What do you think?
Rate this book
Lords of the Darkyn #2
Nightbred
New York Times bestselling author Lynn Viehl’s enthralling new series continues as a valiant warrior sets out on a dangerous quest for immortality…and endless love…
Jamys Durand has survived being made an immortal Darkyn, horrific torture, and years of grueling warrior training. But he has no future to offer Chris, the mortal woman he loves, without his own territory. When he learns of a lost Templar treasure, Jamys vows to possess it and win his lady’s heart.
No one knows Chris Lang wants to be a tresora so she can live with Jamys, her secret love. Her superiors offer to make her dream come true, but only if she finds the lost treasure before Jamys can. Working together, Chris and Jamys track the jewels through a shadowy maze of priceless artifacts, decadent secrets, and one ruthless opponent who can possess an immortal’s mind…and will stop at nothing to have Chris.
Jamys Durand has survived being made an immortal Darkyn, horrific torture, and years of grueling warrior training. But he has no future to offer Chris, the mortal woman he loves, without his own territory. When he learns of a lost Templar treasure, Jamys vows to possess it and win his lady’s heart.
No one knows Chris Lang wants to be a tresora so she can live with Jamys, her secret love. Her superiors offer to make her dream come true, but only if she finds the lost treasure before Jamys can. Working together, Chris and Jamys track the jewels through a shadowy maze of priceless artifacts, decadent secrets, and one ruthless opponent who can possess an immortal’s mind…and will stop at nothing to have Chris.
313 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 4, 2012
18 people are currently reading
783 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Viehl
54 books986 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
December 20, 2012
I have been in love with Lynn Viehl's works from the beginning with Book 1 of the Darkyns and on into her parallel novels of the Kyn. We met Jamy's Durand years ago when he was insane from torture and could no longer speak. He befriended a young Goth girl named Christian and they have each grown into what they thought the other wanted since their separation 3 years prior. She gave up her Goth identity and studied to become a working entity in a Darkyn household. He trained to become a warrior to vie for a household of his own to house the girl he loves. When a memo from the High Lord of Darkyn is posted that the recovery of 3 magical Emeralds will garner the finder his own country to rule, Jamy's wants them Chris needs them also...she will become a member of the human elite and be able to enter Jamy's world as his own. But when an usurper enters wanting the gems, Chris, and the ruling seat in Florida the fight becomes more than just a search for the jewels. It becomes a fight of life or death...and love!
November 28, 2012
Had a heard time getting into this. I had high hopes for this story and thought I would enjoy this. I liked the fact that Jamys was turned very young about 17 or 18, just on cusp of adulthood, and although he was over 700 years old, he was treated like he was a kid by his father and the other warriors. Then there was supposed to be the adventure of finding the jewels so that he would win his own lands to rule so he could make an offer of marriage to Chris who had had fallen in love with three years ago.
It was just very slow going, with several chapters dedicated to Lucen and Samantha (from a prior story), it was interesting but took time away from Jamys and Chris's story and in the end the quest wasn't all the exciting.
Overall I was just disappointed.
See more at http://ebookobsessed.com
It was just very slow going, with several chapters dedicated to Lucen and Samantha (from a prior story), it was interesting but took time away from Jamys and Chris's story and in the end the quest wasn't all the exciting.
Overall I was just disappointed.
See more at http://ebookobsessed.com
December 31, 2012
Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2012/12/04/...
Publisher: Signet
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: ARC from the publisher via Netgalley
Jamys Durand has survived being made an immortal Darkyn, horrific torture, and years of grueling warrior training. But he has no future to offer Chris, the mortal woman he loves, without his own territory. When he learns of a lost Templar treasure, Jamys vows to possess it and win his lady’s heart.
No one knows Chris Lang wants to be a tresora so she can live with Jamys, her secret love. Her superiors offer to make her dream come true, but only if she finds the lost treasure before Jamys can. Working together, Chris and Jamys track the jewels through a shadowy maze of priceless artifacts, decadent secrets, and one ruthless opponent who can possess an immortal’s mind…and will stop at nothing to have Chris.
This blurb came from Goodreads.
