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Darkyn #5
Evermore
The NEW YORK TIMES AND USA Today bestselling Darkyn series continues...
Jayr is proud to be the only female ever permitted to serve as seneschal to a Darkyn lord. But in her centuries of service to Master Byrne, she has fallen in love with him. Now, Byrne plans to step down and hand over the Jardin to another Kyn lord-a move that threatens not only Jayr's position, but her very life...
Jayr is proud to be the only female ever permitted to serve as seneschal to a Darkyn lord. But in her centuries of service to Master Byrne, she has fallen in love with him. Now, Byrne plans to step down and hand over the Jardin to another Kyn lord-a move that threatens not only Jayr's position, but her very life...
283 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 2, 2008
24 people are currently reading
1896 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Viehl
54 books985 followersAlso see S.L. Viehl, Gena Hale, Jessica Hall. Rebecca Kelly.
She writes mostly novels in a variety of genres and under several pseudonyms. Among them are science fiction (as S. L. Viehl), romantic fiction (as Lynn Viehl, Gena Hale, and Jessica Hall), and Christian fiction (as Rebecca Kelly). She has described herself as primarily a writer of romance: no matter what genre she is working in, an element of romance will always be present.
In what spare time remains she enjoys quilting, reading, cooking, painting, and knitting. She currently lives with her family in Florida.
She writes mostly novels in a variety of genres and under several pseudonyms. Among them are science fiction (as S. L. Viehl), romantic fiction (as Lynn Viehl, Gena Hale, and Jessica Hall), and Christian fiction (as Rebecca Kelly). She has described herself as primarily a writer of romance: no matter what genre she is working in, an element of romance will always be present.
In what spare time remains she enjoys quilting, reading, cooking, painting, and knitting. She currently lives with her family in Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
July 24, 2008
This is the 5th book of the Darkyn series.
Aeden mac Byrne is the suzerain of the Orlando Jardin and owner and operator of The Realm. To humans, The Realm is a very cool Medieval theme restaurant where they can eat big turkey legs, watch and participate in battles, jousts and archery contests. For the Darkyn, The Realm is a way to cling to a familiar time and place and enjoy the contests and games as much as the humans. Only they know that the swords and lances are made of sharp steel and deadly copper.
Every year The Realm shuts down for a month to humans so that Darkyn far and wide can travel to Orlando and participate in a real Medieval tourney (not watered down for the humans). This year, The Mac Byrne wants to use the tourney as a real contest to seek his replacement as suzerain and lord of The Realm. He's tired of it and secretly worried that the years of control he's had to maintain over himself (in his human life he was a berserker warrior) will one day snap. He's also secretly in love with his Seneschal Jayr, the young woman he turned into a Darkyn hundreds of years ago. He's sure that his feelings would just worry and embarrass her.
However, Jayr, is also secretly in love with Byrne. But, like him, is sure that her attentions would be embarrassing and inappropriate. Instead she subsumes herself in her job and is dedicated to making The Realm run smoothly and (being the only female seneschal in all of the Darkyn) making sure she brings no shame to her Master. This tournament is especially important because the Seignuer, Michael Cyprien, will be attending.
Meanwhile, Alex and Michael are dealing with the aftermath of her captivity in Ireland. And a formerly outcast Darkyn from Italy arrives bringing back memories of a past that many Darkyn would prefer to stay in the past.
This is hands down my favorite of the Darkyn series. I LOVE Jayr. She is my second favorite female character of the whole series. The introduction of Jayr is fantastic and of all the Darkyn talents I think hers sounds the coolest (she can move so fast that she manifests herself as smoke). I am not one of those people who normally want to see books made into film, but I couldn't help but think that this book would translate very well to the visual media and I'd love to see the special effects of Jayr's movements made into smoke. Awesome!
The love story is both sweet and sexy. I like the idea of both Jayr and Aeden pining silently for each other, each too afraid to admit what they feel. but when they finally do it feels really right. And Viehl has completely upped the sexiness quotient. Her sex scenes have gone from the almost non-existent (in the first book) to seriously hot in this one.
The story of The Realm and its denizens is wonderful. Jayr runs a tight ship (I love the fact that there is a seneschal manual that she has studied cover to cover). This book is a real departure from the previous books in the series because there are no Brethren scenes and no John Keller. This book is all Darkyn taking care of internal family business.
And what Internal family business it is! I've mentioned in my reviews before that Viehl does a great job of laying foundation work in previous books to for plot points brought up in later books. Well that continues to hold true here. In the second book, the medical cocktail used to keep Jema Shaw from completely turning into Darkyn is used as a basis here for a medical treatment that Alex makes up for Jayr. And who knew that the 'Locksley' person mentioned off-handedly in the first couple of books would actually be Robin of Locksley. Yes that Robin.
Viehl uses this book to play with the Robin Hood legend a bit. Robin is a Darkyn and Will Scarlett is his seneschal (Robin, or course fought in the crusades as well, the one commonality amongst most of the male Darkyn). They all have long memories of what went on at that time. It isn't like the legends that we've come to know as we learn in the course of the story.
At first I thought shoe-horning in the Robin Hood characters would be cheesy, but it wasn't. It was seemless and Viehl worked them well into the storyline and integrated them wonderfully with the existing characters giving them a history and a real sense of camaraderie. And Robin is written so charmingly that I am really eager to read his story (Stay The Night upcoming in Jan '09, with some really delicious cover art).
Finally, I must mention Alex and Michael's continuing storyline. Alex is dealing not only with the aftermath of being held captive but also the physical/emotional problem with the weakening of the blood bond that was a result of her long separation from Michael. Viehl introduces a threat to their relationship that had me nervous for awhile, but *whew* it gets resolved. And I like that Alex, who has all along quietly questioned if what she and Michael were feeling was real or just a result of the physiological changes she's gone through, is finally able to resolve that to her satisfaction as well.
I love this series and just think that it is getting better with each book.
Aeden mac Byrne is the suzerain of the Orlando Jardin and owner and operator of The Realm. To humans, The Realm is a very cool Medieval theme restaurant where they can eat big turkey legs, watch and participate in battles, jousts and archery contests. For the Darkyn, The Realm is a way to cling to a familiar time and place and enjoy the contests and games as much as the humans. Only they know that the swords and lances are made of sharp steel and deadly copper.
Every year The Realm shuts down for a month to humans so that Darkyn far and wide can travel to Orlando and participate in a real Medieval tourney (not watered down for the humans). This year, The Mac Byrne wants to use the tourney as a real contest to seek his replacement as suzerain and lord of The Realm. He's tired of it and secretly worried that the years of control he's had to maintain over himself (in his human life he was a berserker warrior) will one day snap. He's also secretly in love with his Seneschal Jayr, the young woman he turned into a Darkyn hundreds of years ago. He's sure that his feelings would just worry and embarrass her.
However, Jayr, is also secretly in love with Byrne. But, like him, is sure that her attentions would be embarrassing and inappropriate. Instead she subsumes herself in her job and is dedicated to making The Realm run smoothly and (being the only female seneschal in all of the Darkyn) making sure she brings no shame to her Master. This tournament is especially important because the Seignuer, Michael Cyprien, will be attending.
Meanwhile, Alex and Michael are dealing with the aftermath of her captivity in Ireland. And a formerly outcast Darkyn from Italy arrives bringing back memories of a past that many Darkyn would prefer to stay in the past.
This is hands down my favorite of the Darkyn series. I LOVE Jayr. She is my second favorite female character of the whole series. The introduction of Jayr is fantastic and of all the Darkyn talents I think hers sounds the coolest (she can move so fast that she manifests herself as smoke). I am not one of those people who normally want to see books made into film, but I couldn't help but think that this book would translate very well to the visual media and I'd love to see the special effects of Jayr's movements made into smoke. Awesome!
The love story is both sweet and sexy. I like the idea of both Jayr and Aeden pining silently for each other, each too afraid to admit what they feel. but when they finally do it feels really right. And Viehl has completely upped the sexiness quotient. Her sex scenes have gone from the almost non-existent (in the first book) to seriously hot in this one.
The story of The Realm and its denizens is wonderful. Jayr runs a tight ship (I love the fact that there is a seneschal manual that she has studied cover to cover). This book is a real departure from the previous books in the series because there are no Brethren scenes and no John Keller. This book is all Darkyn taking care of internal family business.
And what Internal family business it is! I've mentioned in my reviews before that Viehl does a great job of laying foundation work in previous books to for plot points brought up in later books. Well that continues to hold true here. In the second book, the medical cocktail used to keep Jema Shaw from completely turning into Darkyn is used as a basis here for a medical treatment that Alex makes up for Jayr. And who knew that the 'Locksley' person mentioned off-handedly in the first couple of books would actually be Robin of Locksley. Yes that Robin.
Viehl uses this book to play with the Robin Hood legend a bit. Robin is a Darkyn and Will Scarlett is his seneschal (Robin, or course fought in the crusades as well, the one commonality amongst most of the male Darkyn). They all have long memories of what went on at that time. It isn't like the legends that we've come to know as we learn in the course of the story.
At first I thought shoe-horning in the Robin Hood characters would be cheesy, but it wasn't. It was seemless and Viehl worked them well into the storyline and integrated them wonderfully with the existing characters giving them a history and a real sense of camaraderie. And Robin is written so charmingly that I am really eager to read his story (Stay The Night upcoming in Jan '09, with some really delicious cover art).
Finally, I must mention Alex and Michael's continuing storyline. Alex is dealing not only with the aftermath of being held captive but also the physical/emotional problem with the weakening of the blood bond that was a result of her long separation from Michael. Viehl introduces a threat to their relationship that had me nervous for awhile, but *whew* it gets resolved. And I like that Alex, who has all along quietly questioned if what she and Michael were feeling was real or just a result of the physiological changes she's gone through, is finally able to resolve that to her satisfaction as well.
I love this series and just think that it is getting better with each book.
November 9, 2009
3 Stars? 3.5 Stars? Viehl's books are interesting, but inspire such mixed emotions for me
I am so mixed in my feelings about Evermore, and truly, I always hestitate before buying the Darkyn books, because while there are always interesting parts to the books, Viehl in keeping her books on the dark side of paranormal romance, always seems to include a bit of twisted characters indulging in gratuous torture or victimizing sex-- I guess because when the 'good' guys are preditors that control humans with no remorse, you've got to toss in something extreme to make the evil guys stand out.
