with enhanced DNA who are called gifted ones.  They all posses an unusual talent or gift, such as being able to heal injuries with their hands or teleportation.  Vampirism in this world is considered a virus that ends up driving most turned humans mad.  Gifted Ones are among the few humans that the virus actually enhances and doesn't drive insane.  Thus the league of Immortal Guardians was created...but I am really sure the leaders maybe a bit of something else.  They were pretty fascinating and extremely powerful.  Not to mention there is an alien and an angel (type) being in this group of warriors.

One of the things I thought was completely awesome was that the book was based in NC.  I'm an NC native and the books that you read about that take place here are few and far between.  It was neat reading about another world happening in the state I was born and stll reside in.

The array of characters were amazing.  So many of them are walking around with question marks as to their true origin.  This is Krysta and Etienne's story.  Krysta was an unheard of vampire slayer for almost 6 years before Etienne stumbled upon her on one of his hunts.  He was completely fascinated with her and incredibly turned on by the fact she knew her way around weapons and fighting.  What hot alpha make wouldn't be turned on by a female that could give him a run for his money?

The story line was completely enjoyable, the sex was smoking with plenty of build up, and the characters were all wonderful! I for one cannot wait to re-visit this world.  I have added a new author to my must read list!!