I have read and enjoyed this author under the name of S. L. Viehl with her Stardoc world. I knew that she had a vampiric series as Lynn Viehl so when we were offered the chance to review Nightbred I decided to give them a try. While I found a couple of superficial similarities between her two voices, I never got confused with who I was reading. As both S. L. Viehl and Lynn Viehl her trademark seems to be building really complex worlds and putting her main characters through some hard times. While Nightbred is the second book of her Lords of the Darkyn series this appears to build on events that have happened in other series and includes characters from those series as well. Given that, I highly recommend that you do not decide to start with this book because I found myself with a lot of questions while I read trying to understand the back history without any context.
Chris struck me as a very determined woman. She had a goal in mind so she figured out the best way to achieve that goal and set to work. She spent several long hard years transforming herself into the epitome of someone who could be trusted as a Darkyn’s right hand human, a job usually passed through a bloodline, all for a chance to be with Jamys. She has to accomplish one last thing and then she will be selected as a tresora. Of course things ended up going rather south at that point. Jamys shows up and instead of falling over himself to get to her, he keeps acting like he is looking for the Chris he remembered, not this calm controlled version. She has a run-in with the leader of a group of refugee Darkyn who thought she was there to serve anyone who asked. Then, Lucan, the Darkyn whose household she was serving in starts acting rather odd and throws her out when she tries to stop him from destroying his relationship with Samantha, his sygkenis (lover/partner/wife?). Despite all of the setbacks Chris continued to push towards her ultimate goal while struggling with nightmares from her past and someone who wants to ruin her future.
Jamys I really didn’t get as much of a feel for because most of his backstory was covered in other books I think. He had been tortured and was working towards his goal of being able to have a life with Chris. When the story opens he is dependent on his father for everything and wants to be independent. So he seizes the chance to go after the lost treasure and prove that he is worthy of his own territory. He gets caught up in the same mess as Chris when Lucan loses his mind and starts destroying his support structure.
I enjoyed what I was able to see of Chris and Jamys getting to know each other again and build their relationship since they had only spent a short period of time together before being physically separated for the past several years. I liked how Jamys didn’t judge Chris for her past and even supported her through a traumatic reminder of how desperate she had been once. I also liked how Chris decided that Jamys was more important to her than her superiors’ plots regardless of the effects of that decision on her goal of becoming a tresora. They also worked well together getting information about the treasure and figuring out their next step.
I do have mixed feelings about Nightbred. Even though Chris and Jamys are the main couple I felt as if their story was upstaged by the events between Sam, Lucan, and the villain who was pulling a lot of strings. I was disappointed in that because it seemed as if their relationship was in place simply to reveal more about the Darkyn world instead of being the center-point of the book. I also thought that the villain was able to get his way far too easily in a variety of ways yet for someone with that amount of power he was vanquished too easily. I also thought what happened with Chris and Jamys at the end of the last confrontation with the villain solved too many of the lingering issues in one fell swoop. I think that the Darkyn world Viehl has built is fascinating, but I just did not pick a good introduction.
I give Nightbred a C-
Publisher: Signet
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: ARC from the publisher via Netgalley
Jamys Durand has survived being made an immortal Darkyn, horrific torture, and years of grueling warrior training. But he has no future to offer Chris, the mortal woman he loves, without his own territory. When he learns of a lost Templar treasure, Jamys vows to possess it and win his lady’s heart.
No one knows Chris Lang wants to be a tresora so she can live with Jamys, her secret love. Her superiors offer to make her dream come true, but only if she finds the lost treasure before Jamys can. Working together, Chris and Jamys track the jewels through a shadowy maze of priceless artifacts, decadent secrets, and one ruthless opponent who can possess an immortal’s mind…and will stop at nothing to have Chris.
This blurb came from Goodreads.
I have read and enjoyed this author under the name of S. L. Viehl with her Stardoc world. I knew that she had a vampiric series as Lynn Viehl so when we were offered the chance to review Nightbred I decided to give them a try. While I found a couple of superficial similarities between her two voices, I never got confused with who I was reading. As both S. L. Viehl and Lynn Viehl her trademark seems to be building really complex worlds and putting her main characters through some hard times. While Nightbred is the second book of her Lords of the Darkyn series this appears to build on events that have happened in other series and includes characters from those series as well. Given that, I highly recommend that you do not decide to start with this book because I found myself with a lot of questions while I read trying to understand the back history without any context.