While the torture was offsceen on this one, there was still enough of the evil guys (some human) this time indulging in thoughts of perpetrating sexual abuse or bad Darkyn compelling sex on someone in thrall, which I find disturbing. And in this book, this stuff really feels pasted in. I can tolerate a bit if it is necessary to develop some significant part of the story, but here these scenes could have been easily left out they didn't add to the plot at all. The bad guys in the first scene at the start of the book go away never to appear again and we would have disliked Nottingham even without his 'charming' introduction. While I really disliked those pieces of the book, much of the rest of the book was interesting. I liked Jahr and Byrne, both their well developed characters and their relationship, even though the language in their love scenes was a bit odd -- guess it was supposed to reflect Byrne's still medieval thinking. Also in Evermore, as always, I liked the parts with Alex, I like her character's fortrightness, insight and unwillingness to let all these moldy old guys force her into a mold not fitting a modern women and I like how her participation ties the books together. And I also liked Robin of Locksley and all the secrets.
Overall my reactions to the book were a patchwork of positive and negative much like the book was a mix of a bunch of different story threads, leaving me not knowing how many stars to give Evermore -- since for me, parts were one or two stars and other parts four or five. So I guess that averages out to 3.5 or 4 stars depending on how I weight the various sections. But, having said all that, if you are a fan of the series you will probably like Evermore because it really does have the flavor of the rest of the books in the series, and I need to learn not to buy these Darkyn books because my reaction is really always pretty much the same and the 'eeww' residual lingers.
I am so mixed in my feelings about Evermore, and truly, I always hestitate before buying the Darkyn books, because while there are always interesting parts to the books, Viehl in keeping her books on the dark side of paranormal romance, always seems to include a bit of twisted characters indulging in gratuous torture or victimizing sex-- I guess because when the 'good' guys are preditors that control humans with no remorse, you've got to toss in something extreme to make the evil guys stand out.
While the torture was offsceen on this one, there was still enough of the evil guys (some human) this time indulging in thoughts of perpetrating sexual abuse or bad Darkyn compelling sex on someone in thrall, which I find disturbing. And in this book, this stuff really feels pasted in. I can tolerate a bit if it is necessary to develop some significant part of the story, but here these scenes could have been easily left out they didn't add to the plot at all. The bad guys in the first scene at the start of the book go away never to appear again and we would have disliked Nottingham even without his 'charming' introduction. While I really disliked those pieces of the book, much of the rest of the book was interesting. I liked Jahr and Byrne, both their well developed characters and their relationship, even though the language in their love scenes was a bit odd -- guess it was supposed to reflect Byrne's still medieval thinking. Also in Evermore, as always, I liked the parts with Alex, I like her character's fortrightness, insight and unwillingness to let all these moldy old guys force her into a mold not fitting a modern women and I like how her participation ties the books together. And I also liked Robin of Locksley and all the secrets.
Overall my reactions to the book were a patchwork of positive and negative much like the book was a mix of a bunch of different story threads, leaving me not knowing how many stars to give Evermore -- since for me, parts were one or two stars and other parts four or five. So I guess that averages out to 3.5 or 4 stars depending on how I weight the various sections. But, having said all that, if you are a fan of the series you will probably like Evermore because it really does have the flavor of the rest of the books in the series, and I need to learn not to buy these Darkyn books because my reaction is really always pretty much the same and the 'eeww' residual lingers.
April 5, 2010
One of the elements of the Darkyn series by Lynn Viehl that I just LOVE is the way Viehl has begun to take characters of lore and make them Darkyn, thereby giving them a fresh spin.
In Evermore, we get a dash of William Wallace, a whole heap of Robinhood and an entertaining tale that kept the pages turning til late in the night- or I should say, early in the AM!
The story starts out one rainy night when a bunch of two-bit thugs try to take down a young boy wearing an expensive Rolex watch, who just exited a downtown club. Much to their shock and dismay, the "young boy" ain't such an easy target. Not only is he Darkyn- the name for the former Templars cum Vampires in Viehl's world- he's a woman. And one who can fight like something out of the Matrix! She also is accompanied by two men who would give their lives for her, whether she knows it or not. The attackers have no chance of victory.
Jayr, made Darkyn during the last battle lead by Robert the Brus on the fields of Bannikburn, is the blood servant of Aaden mac Byrne (a seneschal, in Darkyn terms). Turned by Aaden that fateful day, she's served him well all these years- and secretly loved him just as long.
Byrne is harboring the same love for her and, naturally, neither of them realizes it. Byrne, the leader of the Darkyn in his area and Lord of a large castle nestled in America that he calls The Realm, is, however, ready to step down. He feels the tightly held steely control over his berserker nature slipping, and he needs to get away before he hurts someone he cares for- namely Jayr.
But things don't unfold exactly as planned, as Michael, the lead Darkyn of all of America and his blood-bound wife, Alexandra (hero & heroine from If Angels Burn) make their way to The Realm to choose a new leader.
A last tournament is to be held before the decision is made, but an old foe of Robin of Locksley- the close friend of both Jayr and Aaden- shows up to throw damper over the event.
There are many twists in turns in this novel and I don't really want to give too much away so I'll leave the synop here.
Evermore is much more romantic, in the classic sense of the word, then some of the other entries in this series. The torturous secret love that these two hold for each other creates a tension that sizzles when they are together. The characters have a depth to them which many recent novels in the romance genre have lacked. Though mellowed after all his years controlling his true nature, Aaden is old school- think Garwood Scottish historicals minus any lighter side- and Jayr so strong, yet so vulnerable, that you can't help but feel along with them.
As with all the novels in Viehl's series, Michael and Alexandra make an appearance and the continuing arc of their tale unfolds, giving us insight into the world that Viehl has built. Alexandra also makes a solid, defining contrast to Jayr that makes both characters more profound than without the juxtaposition.
If you haven't read a Darkyn novel before, you could pick this one up and not be lost, as it serves okay as a stand alone and too a major story arc resolved in the Night Lost- the novel before. However it is much richer having read the previous novels.
Unlike many series out there, this one gets better with each book released. (My favorites have been the latest two- including Evermore!)
(Thank you Ms. Viehl for a most entertaining read!)
In Evermore, we get a dash of William Wallace, a whole heap of Robinhood and an entertaining tale that kept the pages turning til late in the night- or I should say, early in the AM!
The story starts out one rainy night when a bunch of two-bit thugs try to take down a young boy wearing an expensive Rolex watch, who just exited a downtown club. Much to their shock and dismay, the "young boy" ain't such an easy target. Not only is he Darkyn- the name for the former Templars cum Vampires in Viehl's world- he's a woman. And one who can fight like something out of the Matrix! She also is accompanied by two men who would give their lives for her, whether she knows it or not. The attackers have no chance of victory.
Jayr, made Darkyn during the last battle lead by Robert the Brus on the fields of Bannikburn, is the blood servant of Aaden mac Byrne (a seneschal, in Darkyn terms). Turned by Aaden that fateful day, she's served him well all these years- and secretly loved him just as long.
Byrne is harboring the same love for her and, naturally, neither of them realizes it. Byrne, the leader of the Darkyn in his area and Lord of a large castle nestled in America that he calls The Realm, is, however, ready to step down. He feels the tightly held steely control over his berserker nature slipping, and he needs to get away before he hurts someone he cares for- namely Jayr.
But things don't unfold exactly as planned, as Michael, the lead Darkyn of all of America and his blood-bound wife, Alexandra (hero & heroine from If Angels Burn) make their way to The Realm to choose a new leader.
A last tournament is to be held before the decision is made, but an old foe of Robin of Locksley- the close friend of both Jayr and Aaden- shows up to throw damper over the event.
There are many twists in turns in this novel and I don't really want to give too much away so I'll leave the synop here.
Evermore is much more romantic, in the classic sense of the word, then some of the other entries in this series. The torturous secret love that these two hold for each other creates a tension that sizzles when they are together. The characters have a depth to them which many recent novels in the romance genre have lacked. Though mellowed after all his years controlling his true nature, Aaden is old school- think Garwood Scottish historicals minus any lighter side- and Jayr so strong, yet so vulnerable, that you can't help but feel along with them.
As with all the novels in Viehl's series, Michael and Alexandra make an appearance and the continuing arc of their tale unfolds, giving us insight into the world that Viehl has built. Alexandra also makes a solid, defining contrast to Jayr that makes both characters more profound than without the juxtaposition.
If you haven't read a Darkyn novel before, you could pick this one up and not be lost, as it serves okay as a stand alone and too a major story arc resolved in the Night Lost- the novel before. However it is much richer having read the previous novels.
Unlike many series out there, this one gets better with each book released. (My favorites have been the latest two- including Evermore!)
(Thank you Ms. Viehl for a most entertaining read!)
February 15, 2010
No real review here, just me seriously tempted to list every little problem I had with this book...
There is a genius storyline, more like the format is genius, that wends its way through the series, involving the romance between Cyprien and Alex but I am sick to death of Alex's inane comments. She is sooooooo annoying, and what was with the dig on using the name Sookie. Jealous much... :)
And the two main characters in this book, they've known eachother for hundreds of years but suddenly they're all aflutter? Not buying it, any of it. And the idea of a prepubescent girl, acting as a boy, feeling like a woman, actually sounds interesting to me, at least something different, but I did not like the execution. The bug guy, Gabriel, has so far been my favorite but I am interested in discovering what happens with John. I despised his character in the first 2 books, couldn't read his bits fast enough, but now I'm curious. I just hope he does not have a book to himself. I like the idea of him wandering alone, the poor lonely hero, but I have problems and these are supposed to be Happily Ever Afters when all is said and done, right.
There is a genius storyline, more like the format is genius, that wends its way through the series, involving the romance between Cyprien and Alex but I am sick to death of Alex's inane comments. She is sooooooo annoying, and what was with the dig on using the name Sookie. Jealous much... :)
And the two main characters in this book, they've known eachother for hundreds of years but suddenly they're all aflutter? Not buying it, any of it. And the idea of a prepubescent girl, acting as a boy, feeling like a woman, actually sounds interesting to me, at least something different, but I did not like the execution. The bug guy, Gabriel, has so far been my favorite but I am interested in discovering what happens with John. I despised his character in the first 2 books, couldn't read his bits fast enough, but now I'm curious. I just hope he does not have a book to himself. I like the idea of him wandering alone, the poor lonely hero, but I have problems and these are supposed to be Happily Ever Afters when all is said and done, right.
March 17, 2024
This is one of my favorite m/f books and I've read it at least half a dozen times so far. While the book isn't perfect (the scenes regarding Alex and her drama were seriously annoying so I skipped them. They really add nothing to the story), the development between the main couple, Byrne and Jayr, is just so sweet. The fact that they've both had unrequited feelings for the other for centuries is just heartbreaking. But more so than that, the fact that Jayr hates the way she is, not a child but not quite a woman, but Byrne loves her anyway is one of the sweetest story lines I've ever read. He wouldn't care if Jayr was a man or a woman, he just wants her and he takes her as she is.
So, I ask this. How can you not love a huge, Scottish Highlander with tattoos on his face on the verge of a berserker rage and his second, a woman underdeveloped that moves at the speed of light and often time catches things on fire because of it?
The story is beautiful and when Byrne and Jayr finally get together it is just explosive. It's a must read!
Originally read in January, 2009
So, I ask this. How can you not love a huge, Scottish Highlander with tattoos on his face on the verge of a berserker rage and his second, a woman underdeveloped that moves at the speed of light and often time catches things on fire because of it?
The story is beautiful and when Byrne and Jayr finally get together it is just explosive. It's a must read!
How truthful may I write of this,
The want of love, the love I hide?
My passion drowned by cowardice
Yet evermore by hope revived.
You do not want me
However much I need.
You will not see me
However much I bleed.
Thus I dwell in silence, for
I have made well my prison
loving you, evermore.
How are we to live, my lord,
ever together, forever apart?
The night between us poised, a sword,
forged and edged in my cinder heart.
I cannot have you,
however much I long.
I cannot leave you,
this bond too strong.
Thus I go on as I have before,
burning in Eden, with you,
evermore.
-Jayr
Originally read in January, 2009
May 3, 2009
Good read - but I found it more leisurely than the other books. Lots of very interesting history revealed but not the page-turner the first four were.
Darkyn
1. If Angels Burn (2005)
2. Private Demon (2005)
3. Dark Need (2006)
4. Night Lost (2007)
5. Evermore (2008)
6. Twilight Fall (2008)
7. Stay the Night (2009)
Darkyn
1. If Angels Burn (2005)
2. Private Demon (2005)
3. Dark Need (2006)
4. Night Lost (2007)
5. Evermore (2008)
6. Twilight Fall (2008)
7. Stay the Night (2009)
July 21, 2017
So fantastic to read this book again! Lots of things going on, and I thought I knew the bad guy, but not really! So awesome! And the whole Robin of Locksley, yeah, really great! And Jayr being Maid Marian's daughter!
*First read April 2011*
Yeah more of this series! Love it, the characters, and the plot!
*First read April 2011*
Yeah more of this series! Love it, the characters, and the plot!
December 11, 2015
2.5 stars
This one didn't work for me. I live near Orlando and I am familiar with the setting and I couldn't imagine it as it was set in this book. The relationship between Jayr and Byrne was lacking and the connection between Lady Marion and Robin-hood was too much!
This one didn't work for me. I live near Orlando and I am familiar with the setting and I couldn't imagine it as it was set in this book. The relationship between Jayr and Byrne was lacking and the connection between Lady Marion and Robin-hood was too much!
Read
June 18, 2010Evermore: A Novel of the Darkyn by Lynn Viehl (2008)
January 16, 2024
It's really cool that the author dedicated the book to her grandma who during the depression cut off her hair and went as a boy to work to feed her family.
And then things went steadily downhill.
The very first line had this side male getting a boner from watching a young boy. She went on to describe his "suck-you" mouth that formed an O-ring on whatever he sucked. Another guy in the car made a comment about sucking an officer's dick. One man told one of the others to suck his dick. They were talking about doing the boy. Travis asked if another guy wanted to watch him with the guy's girlfriend, told the guy to pull his dick out of his mouth, and imagined his guy and the boy face down on his floor. She used the word faggot 3 times. The kid dispatched all the men, mad one guy's clothes farted air and rainwater. Nice writing. And the class level just plummeted to the ground. This is what gives romance a bad name. I can't defend this. I love romance, but this isn't romance. This is trash.
I wanted to stop reading then and there but I hate DNFing books that I bought. It did get interesting as I read the next section and learned the boy had actually been Jayr. Travis had asked Byrne if she was his bitch, and he said "Aye. She's mine." He has blue tattoos on his face and a Scottish accent. I liked when Locksley pointed out the tear in her jacket and she discovered a bullet and Byrne said you were shot and didn't say a word?
I didn't like the King Arthur games and that Robin of Locksley is a character.
I absolutely hated the mention of Byrne not having proper companionship in weeks, and her having to get human females to entertain him, and wanting to pick out 2 or 3 of the women he liked best. wtf kind of twisted shit is that?
She was in his room removing his boots and told him it was the last night of the full moon, and he lied and said he forgot. But he really waited impatiently for this night each month for the renewal. I loved that he counted the weeks, days, and hours.
It was such a good moment when Byrne sat her on her thigh and cupped her head to his neck so she'd drink from him there. He wanted her to stay and didn't want it to stop. Afterward he wondered if she felt anything when he touched her.
Of course the Kyn have human women called tresora that have sex with them. God save me from this kind of world.
Locksley said Jayr had no idea the pleasure the sight of her brought him and he didn't dare look at her for too long for fear of showing it. He lived for moments like this with her. Oh goody, a love triangle! Authors just keep jumping on the bandwagon. And not cool after he just spent the night with a human, remarking on the strawberry smell of her from the ones he'd fed her. Ew. And then this asshole had the nerve to ask her the name of the "very generous and lovely female who entertained" him last night.
I couldn't stand that Jayr kept getting mistaken for a boy. This teen hit on her in front of Byrne and Locksley and others and it was so embarrassing. But I loved when Locksley mentioned boys and that she might find get pleasure out of them and I loved that Byrne slammed his glass down and told her to come with him.
And just like nearly all authors before her, this is one more sexist one to add to the list. They promote the sexuality of men by having them have sex regularly with an endless stream of women, while the heroine hasn't had sex because she's cold and sees abstinence as her duty. What. The. F? Every time I read this shit I want to f'ing lose it.
It was ruined as Byrne asked what she does when she wants fucking. He demanded that she tell him whatever he wished to know and she'll tell him now. She knew he could be crude and I really didn't like the way he spoke to her. But he asked if it was Locksley. She told him she isn't a virgin but she does it herself. She said she passes as a guy because of her body and no male would like her unless he liked other males or young girls and she won't permit it. Byrne said there are males who find females like her fetching.
She could sense that Byrne needed relief so she chose 3 females who had already been with him several times and heard them talking about what to do to please him. She could hear their voices and she imagined what he was doing. "A big, virile man like Byrne could easily pleasure three human females at the same time." She imagined him plowing into one, impaling her, and then using his mouth on another and fingers on the third. Then he'd have two use their mouths on him and the third straddling his face. Jayr knew how well he could pleasure a woman. The women came out, and thanks for small favors but he pleasured them without touching them. One said he "did her" without touching her. It had only been a few weeks since he'd had a female. Truly sick shit.
And then we got to hear about him talking about human women. They tired easily so he had 2 or 3 at a time. So manly! So hot! Keep those details coming. These three beautiful women are talented enough to bring a man to his knees. The females Jayr brought always satisfied his hungers.
I was horrified by their first encounter. She was 17 and he had been impaled with a stake and asked her not to leave him alone. She piled it out and he asked to take her blood and then he was using his mouth on her and taking her virginity without ever asking or seeing if it was okay. No. Wth is wrong with authors who think this is okay? First we learn Jayr doesn't have sex at all, and then we learn Byrne kissed her the first time they met and just inserted himself in her body like it wasn't no thing.
Locksley drew his sword on the Italian, and Jayr moved in and Alexandra remembered the look on his face and told Michael that she thought Byrne would do something reckless and heroic. He never took his eyes off her the entire time. She said when she first saw them they seemed like a couple and not boss and servant.
Alexandra discovered that Jayr had never gone through puberty, and she has bowed calves because she was undernourished. She thought she was a hermaphrodite, born with male reproductive or and as well as female. Wtf.
Byrne kept touching her and obviously liked her and Jayr kept ruining it by looking down or moving out of his grasp and leaving, and not giving him any indication that she liked him.
I loved how at the ball Byrne led her to the dance floor and made reverence to her, bowing to her. This was only done to a man's lady. Suzerains never bowed to their seneschals. Lords never bowed to servants.
He took her into the hall and she said it was pleasant and he questioned that and then she said it was enjoyable and he questioned that too and he asked if she'd dance with Locksley and he said Locksley makes her happy, unlike him. Then put her up against the wall and they kissed, until he stopped it and asked what he was doing to her. He looked disgusted and she thought he was disgusted for kissing her and she left.
He came to her room and saw her looking at her chest and he slept outside her door. He picked up on her dream of him coming to her and both of them touching themselves.
A side character sent Jayr to do these tasks to get her out of town. The whole castle knew Byrne had spent the night outside her door and were trying to get her away from him. It was hilarious reading about Byrne waking up and wanting her to attend him, but someone else came in her stead. He told him to summon Jayr and the man said she's busy. He told him to get out. He used the intercom and said her name and someone else answered, he told him to find her sent her to him. Someone knocked on his door and he thought it was her and waited for her to enter, and when she didn't he opened the door and started to ask why didn't she come in, but it was another man. He sent the man away and asked the intercom again if they'd found his seneschal. When the man said no he smashed the intercom. He asked the man dressmaker where she was. He asked Byrne if there was something wrong with his own bed. Byrne wanted to kill him and asked why she went to town. He realized they did it on purpose. Byrne told him to call Jayr on the device and tell her to return and report to him at once. Farlae asked if he meant this device and said in her haste to leave it fell out of her pocket and into his. Byrne broke it. He realized everyone loves Jayr and he said he would never hurt her. Farlae said that's not what he saw outside the ballroom and Byrne said he kissed her and said he loves her.