Chris struck me as a very determined woman. She had a goal in mind so she figured out the best way to achieve that goal and set to work. She spent several long hard years transforming herself into the epitome of someone who could be trusted as a Darkyn’s right hand human, a job usually passed through a bloodline, all for a chance to be with Jamys. She has to accomplish one last thing and then she will be selected as a tresora. Of course things ended up going rather south at that point. Jamys shows up and instead of falling over himself to get to her, he keeps acting like he is looking for the Chris he remembered, not this calm controlled version. She has a run-in with the leader of a group of refugee Darkyn who thought she was there to serve anyone who asked. Then, Lucan, the Darkyn whose household she was serving in starts acting rather odd and throws her out when she tries to stop him from destroying his relationship with Samantha, his sygkenis (lover/partner/wife?). Despite all of the setbacks Chris continued to push towards her ultimate goal while struggling with nightmares from her past and someone who wants to ruin her future.
Jamys I really didn’t get as much of a feel for because most of his backstory was covered in other books I think. He had been tortured and was working towards his goal of being able to have a life with Chris. When the story opens he is dependent on his father for everything and wants to be independent. So he seizes the chance to go after the lost treasure and prove that he is worthy of his own territory. He gets caught up in the same mess as Chris when Lucan loses his mind and starts destroying his support structure.
I enjoyed what I was able to see of Chris and Jamys getting to know each other again and build their relationship since they had only spent a short period of time together before being physically separated for the past several years. I liked how Jamys didn’t judge Chris for her past and even supported her through a traumatic reminder of how desperate she had been once. I also liked how Chris decided that Jamys was more important to her than her superiors’ plots regardless of the effects of that decision on her goal of becoming a tresora. They also worked well together getting information about the treasure and figuring out their next step.
I do have mixed feelings about Nightbred. Even though Chris and Jamys are the main couple I felt as if their story was upstaged by the events between Sam, Lucan, and the villain who was pulling a lot of strings. I was disappointed in that because it seemed as if their relationship was in place simply to reveal more about the Darkyn world instead of being the center-point of the book. I also thought that the villain was able to get his way far too easily in a variety of ways yet for someone with that amount of power he was vanquished too easily. I also thought what happened with Chris and Jamys at the end of the last confrontation with the villain solved too many of the lingering issues in one fell swoop. I think that the Darkyn world Viehl has built is fascinating, but I just did not pick a good introduction.
I give Nightbred a C-
September 12, 2015
This review was posted at Under the Covers
3.5 Stars
First of all, I blame my really bad memory sometimes that when I start a book I’m completely lost. I read the previous book in this series, but seems like ages ago. It took me a little while to get used to the world and to get to know the characters. But that was just me.
Once the story got going and clicked in my head, I actually think it’s a bit faster paced than the previous book. Plus, I liked the young souls the hero and heroine of this book are. A little bit less doom and gloom, a bit more “I’m-going-after-the-love-of-my-life idealism”.
Jamys Durand might look young (he was made Kyn at 17, and continues to look young), and might still be under his father’s rule, but he has big wants. He specifically wants a human woman, Chris, and to get her he has to have his own territory. This is where I think it would’ve probably helped with my enjoyment of this book if I had actually read the original Darkyn series and had seen how these two actually met.
See, now Chris is working for Kyn Lord Lucan and wanting to become a Tresora so she can serve Jamys, the Kyn she fell in love with. She’s changed a lot about herself in the hopes to be qualified for that position. Meanwhile, Jamys was back home trying to figure out a way that he could come and make Chris his.
A lot of Jamys story was briefly mentioned but not really talked about, so I found myself a bit cheated because I couldn’t come to care for the hero as much as I wanted. The heroine, I thought was strong, with a lot of spunk and personality. The story is a bit dark and for readers of the Darkyn series, it does go back into Kyn Lord Lucan and Samantha’s relationship.
There is quite a bit of action in this one…even pirates! But although I like the authors’ writing a lot and I do enjoy being in this world, I keep finding that in order to fully enjoy this series, you really should read the one it’s originating from.
Even so, I enjoyed this story. Like I said, there’s something dark and intriguing about this world that keeps me coming back for more.
*ARC provided by publisher
3.5 Stars
First of all, I blame my really bad memory sometimes that when I start a book I’m completely lost. I read the previous book in this series, but seems like ages ago. It took me a little while to get used to the world and to get to know the characters. But that was just me.