When she got back one of the men told her Byrne hadn't been in a good mood since she left. She found him in the pit he fell into after being shot and told him no one was coming because she told them to give them time alone. Byrne asked why she wished to be alone with him. She said to talk because things have been diff with them, and he said only talk? You could think of nothing else to do with me once you had me at your mercy?
He told her he'd spent the morning outside her chamber and he'd dreamed of her there. He asked if she remembered being with him. She said it wasn't real, and he said he knew because if it was he would've done much more than watch her. He asked if she really thought of him when she pleasures herself.
They didn't even get together until pg. 222.
She told him she wasn't like the women he chooses and he said he didn't want a woman like her, her wanted her, and he settled for them. How sweet! Not.
There was a really weird moment when her "jewel" was kissing his penis and she was inside him. He said let them have their kiss. Ew.
Locksley smelled them on each other when they were rescued from the hole, and he punched Byrne. Byrne told him what happened was between him and Jayr and that Locksley could have the realm but she belongs to him.
Nottingham challenged Jayr to a duel and Byrne said his challenge is refused. He said she belongs to him and he says she isn't fighting. In his head he said that Nottingham wouldn't touch a hair on her head and if he tried he would tear his limbs off. She went to the man and said she accepted the challenge and Byrne said no.
One of the Kyn accepted it and Byrne said you name yourself my friend and said she'd get killed. Jayr told him to trust her and he said she can't do this, he forbids it and he forbids her.
It wasn't until pg. 245 that Byrne said he wasn't ruling at the start of the new year. He'd told Locksley and had said he would tell Jayr but he never did. Now she only heard because he announced it to the room. He stripped her of her duties because only people of rank could be challenged. I so wanted her to fight.
He found her poetry of her love for him, and her drawings of him and his name, over the last 25 years. He thought of all the women, pointless and meaningless. Thanks for the reminder.
I was pissed the whole time, thinking how utterly sexist it is to think that women have to have boobs and curves to be considered a woman. It was such a huge slap in the face to have Alexandra's injections make Jayr go through puberty because she hadn't. What in the actual hell kind of shit is that? Do I have to say how f'ing insulting that is? That if a woman is slim, with no hips or chest, then she never went through puberty? So of course Jayr got boobs and hips and pubic hair. No matter that her boobs were small. That's saying it isn't okay to have no chest and it is a slap in the freaking face to every small-chested woman because there are no magical shots to receive to have your body grow. F that. The final sexist blow in this sexist, male-dominated fest.
Or so I thought. But the third blow was still to come. Jayr had the cunning to make herself a servant to another Kyn so she could accept the challenge, and she was practicing with Locksley, only to have Nottingham's crazy, conniving servant kill him and pin it on her. She wouldn't let Jayr fight him! She wouldn't let a woman have her time to prove herself in a fight. There goes that cool display of her strength I was expecting. Go men! No woman power here.
It annoyed me that he came to her after he stripped her duties and started having sex with her when she was sleeping. There you go again, it's borderline rape and twice!
He saw them practicing and said that she could have beaten Nottingham. Too little, too late. That admission does nothing because the author had him disbelief in her abilities, and impose his will on her, and the author wouldn't let her fight.
Like a soap opera, this featured a half-brother posing as his brother and fooling everyone.
Byrne had worried his rage state would destroy her, but when he went berserker Jayr talked him out of it.
Skald was Aedan Byrne's older, illegitimate brother. Lady Marian didn't love Robin Hood or Nottingham. She wanted to be a nun and Locksley had sex with her to try to win her, got her pregnant with Jayr, so he's her dad. Locksley found her in the pit with Byrne and changed her. Um, if he knew Jayr was his daughter then why was he jealous of Byrne and in love with Jayr?? WTF.
Guwain.
Edmond Dantes.
It makes it too easy when you fill up your characters based on someone else's inventions.
And then things went steadily downhill.
The very first line had this side male getting a boner from watching a young boy. She went on to describe his "suck-you" mouth that formed an O-ring on whatever he sucked. Another guy in the car made a comment about sucking an officer's dick. One man told one of the others to suck his dick. They were talking about doing the boy. Travis asked if another guy wanted to watch him with the guy's girlfriend, told the guy to pull his dick out of his mouth, and imagined his guy and the boy face down on his floor. She used the word faggot 3 times. The kid dispatched all the men, mad one guy's clothes farted air and rainwater. Nice writing. And the class level just plummeted to the ground. This is what gives romance a bad name. I can't defend this. I love romance, but this isn't romance. This is trash.
I wanted to stop reading then and there but I hate DNFing books that I bought. It did get interesting as I read the next section and learned the boy had actually been Jayr. Travis had asked Byrne if she was his bitch, and he said "Aye. She's mine." He has blue tattoos on his face and a Scottish accent. I liked when Locksley pointed out the tear in her jacket and she discovered a bullet and Byrne said you were shot and didn't say a word?
I didn't like the King Arthur games and that Robin of Locksley is a character.
I absolutely hated the mention of Byrne not having proper companionship in weeks, and her having to get human females to entertain him, and wanting to pick out 2 or 3 of the women he liked best. wtf kind of twisted shit is that?
She was in his room removing his boots and told him it was the last night of the full moon, and he lied and said he forgot. But he really waited impatiently for this night each month for the renewal. I loved that he counted the weeks, days, and hours.
It was such a good moment when Byrne sat her on her thigh and cupped her head to his neck so she'd drink from him there. He wanted her to stay and didn't want it to stop. Afterward he wondered if she felt anything when he touched her.
Of course the Kyn have human women called tresora that have sex with them. God save me from this kind of world.
Locksley said Jayr had no idea the pleasure the sight of her brought him and he didn't dare look at her for too long for fear of showing it. He lived for moments like this with her. Oh goody, a love triangle! Authors just keep jumping on the bandwagon. And not cool after he just spent the night with a human, remarking on the strawberry smell of her from the ones he'd fed her. Ew. And then this asshole had the nerve to ask her the name of the "very generous and lovely female who entertained" him last night.
I couldn't stand that Jayr kept getting mistaken for a boy. This teen hit on her in front of Byrne and Locksley and others and it was so embarrassing. But I loved when Locksley mentioned boys and that she might find get pleasure out of them and I loved that Byrne slammed his glass down and told her to come with him.
And just like nearly all authors before her, this is one more sexist one to add to the list. They promote the sexuality of men by having them have sex regularly with an endless stream of women, while the heroine hasn't had sex because she's cold and sees abstinence as her duty. What. The. F? Every time I read this shit I want to f'ing lose it.
It was ruined as Byrne asked what she does when she wants fucking. He demanded that she tell him whatever he wished to know and she'll tell him now. She knew he could be crude and I really didn't like the way he spoke to her. But he asked if it was Locksley. She told him she isn't a virgin but she does it herself. She said she passes as a guy because of her body and no male would like her unless he liked other males or young girls and she won't permit it. Byrne said there are males who find females like her fetching.
She could sense that Byrne needed relief so she chose 3 females who had already been with him several times and heard them talking about what to do to please him. She could hear their voices and she imagined what he was doing. "A big, virile man like Byrne could easily pleasure three human females at the same time." She imagined him plowing into one, impaling her, and then using his mouth on another and fingers on the third. Then he'd have two use their mouths on him and the third straddling his face. Jayr knew how well he could pleasure a woman. The women came out, and thanks for small favors but he pleasured them without touching them. One said he "did her" without touching her. It had only been a few weeks since he'd had a female. Truly sick shit.
And then we got to hear about him talking about human women. They tired easily so he had 2 or 3 at a time. So manly! So hot! Keep those details coming. These three beautiful women are talented enough to bring a man to his knees. The females Jayr brought always satisfied his hungers.
I was horrified by their first encounter. She was 17 and he had been impaled with a stake and asked her not to leave him alone. She piled it out and he asked to take her blood and then he was using his mouth on her and taking her virginity without ever asking or seeing if it was okay. No. Wth is wrong with authors who think this is okay? First we learn Jayr doesn't have sex at all, and then we learn Byrne kissed her the first time they met and just inserted himself in her body like it wasn't no thing.
Locksley drew his sword on the Italian, and Jayr moved in and Alexandra remembered the look on his face and told Michael that she thought Byrne would do something reckless and heroic. He never took his eyes off her the entire time. She said when she first saw them they seemed like a couple and not boss and servant.
Alexandra discovered that Jayr had never gone through puberty, and she has bowed calves because she was undernourished. She thought she was a hermaphrodite, born with male reproductive or and as well as female. Wtf.
Byrne kept touching her and obviously liked her and Jayr kept ruining it by looking down or moving out of his grasp and leaving, and not giving him any indication that she liked him.
I loved how at the ball Byrne led her to the dance floor and made reverence to her, bowing to her. This was only done to a man's lady. Suzerains never bowed to their seneschals. Lords never bowed to servants.
He took her into the hall and she said it was pleasant and he questioned that and then she said it was enjoyable and he questioned that too and he asked if she'd dance with Locksley and he said Locksley makes her happy, unlike him. Then put her up against the wall and they kissed, until he stopped it and asked what he was doing to her. He looked disgusted and she thought he was disgusted for kissing her and she left.
He came to her room and saw her looking at her chest and he slept outside her door. He picked up on her dream of him coming to her and both of them touching themselves.
A side character sent Jayr to do these tasks to get her out of town. The whole castle knew Byrne had spent the night outside her door and were trying to get her away from him. It was hilarious reading about Byrne waking up and wanting her to attend him, but someone else came in her stead. He told him to summon Jayr and the man said she's busy. He told him to get out. He used the intercom and said her name and someone else answered, he told him to find her sent her to him. Someone knocked on his door and he thought it was her and waited for her to enter, and when she didn't he opened the door and started to ask why didn't she come in, but it was another man. He sent the man away and asked the intercom again if they'd found his seneschal. When the man said no he smashed the intercom. He asked the man dressmaker where she was. He asked Byrne if there was something wrong with his own bed. Byrne wanted to kill him and asked why she went to town. He realized they did it on purpose. Byrne told him to call Jayr on the device and tell her to return and report to him at once. Farlae asked if he meant this device and said in her haste to leave it fell out of her pocket and into his. Byrne broke it. He realized everyone loves Jayr and he said he would never hurt her. Farlae said that's not what he saw outside the ballroom and Byrne said he kissed her and said he loves her.