Once the story got going and clicked in my head, I actually think it’s a bit faster paced than the previous book. Plus, I liked the young souls the hero and heroine of this book are. A little bit less doom and gloom, a bit more “I’m-going-after-the-love-of-my-life idealism”.
Jamys Durand might look young (he was made Kyn at 17, and continues to look young), and might still be under his father’s rule, but he has big wants. He specifically wants a human woman, Chris, and to get her he has to have his own territory. This is where I think it would’ve probably helped with my enjoyment of this book if I had actually read the original Darkyn series and had seen how these two actually met.
See, now Chris is working for Kyn Lord Lucan and wanting to become a Tresora so she can serve Jamys, the Kyn she fell in love with. She’s changed a lot about herself in the hopes to be qualified for that position. Meanwhile, Jamys was back home trying to figure out a way that he could come and make Chris his.
A lot of Jamys story was briefly mentioned but not really talked about, so I found myself a bit cheated because I couldn’t come to care for the hero as much as I wanted. The heroine, I thought was strong, with a lot of spunk and personality. The story is a bit dark and for readers of the Darkyn series, it does go back into Kyn Lord Lucan and Samantha’s relationship.
There is quite a bit of action in this one…even pirates! But although I like the authors’ writing a lot and I do enjoy being in this world, I keep finding that in order to fully enjoy this series, you really should read the one it’s originating from.
Even so, I enjoyed this story. Like I said, there’s something dark and intriguing about this world that keeps me coming back for more.
*ARC provided by publisher
February 1, 2013
The Lords of the Darkyn series is dark, indeed, and this book is no exception. I was intrigued by the character of Jamys Durand when he was first introduced, and was pleased to see him get his own book. I also like that the books generally bring in at least one couple featured in a previous book, this time Lucan and Sam. (Is anyone else hoping to hear from Valentin and Liling again sometime soon??) Jamys and Christian are in love with each other, but neither knows of the other's feelings. They have spent the last three years apart, training so they could be what they think the other most needs. Jamys travels to Lucan's stronghold to begin a quest that he hopes will utimately land him his own territory to run, and his love. Nothing is every that easy, of course; in this case a crazy Darkyn wants to take all that Lucan holds dear. The story switches between the Jamys/Chris and Lucan/Sam until everything dovetails together, with plenty of male posturing and violence in the mix. Overall an enjoyable addition to the series.
January 3, 2013
While Jamys' romance didn't get as much screen time as it could have and the conflict between him and his Chris was overcome by *gasp* them actually talking to each other to clear up any potential 'big misunderstandings', I still liked this latest Lord's of the Darkyn story. But then again I am a bit memory challenged so I didn't have extreme expectations for this pairing.
The non-romance part of the book was interesting - and frustrating since it messed with past pair Lucan and Samantha- and, as a warning, it did have some of Viehl's trademark darkness (enslaved women and 'bad guy coerced sex'). While Nightbred wasn't the best book in Viehl's Darkyn or Kindred series, for me it was still good enough to keep me reading this series.
The non-romance part of the book was interesting - and frustrating since it messed with past pair Lucan and Samantha- and, as a warning, it did have some of Viehl's trademark darkness (enslaved women and 'bad guy coerced sex'). While Nightbred wasn't the best book in Viehl's Darkyn or Kindred series, for me it was still good enough to keep me reading this series.
April 1, 2015
Another amazing read from Lynn Veihl. Great story, great characters, and a great arc.
December 5, 2012
Posted: http://smexybooks.com/2012/12/review-...
Jamys Durand wants nothing more than to be respected as a warrior, have his own home and land with the woman he loves at his side. Unfortunately, though he’s been around for over 700 years, being made Kyn at the age of 17 has him continuing to look like a very young man. Add to that, being kidnapped and tortured at the hands of the Brethren three years ago—his father Lord Thierry Durand is somewhat over protective when it comes to his only son. But when Jamys learns that Richard Tremayne has offered territory in Ireland along with the title of Suzerain to the one who finds the precious three emeralds missing from the Scroll of Falkonera, he is determined to find them and in turn win the woman of his heart.