When she got back one of the men told her Byrne hadn't been in a good mood since she left. She found him in the pit he fell into after being shot and told him no one was coming because she told them to give them time alone. Byrne asked why she wished to be alone with him. She said to talk because things have been diff with them, and he said only talk? You could think of nothing else to do with me once you had me at your mercy?
He told her he'd spent the morning outside her chamber and he'd dreamed of her there. He asked if she remembered being with him. She said it wasn't real, and he said he knew because if it was he would've done much more than watch her. He asked if she really thought of him when she pleasures herself.
They didn't even get together until pg. 222.
She told him she wasn't like the women he chooses and he said he didn't want a woman like her, her wanted her, and he settled for them. How sweet! Not.
There was a really weird moment when her "jewel" was kissing his penis and she was inside him. He said let them have their kiss. Ew.
Locksley smelled them on each other when they were rescued from the hole, and he punched Byrne. Byrne told him what happened was between him and Jayr and that Locksley could have the realm but she belongs to him.
Nottingham challenged Jayr to a duel and Byrne said his challenge is refused. He said she belongs to him and he says she isn't fighting. In his head he said that Nottingham wouldn't touch a hair on her head and if he tried he would tear his limbs off. She went to the man and said she accepted the challenge and Byrne said no.
One of the Kyn accepted it and Byrne said you name yourself my friend and said she'd get killed. Jayr told him to trust her and he said she can't do this, he forbids it and he forbids her.
It wasn't until pg. 245 that Byrne said he wasn't ruling at the start of the new year. He'd told Locksley and had said he would tell Jayr but he never did. Now she only heard because he announced it to the room. He stripped her of her duties because only people of rank could be challenged. I so wanted her to fight.
He found her poetry of her love for him, and her drawings of him and his name, over the last 25 years. He thought of all the women, pointless and meaningless. Thanks for the reminder.
I was pissed the whole time, thinking how utterly sexist it is to think that women have to have boobs and curves to be considered a woman. It was such a huge slap in the face to have Alexandra's injections make Jayr go through puberty because she hadn't. What in the actual hell kind of shit is that? Do I have to say how f'ing insulting that is? That if a woman is slim, with no hips or chest, then she never went through puberty? So of course Jayr got boobs and hips and pubic hair. No matter that her boobs were small. That's saying it isn't okay to have no chest and it is a slap in the freaking face to every small-chested woman because there are no magical shots to receive to have your body grow. F that. The final sexist blow in this sexist, male-dominated fest.
Or so I thought. But the third blow was still to come. Jayr had the cunning to make herself a servant to another Kyn so she could accept the challenge, and she was practicing with Locksley, only to have Nottingham's crazy, conniving servant kill him and pin it on her. She wouldn't let Jayr fight him! She wouldn't let a woman have her time to prove herself in a fight. There goes that cool display of her strength I was expecting. Go men! No woman power here.
It annoyed me that he came to her after he stripped her duties and started having sex with her when she was sleeping. There you go again, it's borderline rape and twice!
He saw them practicing and said that she could have beaten Nottingham. Too little, too late. That admission does nothing because the author had him disbelief in her abilities, and impose his will on her, and the author wouldn't let her fight.
Like a soap opera, this featured a half-brother posing as his brother and fooling everyone.
Byrne had worried his rage state would destroy her, but when he went berserker Jayr talked him out of it.
Skald was Aedan Byrne's older, illegitimate brother. Lady Marian didn't love Robin Hood or Nottingham. She wanted to be a nun and Locksley had sex with her to try to win her, got her pregnant with Jayr, so he's her dad. Locksley found her in the pit with Byrne and changed her. Um, if he knew Jayr was his daughter then why was he jealous of Byrne and in love with Jayr?? WTF.
Guwain.
Edmond Dantes.
It makes it too easy when you fill up your characters based on someone else's inventions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2025
สำหรับ Evermore เล่มนี้ดูเหมือนจะเป็นการหยุดพักของคนแต่ง ไม่ใช่ว่าไม่ดีนะคะ (ดูคะแนนก็น่าจะรู้ว่าแม็กซ์ชอบเล่มนี้) เพราะเป็นครั้งแรกที่พล็อตเรื่องไม่เกี่ยวเนื่องกับเล่มอื่นในชุด แถมยังเป็นเรื่องของตัวละครที่แทบจะไม่ค่อยมีบทบาทในชุดเท่าไหร และเช่นกันค่ะ เล่มนี้รีวิวไปแล้ว คนที่ชอบเรื่องความรักที่ถวิลหากันเป็นพันปี แต่ไม่บอกรักกันสักที คงชอบเล่มนี้
เล่มนี้ถือเป็นเล่มที่แม็กซ์เชื่อในความรักระหว่างพระเอกและนางเอกมากที่ สุดก็ว่าได้นะคะ ที่สำคัญหลังจากได้อ่าน Twilight Fall มาแล้ว ทำให้แม็กซ์เกิดอาการอยากกลับไปอ่านเล่มนี้อีกครั้ง เพราะทั้ง เจย์รและไบร์นที่ออกมาใน TF ดูน่ารักมาก ๆ
คะแนนที่ 70
เล่มนี้ถือเป็นเล่มที่แม็กซ์เชื่อในความรักระหว่างพระเอกและนางเอกมากที่ สุดก็ว่าได้นะคะ ที่สำคัญหลังจากได้อ่าน Twilight Fall มาแล้ว ทำให้แม็กซ์เกิดอาการอยากกลับไปอ่านเล่มนี้อีกครั้ง เพราะทั้ง เจย์รและไบร์นที่ออกมาใน TF ดูน่ารักมาก ๆ
คะแนนที่ 70
February 19, 2017
I was going to write something about sexist and racist undertones, but they're not even undertones in this novel. Also, rape isn't cool, kids.
November 4, 2017
After the first book in the series, this one is definitely my favorite. Very rich in characters, plots, actions and biting humor!
January 13, 2019
Another great installment in the Darkyn series.
March 7, 2025
I think I had read a darkyn book before but I’m not sure. Took a little getting used to the terms. Was a little repetitive but a good twist at the end.
April 18, 2011
"There once was a rich man who tried to cross the river... What a dope, he slipped on rope, Now look at him shiver."
AHH Robin Hood - one of my favorite movies - Christian Slater, Kevin Costner...
Oh wait - This is a Darkyn Book Review :)
I have to say that this wasn't my favorite while reading most of it - I liked a lot of it, but I kept groaning when I pieced together the parts with Robin of Locksley, Nottingham - and even Maiden Marian - Yes you got that right - Robin Hood is Darkyn ...
The story begins with Aedan mac Byrne, and his seneschal Jayr - Jayr is one of the youngest turned Kyns (turned at the age of 17) but for some reason, he body never made it all the way through puberty - living her full 710 years as a Seneschal for Byrne, looking like a boy, and trying to fit in with the rest of the Kyn - She doesn't have time for romance, fluffy dresses or jewels - give her a sword and she's happy :)
But she has a secret that she mustn’t tell - Her feelings towards her Lord Byrne... She would do anything for him.
Lord Aedan mac Byrne, He is a very LARGE Warrior with long Flaming Red hair (I'm seeing the guy from "how to train your dragon" )
His Jurdian is the Realm - where he entertains the public (humans) old mid-evil style. Once a month out of the year, they close the castle from the public, and bring in the Darkyn from Europe to bring on a friendly Tournament.
Byrne is having troubles with his temper, he is afraid of losing control. In confidence, he tells Michael that he wants to leave the Realm, Michael and Alex come to the tournament for a vacation, and to figure out who the best replacement for Byrne is.
Now Robin of Locksley is an old friend of Byrne, so he is at the castle more often than just for the tournament , But once the other Darkyn start to arrive from Europe, a newcomer shows up and wants to play the games - This is Nottingham - Nottingham and Robin have a bad history (over Maiden Mary) - Nottingham also has a very annoying Seneschal who gets on everyone’s nerves -
The plot thickens and everyone becomes on edge -
I thought the whole thing was silly - really - Robin hood?? But after the ending - it really fixed the book for me. I think I like the story a lot better now. it wasn't the whole tall tale of Robin Hood - yes he was outlawed for stealing, and yes Maiden Mary wanted to be with Robin hood but was engaged to Nottingham, but there was a lot in-between.
BUT That's not that main part of the story :) I didn't tell you that Byrne shared Jayr's feelings - only he was too afraid to act on them, because she was so loyal to him. He was afraid that she would only like him because he told her to -
Their story was a little troubling for me - Jayr was born with the body of a little girl - she was 17 when she was turned Kyn, Byrne was in the war, dying, and she saved him by pulling the copper steak out of his chest and giving him her blood - he also had his way with her (her first... and only time with a man) Maybe he seemed a little old for her, but they explained that in those days, you were considered an adult at age 12....
I'm not sure what it was that troubled me about their story though. but towards the end, she got her help from Alex and started to blossom into the women she so desperately wanted to be, so it all worked out :)
SO That's why I need to hunt around Netflix this week and see if I can find Robin hood on Instantly Watch movies :) If I don't, It's going to be stuck in my head until I do :)
AHH Robin Hood - one of my favorite movies - Christian Slater, Kevin Costner...
Oh wait - This is a Darkyn Book Review :)
I have to say that this wasn't my favorite while reading most of it - I liked a lot of it, but I kept groaning when I pieced together the parts with Robin of Locksley, Nottingham - and even Maiden Marian - Yes you got that right - Robin Hood is Darkyn ...
The story begins with Aedan mac Byrne, and his seneschal Jayr - Jayr is one of the youngest turned Kyns (turned at the age of 17) but for some reason, he body never made it all the way through puberty - living her full 710 years as a Seneschal for Byrne, looking like a boy, and trying to fit in with the rest of the Kyn - She doesn't have time for romance, fluffy dresses or jewels - give her a sword and she's happy :)
But she has a secret that she mustn’t tell - Her feelings towards her Lord Byrne... She would do anything for him.
Lord Aedan mac Byrne, He is a very LARGE Warrior with long Flaming Red hair (I'm seeing the guy from "how to train your dragon" )
His Jurdian is the Realm - where he entertains the public (humans) old mid-evil style. Once a month out of the year, they close the castle from the public, and bring in the Darkyn from Europe to bring on a friendly Tournament.
Byrne is having troubles with his temper, he is afraid of losing control. In confidence, he tells Michael that he wants to leave the Realm, Michael and Alex come to the tournament for a vacation, and to figure out who the best replacement for Byrne is.
Now Robin of Locksley is an old friend of Byrne, so he is at the castle more often than just for the tournament , But once the other Darkyn start to arrive from Europe, a newcomer shows up and wants to play the games - This is Nottingham - Nottingham and Robin have a bad history (over Maiden Mary) - Nottingham also has a very annoying Seneschal who gets on everyone’s nerves -
The plot thickens and everyone becomes on edge -
I thought the whole thing was silly - really - Robin hood?? But after the ending - it really fixed the book for me. I think I like the story a lot better now. it wasn't the whole tall tale of Robin Hood - yes he was outlawed for stealing, and yes Maiden Mary wanted to be with Robin hood but was engaged to Nottingham, but there was a lot in-between.
BUT That's not that main part of the story :) I didn't tell you that Byrne shared Jayr's feelings - only he was too afraid to act on them, because she was so loyal to him. He was afraid that she would only like him because he told her to -
Their story was a little troubling for me - Jayr was born with the body of a little girl - she was 17 when she was turned Kyn, Byrne was in the war, dying, and she saved him by pulling the copper steak out of his chest and giving him her blood - he also had his way with her (her first... and only time with a man) Maybe he seemed a little old for her, but they explained that in those days, you were considered an adult at age 12....
I'm not sure what it was that troubled me about their story though. but towards the end, she got her help from Alex and started to blossom into the women she so desperately wanted to be, so it all worked out :)
SO That's why I need to hunt around Netflix this week and see if I can find Robin hood on Instantly Watch movies :) If I don't, It's going to be stuck in my head until I do :)
August 7, 2009
During a raining night Jayr is attack by a group of thieves who wants to take him down, only for an expensive Rolex watch. But the thieves are shocked when they discover that this young boy isn’t an easy target, because Jayr is not only a woman but also a Darkyn. She can fight like any male Darkyn and she is not alone, her Lord Byrne and his best friend Robyn are near. Jayr became Darkyn at an early age, during the last battle by Robert she tried to help a wounded man, not knowing that would change her life forever. Turned by this man Aaden mac Byrne, she joins his realm and served him well after centuries and deep in her heart she loves him dearly.
Aadan mac Byrne is the seneschal of the Darkyn in his area and the Lord of the castle, the Realm where fellow Darkyn can come and celebrate some festivals. But Byrne feels he is losing control little by little over his berserker, his beast. So he is ready to step down and let someone else take over before he hurts someone, especially the woman he loves secretly, Jayr.
When Michael, the lead Darkyn of all America and his wife Alexandra make their way to the Realm to choose a new leader, nothing goes as it should be. Before any decision is made, an old enemy of Robin of Locksley shows up and throw some damper over the whole event.
Evermore by Lynn Viehl is the fifth novel in her Darkyn series and a real treasure. Just like the previous books Miss Lynn Viehl knows how to lure me into a world full of danger, conspiracy and great characters from fairytales. What I love most about the books is the real connection between them.
Main characters Jayr and Byrne are strong, determined and a little bit stubborn. They both have strong feelings for the other, but in secret. Byrne is the head of his area, but lately he feels restless and knows he cannot control the beast inside him. The only thing to do is to step down and let another run his realm. Byrne knows he will have to give up Jayr when he steps down. When Jayr hears about Byrne stepping down, she is furious because she doesn’t want another boss to serve and with the help of Alexandra she now knows how to seduce the only man she loves and wants.
I really love the fact that in every novel in this Darkyn series, Michael en Alexandra make an appearance. We learn more about the bond between those two and Alexandra’s journey to find a cure for all Darkyns.
Lynn Viehl writes fabulous and treats the readers on a huge doses paranormal that we can value and I’m curious to see what will happens next.
Aadan mac Byrne is the seneschal of the Darkyn in his area and the Lord of the castle, the Realm where fellow Darkyn can come and celebrate some festivals. But Byrne feels he is losing control little by little over his berserker, his beast. So he is ready to step down and let someone else take over before he hurts someone, especially the woman he loves secretly, Jayr.
When Michael, the lead Darkyn of all America and his wife Alexandra make their way to the Realm to choose a new leader, nothing goes as it should be. Before any decision is made, an old enemy of Robin of Locksley shows up and throw some damper over the whole event.
Evermore by Lynn Viehl is the fifth novel in her Darkyn series and a real treasure. Just like the previous books Miss Lynn Viehl knows how to lure me into a world full of danger, conspiracy and great characters from fairytales. What I love most about the books is the real connection between them.
Main characters Jayr and Byrne are strong, determined and a little bit stubborn. They both have strong feelings for the other, but in secret. Byrne is the head of his area, but lately he feels restless and knows he cannot control the beast inside him. The only thing to do is to step down and let another run his realm. Byrne knows he will have to give up Jayr when he steps down. When Jayr hears about Byrne stepping down, she is furious because she doesn’t want another boss to serve and with the help of Alexandra she now knows how to seduce the only man she loves and wants.
I really love the fact that in every novel in this Darkyn series, Michael en Alexandra make an appearance. We learn more about the bond between those two and Alexandra’s journey to find a cure for all Darkyns.
Lynn Viehl writes fabulous and treats the readers on a huge doses paranormal that we can value and I’m curious to see what will happens next.
December 8, 2015
"Evermore" by Lynn Viehl. Book 5 in the Darkyn series.
Absolute best one of the series! (So far...still 2 more to go!) Byrne and Jayr are a match 600 years in the making. I freaking loved this one! Byrne and Jayr have been mentioned in previous books but you can really read this book as a stand alone although if you start at the beginning, you will be more familiar with all the other characters.
Aedan Byrne is a Darkyn who is tired of being the leader of his jardin (group of Darkyn). He runs a knights in armour restaurant/show that's called the Realm. Now the Realm is closing to humans so other jardin can come and participate in the annual tournament of jousting, sword fighting and archery. And of course, Byrne's seneschal Jayr will be by his side. After the tournament, Byrne will no longer be leader of the Realm jardin and he'll have to leave Jayr behind. The problem is, he's had feelings for Jayr ever since he changed her into Darkyn over 600 years ago.
Jayr is the only female seneschal that exists in the Darkyn world and she has loved Byrne for her whole 600+ years of being his seneschal but he doesn't know it. The master/seneschal relationship is not an intimate one. It is a relationship of respect, honour and duty. But it's getting harder and harder for Jayr to keep her feelings hidden. It doesn't help that Byrne is acting more friendly with her that usual. She knows he doesn't have "that" kind of feelings for her. For how can a man love a woman who looks like a teenage boy? She's definitely not the buxsom figured woman that is his type.
Mixed in with Jayr and Bryne's love story is a twisted tale of revenge and betrayal, mystery and intrigue, which happens to encompass the legend of Robin Hood! And yes...Robin of Locksley is in this book and he happens to be a Darkyn. By the ending of this book I was thinking "What the hell is going on!?!?!" and that's a good thing! Just when I thought I figured everything out, WHAM! Plot twist! Jayr and Bryne's longing for each other was really heartbreaking when you know they love each other but are hiding their feelings. Their relationship is quite steamy. In this book, the overall series bad-guys, the Brethern, are not in this book at all, which surprised me and I actually enjoyed the book without them even more.
I'm so glad I kept reading this series because this book alone made it worth it. LOVED THIS BOOK!
Absolute best one of the series! (So far...still 2 more to go!) Byrne and Jayr are a match 600 years in the making. I freaking loved this one! Byrne and Jayr have been mentioned in previous books but you can really read this book as a stand alone although if you start at the beginning, you will be more familiar with all the other characters.
Aedan Byrne is a Darkyn who is tired of being the leader of his jardin (group of Darkyn). He runs a knights in armour restaurant/show that's called the Realm. Now the Realm is closing to humans so other jardin can come and participate in the annual tournament of jousting, sword fighting and archery. And of course, Byrne's seneschal Jayr will be by his side. After the tournament, Byrne will no longer be leader of the Realm jardin and he'll have to leave Jayr behind. The problem is, he's had feelings for Jayr ever since he changed her into Darkyn over 600 years ago.
Jayr is the only female seneschal that exists in the Darkyn world and she has loved Byrne for her whole 600+ years of being his seneschal but he doesn't know it. The master/seneschal relationship is not an intimate one. It is a relationship of respect, honour and duty. But it's getting harder and harder for Jayr to keep her feelings hidden. It doesn't help that Byrne is acting more friendly with her that usual. She knows he doesn't have "that" kind of feelings for her. For how can a man love a woman who looks like a teenage boy? She's definitely not the buxsom figured woman that is his type.
Mixed in with Jayr and Bryne's love story is a twisted tale of revenge and betrayal, mystery and intrigue, which happens to encompass the legend of Robin Hood! And yes...Robin of Locksley is in this book and he happens to be a Darkyn. By the ending of this book I was thinking "What the hell is going on!?!?!" and that's a good thing! Just when I thought I figured everything out, WHAM! Plot twist! Jayr and Bryne's longing for each other was really heartbreaking when you know they love each other but are hiding their feelings. Their relationship is quite steamy. In this book, the overall series bad-guys, the Brethern, are not in this book at all, which surprised me and I actually enjoyed the book without them even more.
I'm so glad I kept reading this series because this book alone made it worth it. LOVED THIS BOOK!
November 14, 2014
Another good one. These just keep getting better. Lots of Scottish and British history and lots of involved plot and actions. Not so much fighting in this one, though they threaten it a lot.
Byrne and Jayr’s relationship is interesting. The way they play off each other sort of works, but after 500+ years of it, they should have figured out something by now or be completely bored and/or fed up with the situation.
And I still love Alex. She is so cool, I’d like to be her. Why can’t the Kyn world give Alex and Cyprian a break and just let them love in peace? Hopefully things will settle down now. Keyword for them: communication. I’ve noticed that a lot of the parts I like best in these books involve Alex and/or Cyprian.
I wish we’d seen some of the regular tournament, between the different jardins instead of just the practice and storyline stuff. Though the party was interesting. But these Kyn need to get with the times and modernize their behavior. The wives are the worst. So the way Byrne and Jayr ended up is a good thing, but not sure how it’s going to work since Jayr knows how to do everything and Byrne doesn’t. There’s going to be some learning adjustments going on there.
I thought the Robin Hood connection, though interesting, was confusing and seemed a bit forced, I still enjoyed how it played out. I felt really sorry for Nottingham. He is a chauvinistic jerk and needs to learn manners, but I don’t think deserves his punishment. It’s not going to teach him anything and he’ll just get worst. Like they say “keep your friends close and your enemies closer’. I bet he causes trouble later.
Quick Thoughts: 1)Seems like Nottingham’s reputation is always the same no matter who writes about him.
2)I’m surprised that the Realm Kyn is do things the old 13th century way. I understand that some of the things they need cannot be bought elsewhere, but it’s another symptom of why they are so backward civilization-wise.
3)Jayr’s method of getting bagged blood is different, practical, but different. Waste not, want not. Having come across anything like it before.
Fave scenes: the human tourist tournament banquet, Alex’s reaction when arriving at the castle, Alex’s physical examination of Jayr and Alex operation on Nottingham.
Byrne and Jayr’s relationship is interesting. The way they play off each other sort of works, but after 500+ years of it, they should have figured out something by now or be completely bored and/or fed up with the situation.
And I still love Alex. She is so cool, I’d like to be her. Why can’t the Kyn world give Alex and Cyprian a break and just let them love in peace? Hopefully things will settle down now. Keyword for them: communication. I’ve noticed that a lot of the parts I like best in these books involve Alex and/or Cyprian.
I wish we’d seen some of the regular tournament, between the different jardins instead of just the practice and storyline stuff. Though the party was interesting. But these Kyn need to get with the times and modernize their behavior. The wives are the worst. So the way Byrne and Jayr ended up is a good thing, but not sure how it’s going to work since Jayr knows how to do everything and Byrne doesn’t. There’s going to be some learning adjustments going on there.
I thought the Robin Hood connection, though interesting, was confusing and seemed a bit forced, I still enjoyed how it played out. I felt really sorry for Nottingham. He is a chauvinistic jerk and needs to learn manners, but I don’t think deserves his punishment. It’s not going to teach him anything and he’ll just get worst. Like they say “keep your friends close and your enemies closer’. I bet he causes trouble later.
Quick Thoughts: 1)Seems like Nottingham’s reputation is always the same no matter who writes about him.
2)I’m surprised that the Realm Kyn is do things the old 13th century way. I understand that some of the things they need cannot be bought elsewhere, but it’s another symptom of why they are so backward civilization-wise.
3)Jayr’s method of getting bagged blood is different, practical, but different. Waste not, want not. Having come across anything like it before.
Fave scenes: the human tourist tournament banquet, Alex’s reaction when arriving at the castle, Alex’s physical examination of Jayr and Alex operation on Nottingham.
May 28, 2010
The Setting — still America, but this time you’re bounced around between several different places as the plot thickened. Most of them are already locations and established, except the Florida Everglades. ~__^
The Characters — are what I seem to love about these books. I looked back on my previous posts and saw how much I wrote in this section. Oh well! Jaus has been one of my favorite characters, probably because of his tragic encounters earlier. What I thought was the established mold he would follow – he did not. At first it bothered me, but then I sat back and looked at him as a character and I could see how it all fit. The heroine, petite Chinese Liling, is much like the other female characters before her – but different. She is depicted as very powerful, but quiet and self-sacrificing, which were wonderful to read. Her twin was an interesting character with the climax of the story I would love to see again. John Keller, as always, was annoying but I think he finally got his just reward, well, he at least had his mind made up for him by the end of the book. I liked how the other characters grew or became more of their own through this book even though several of them were not featured prominently or much. I adore Rain and Farlae, for instance, and really liked that they were in the story as well.
The Plot — is getting complex and yet more complicated! These books create layer upon layer of story and situation. Not only is there the story of Jaus and Liling going on, but also a rescue, the investigation into the orphans, what the heck is wrong with John, what’s going on with Luisa, and what are the Bretheren up to? Part of the story contained in Twilight Fall is that of the orphans and what the Bretheren do with DNA. The dark and twisted truths uncovered are what is setting the foundation for the Kyndred series, I know, but it’s fascinating and I know I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
The Characters — are what I seem to love about these books. I looked back on my previous posts and saw how much I wrote in this section. Oh well! Jaus has been one of my favorite characters, probably because of his tragic encounters earlier. What I thought was the established mold he would follow – he did not. At first it bothered me, but then I sat back and looked at him as a character and I could see how it all fit. The heroine, petite Chinese Liling, is much like the other female characters before her – but different. She is depicted as very powerful, but quiet and self-sacrificing, which were wonderful to read. Her twin was an interesting character with the climax of the story I would love to see again. John Keller, as always, was annoying but I think he finally got his just reward, well, he at least had his mind made up for him by the end of the book. I liked how the other characters grew or became more of their own through this book even though several of them were not featured prominently or much. I adore Rain and Farlae, for instance, and really liked that they were in the story as well.
The Plot — is getting complex and yet more complicated! These books create layer upon layer of story and situation. Not only is there the story of Jaus and Liling going on, but also a rescue, the investigation into the orphans, what the heck is wrong with John, what’s going on with Luisa, and what are the Bretheren up to? Part of the story contained in Twilight Fall is that of the orphans and what the Bretheren do with DNA. The dark and twisted truths uncovered are what is setting the foundation for the Kyndred series, I know, but it’s fascinating and I know I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
July 25, 2011
On the face of things, if asked to explain the plot of a Viehl Darkyn book, you wouldn't get very far before you felt pretty silly. Robin Hood as a vampire? That's odd enough for me, but given that the historic Battle of Bannockburn took place just 5 miles from my doorstep I found it pretty funny that vampire involvement factored so heavily in the victory the Scots took from that.....
So the plot lines may sound ridiculous, but the odd thing about Viehl's books is that when you're reading them they don't seem ridiculous in the slightest. In fact, every book that I have read I've found exciting, intriguing, funny, tragic, romantic, and packed with action. All the hallmarks of an excellent series, and an excellent author.
This installment is quite different to the others. It's darker, more complex, and kept me guessing right up until the very end. These might be romance books, but there is a heck of a lot of meaty plot there too. Unlike Sherrilyn Kenyon's formulaic books (sexy knightly type vampire meets girl next door, turns out they're soulmates with some mystical problem to solve, they shag, the end) Viehl is a different beast entirely. Her heroines find their heroes, but the path isn't easy and somehow it all comes across as being a lot more believable. I really liked that in this book the heroine at least starts out as a vampire in the first place, and didn't become one through some trick of fate....
Viehl's books also have a cohesive storyline to bind the series together - Seigneur Michael Cyprien and the vampire first-lady Alexandra Keller. I like the fact that Alex's wisecracking comments stop these medieval romps from seeming too cheesy and provide a light-hearted note to what is otherwise quite a dark book.
Brilliant series, can't wait to read the rest.....
So the plot lines may sound ridiculous, but the odd thing about Viehl's books is that when you're reading them they don't seem ridiculous in the slightest. In fact, every book that I have read I've found exciting, intriguing, funny, tragic, romantic, and packed with action. All the hallmarks of an excellent series, and an excellent author.
This installment is quite different to the others. It's darker, more complex, and kept me guessing right up until the very end. These might be romance books, but there is a heck of a lot of meaty plot there too. Unlike Sherrilyn Kenyon's formulaic books (sexy knightly type vampire meets girl next door, turns out they're soulmates with some mystical problem to solve, they shag, the end) Viehl is a different beast entirely. Her heroines find their heroes, but the path isn't easy and somehow it all comes across as being a lot more believable. I really liked that in this book the heroine at least starts out as a vampire in the first place, and didn't become one through some trick of fate....
Viehl's books also have a cohesive storyline to bind the series together - Seigneur Michael Cyprien and the vampire first-lady Alexandra Keller. I like the fact that Alex's wisecracking comments stop these medieval romps from seeming too cheesy and provide a light-hearted note to what is otherwise quite a dark book.
Brilliant series, can't wait to read the rest.....
March 26, 2008
This is the first book I've read from this author and I must say that it will not be the last. Fablous, delicious, sexy with a smooth as silk storyline that will make you want more.
The author takes a tale of Olde England and turns it into spun gold. That is vampire style spun gold. The characters are not only likeable but loveable with the exception of Lord Nottingham whom you really want to hate. It's not a matter of the storyline making you want to hate him but just the aura of the character. There really is something devilish about him.
The action that takes place with Jayr doing her Lord's bidding, setting up the tournament for the Realm and accomendating the number of guests and their needs makes you wonder how anyone could possibly do everything in the amount of time alloted. Yes I know that Vampires are faster, more addept and tireless but everyone does have their limits.
Jayr not only questions herself but has doubts about who she really is. Emotions come into play that make you want to weep for her. Can she really find out who she is and possibly entertain the concept of love with someone whom she shouldn't even be thinking of. Can an erotic dream be truely real and shared? This is something Jayr must find the answer to while questioning her own sanity.
The characters, their flaws and emotions along with the deep need for sexual contact leave you to turning page after page to find only so much more.
The ending ties up loose ends with battle prowness, sexual heat and lifetime questions that have been unanswered only to show us that not is as it should be. Secrets uncovered brought to startling life make all's well that ends well.
What more can I say that if you don't read this you don't deserve to read a great work of art.
The author takes a tale of Olde England and turns it into spun gold. That is vampire style spun gold. The characters are not only likeable but loveable with the exception of Lord Nottingham whom you really want to hate. It's not a matter of the storyline making you want to hate him but just the aura of the character. There really is something devilish about him.
The action that takes place with Jayr doing her Lord's bidding, setting up the tournament for the Realm and accomendating the number of guests and their needs makes you wonder how anyone could possibly do everything in the amount of time alloted. Yes I know that Vampires are faster, more addept and tireless but everyone does have their limits.
Jayr not only questions herself but has doubts about who she really is. Emotions come into play that make you want to weep for her. Can she really find out who she is and possibly entertain the concept of love with someone whom she shouldn't even be thinking of. Can an erotic dream be truely real and shared? This is something Jayr must find the answer to while questioning her own sanity.
The characters, their flaws and emotions along with the deep need for sexual contact leave you to turning page after page to find only so much more.
The ending ties up loose ends with battle prowness, sexual heat and lifetime questions that have been unanswered only to show us that not is as it should be. Secrets uncovered brought to startling life make all's well that ends well.
What more can I say that if you don't read this you don't deserve to read a great work of art.
April 30, 2013
I'm a big fan of the Darkyn series, so I was very much looking forward to reading the next book. In my eyes, the strengths of Lynn Viehl's series are the round, troubled and passionate characters who don't leave us after one book, the complex plot which is full of history and kin politics and, of course, the romance which always makes me want to cry out "Open your eyes!!!" all the time (mostly right from the beginning). And there is this special dark twist to her novels which just aren't the usual paranormal romance type.
Jayr has always been in love with her Master, who has made her one of the Kyn. Byrne himself has always felt guilty for robbing Jayr of her mortal life but he also has deep feelings for her. This is the foundation for a really frustrating love story which is why I can't give a full five fairy rating. I'm glad that Viehl's novels are never only about the couple. But I love about her stories that they are always unique. Jayr had been turned before her body reached puberty and has some very special problems herself.
This book focuses on a tournament at Byrne's castle where all Darkyn lords are invited. It's a great opportunity for Michael to take up his reigning tasks after Alexandra's abduction. Those two also have some problems because this traumatic experience won't pass without a consequence. Alex is having some really strange dreams which seem to draw her to another man.
I enjoyed this book very much and read through it in one day, I think that speaks for itself. Another reason might also be that I'm currently more into adult than young adult books. If you haven't started this series yet, you definitely have to do so. The Darkyn, as Knights Templar, have an interesting history which never fails to surprise.
Jayr has always been in love with her Master, who has made her one of the Kyn. Byrne himself has always felt guilty for robbing Jayr of her mortal life but he also has deep feelings for her. This is the foundation for a really frustrating love story which is why I can't give a full five fairy rating. I'm glad that Viehl's novels are never only about the couple. But I love about her stories that they are always unique. Jayr had been turned before her body reached puberty and has some very special problems herself.
This book focuses on a tournament at Byrne's castle where all Darkyn lords are invited. It's a great opportunity for Michael to take up his reigning tasks after Alexandra's abduction. Those two also have some problems because this traumatic experience won't pass without a consequence. Alex is having some really strange dreams which seem to draw her to another man.
I enjoyed this book very much and read through it in one day, I think that speaks for itself. Another reason might also be that I'm currently more into adult than young adult books. If you haven't started this series yet, you definitely have to do so. The Darkyn, as Knights Templar, have an interesting history which never fails to surprise.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2009
5th in the series.
Jayr is the seneschal of Aeden Byrne, Suzerain of the Orlando Jardin of the Darkyn and owner of the Realm. Jayr saved Byrne from certain death in the battle of Bannockburn and has secretly been in love with him since that day, even though he changed her to Darkyn.
Byrne is a centuries old Darkyn, battle for the freedom of Scotland from the English. But he is tired of trying to hold in his inner beast, a beast so horrible that he has decided to step down as suzerain of the The realm and retreat to entire seclusion. But he is afraid of leaving Jayr behind, for in truth he is deeply in love with her.
Nice story! My favorite so far and I have one more on hand of this series to read. Like I said before these books get better and better. I am hoping that there will be a book for two of the minor characters in this one, Robin of Locksley and Guy of Guiseborne, they both deserve an HEA.
Jayr is the seneschal of Aeden Byrne, Suzerain of the Orlando Jardin of the Darkyn and owner of the Realm. Jayr saved Byrne from certain death in the battle of Bannockburn and has secretly been in love with him since that day, even though he changed her to Darkyn.
Byrne is a centuries old Darkyn, battle for the freedom of Scotland from the English. But he is tired of trying to hold in his inner beast, a beast so horrible that he has decided to step down as suzerain of the The realm and retreat to entire seclusion. But he is afraid of leaving Jayr behind, for in truth he is deeply in love with her.
Nice story! My favorite so far and I have one more on hand of this series to read. Like I said before these books get better and better. I am hoping that there will be a book for two of the minor characters in this one, Robin of Locksley and Guy of Guiseborne, they both deserve an HEA.
August 23, 2013
I originally read this in Feb 2010 and had forgotten a lot of the complicated subplots of this story. Jayr is unique among the Kyn in that she is a female seneschal, a typically male profession. She secretly loves her suzerain Aedan mac Byrne and this complicates both their lives. Byrne has his own secret that is revealed at the onset of the story and shapes the plot. He plans to renounce his suzerain and holds a tournament to help select his successor. Multiple plots with twists and turns make this an engrossing story.
I really love these books and the varied cast of characters that move in and out of the main arc. Alex and Michael from the first book make their usual cameo appearance along with others from the previous books. I read it over two nights and was delighted with the tale. Another abrupt ending which would normally irritate me but since I have the next installment handy, I will be starting it right away.
I really love these books and the varied cast of characters that move in and out of the main arc. Alex and Michael from the first book make their usual cameo appearance along with others from the previous books. I read it over two nights and was delighted with the tale. Another abrupt ending which would normally irritate me but since I have the next installment handy, I will be starting it right away.
March 30, 2013
I've read most of the Darkyn series and this story is by far my favorite. This was my second read through and it only improved.
In this book Aedan mac Byrne is the suzerain (leader) of a group of Darkyn in Florida. One of his closest friends is Robin of Locksley (yes, that one) and his right hand is his seneschal Jayr. Jary is a woman but was turned into Drakyn at age 17 when she was half-starved. Her body never fully developed and she's often mistaken for a young man. She takes it all in stride as her sole focus is the care of her lord Byrne.
This is a love story at its finest, with two characters who feel they can never be together despite how long they've lived side-by-side. There are many twists and turns not only in their story, but in the story of a few other characters in this world. Overall, a really great read for lovers of paranormal and romance.
In this book Aedan mac Byrne is the suzerain (leader) of a group of Darkyn in Florida. One of his closest friends is Robin of Locksley (yes, that one) and his right hand is his seneschal Jayr. Jary is a woman but was turned into Drakyn at age 17 when she was half-starved. Her body never fully developed and she's often mistaken for a young man. She takes it all in stride as her sole focus is the care of her lord Byrne.
This is a love story at its finest, with two characters who feel they can never be together despite how long they've lived side-by-side. There are many twists and turns not only in their story, but in the story of a few other characters in this world. Overall, a really great read for lovers of paranormal and romance.
September 13, 2008
#5 Darkyn (vampires) series
Very good! I so enjoy the world of the Darkyn, the some of the recurring characters from previous books.
This one was a bit different, in that many of the Kyn featured in this book have been around since the Middle Ages, and we learned of their history with each other over the centuries as they met again at the "Realm" in Orlando, Florida for Middle Ages games (fencing, jousting, ec.), meetings and fancy dinners.
I LOVED the love story with Jayr & her "master", Adean mac Byrne :-)
Lots of intrigue, drama & suspense with an arrogant, mysterious Kyn leader & his crew who show up claiming to be from Italy ... but no one has ever heard of any of them any time in Kyn history.
Very good! I so enjoy the world of the Darkyn, the some of the recurring characters from previous books.
This one was a bit different, in that many of the Kyn featured in this book have been around since the Middle Ages, and we learned of their history with each other over the centuries as they met again at the "Realm" in Orlando, Florida for Middle Ages games (fencing, jousting, ec.), meetings and fancy dinners.
I LOVED the love story with Jayr & her "master", Adean mac Byrne :-)
Lots of intrigue, drama & suspense with an arrogant, mysterious Kyn leader & his crew who show up claiming to be from Italy ... but no one has ever heard of any of them any time in Kyn history.
January 1, 2009
Very good vampire book with yet new unique vampire characteristics (I'm always amazed that these authors can dream up new things to set themselves apart from Anne Rice). Also, kind of a strange twist: these vampires come from the middles ages and new vampires are rarely, if ever made modernly. So they are very old fashion in their thinking.
I would have give this five stars as it's riveting and very dramatic (hard to put down) but it completely crumbles apart at the end. It's like she didn't know how to end it and tries to tie it up like a bad Nancy Drew mystery. ::sigh::
I liked it enough to try others in the series, anyway.
Also, a warning for those who care: it is quite explicit and sexually graphic.
I would have give this five stars as it's riveting and very dramatic (hard to put down) but it completely crumbles apart at the end. It's like she didn't know how to end it and tries to tie it up like a bad Nancy Drew mystery. ::sigh::
I liked it enough to try others in the series, anyway.
Also, a warning for those who care: it is quite explicit and sexually graphic.
April 28, 2009
3 1/2 stars. Probably my least favorite of the series, though considering I thing the series is pretty darn good, it still makes this a good book. I just couldn't get into Jayr that much. I think the author spent too much time contriving an intriguing plot and left the character a little unconnected to the reader. Also Byrne's "talent" was left in suspense for too long IMO. It made it harder to sympathize with his difficulties in dealing with it. Additionally I felt Alex's dream problem could have been elimintated altogether as it added nothing to the story. As I mentioned, the plot contained a great deal of intrigue and was pulled together well, leaving a satisfactory high feeling at the conclusion of the book.
April 10, 2010
Great read! I liked seeing Michael & Alexandra again (they were introduced in book one and have had key roles in the subsequent books). I love both their characters. I also like how the author wove in the Robin Hood legend with Robin and Will. The plot was fast paced with many twists and turns. The ending was a total surprise! I liked Byrne and Jayr's romance once they finally got together--over 600 years surely they could have talked to each other sooner about their feelings?! Only thing in the book that I didn't like was Byrne's decision and then Michael's decision regarding Byrne's jardin. It didn't make sense to me. (No I won't say, because it'd be a spoiler.) i'm looking forward to reading the next book.
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