Christian Lang wants nothing more than to be a tresora. In her mind, she feels that this is the only way to be with Jamys as she is not Kyn. She’s trained night and day for three years and when the council hands down their final test – find the three missing emeralds she find herself at a crossroads. She knows that Jamys wants to find the emeralds too and become a suzerain with lands of his own. She’s caught in the middle and torn between her love for Jamys and completing the task for herself. No matter her decision, she could lose Jamys.
But Jamys and Christian are not the only ones looking for the emeralds. There is another; a Kyn who wants the emeralds just as much though he plans to use them to ruin everyone and take over Lord Alenfar’s jardin. His Kyn talent allows him to overtake the minds and bodies of anyone including some of the strongest Kyn Lords. For hundreds of years he’s roamed the seas, but he’s closer than he’s ever been from what he wants and he’ll stop at nothing to get it.
Nightbred started off a bit slow for me. There is an inferred previous relationship between Jamys and Christian and as I didn’t remember them from the previous series I felt a little lost. Individually, I really liked our hero and heroine. Jamys’ opening scene where he challenges the warriors of his father’s jardin and prevails in all challenges sets up his story as he proves once and for all that he is and deserves to be a warrior. His father, Thierry, has been quite over protective since being kidnapped and tortured by their enemy, the Brethren, and he does not want to lose his only son. And while Jamys will never look older than the 17 years he was at the time of his change, he’s lived many lifetimes and he’s ready to move forward. He is willing to do whatever necessary to get what he wants.
Christian Lang had a tough childhood until she was taken in by Lucan and Samantha. Pulled into the word of the Darkyn, she embraced them as the family she’d never had. She’s trained for three years to be a tresora, a human personal assistant of sorts; a necessity where the Darkyn are concerned, and a very important position in a Darkyn household. Christian’s done all of this with the hope that one day she can be Jamys’ tresora.
This is where the romance between Christian and Jamys fell flat for me in this book. While we are “told” that they are in love and there are romantic elements and moments within the story, they both hide their feelings and walk on eggshells around each other. Christian is trying to be the person she thinks Jamys will need or want, which confuses Jamys a bit, but neither of them just speaks up and admits their feelings. This does not provide any sort of sexual tension or build up to some huge reveal, however, and when they do touch or kiss, it didn’t have that “oh my God, finally” feeling.
The main conflict of this book revolves around the search for the cursed emeralds from the Scroll of Falkonera which was introduced in the previous book, Nightborn. This part of the story was what pulled me through and kept me reading. It provides much mystery and intrigue and covers action and adventure well. It introduces another Kyn with the spectacular power of being able to control the mind and body of another Darkyn through the use of any gold that person might be wearing. He’s also a Kyn who has managed to exist by adopting the lifestyle of a pirate, roaming the seas for hundreds of years, therefore staying off the radar of other Kyn. While I enjoyed this part of the story, for me it slightly overshadowed Jamys and Christian’s story even though all their actions crossed over throughout the story.
I am also very unclear as to what happened during Christian’s transition at the end of the story. It felt like there was some sort of hint that Christian was something more than human and that facilitated her change but we are left hanging. She becomes Kyn, but it’s unexplained and I can only hope the author plans to clear it up in a future book.
Finally, what of the emeralds? We are left hanging here as well. Were they found? Who has them? And if the person I think has them, does—why not admit it? Not a cliffhanger; more a dissatisfaction for the reader.
I like this author’s writing style and her world building is convincing and well done. I love the world of the Darkyn and really enjoyed the book prior to this one. Nightbred, however, fell a bit short for me. I had moments of confusion and for me there wasn’t enough focus on the main couple, Jamys and Christian. I should point out that I have not read all of the books in her prior Darkyn series, of which this is a spinoff, and that could account for some of my confusion. I will continue on as I hope to get the answers to some of these questions. If anyone has read it and has some answers-please email me!
Jamys Durand wants nothing more than to be respected as a warrior, have his own home and land with the woman he loves at his side. Unfortunately, though he’s been around for over 700 years, being made Kyn at the age of 17 has him continuing to look like a very young man. Add to that, being kidnapped and tortured at the hands of the Brethren three years ago—his father Lord Thierry Durand is somewhat over protective when it comes to his only son. But when Jamys learns that Richard Tremayne has offered territory in Ireland along with the title of Suzerain to the one who finds the precious three emeralds missing from the Scroll of Falkonera, he is determined to find them and in turn win the woman of his heart.
Christian Lang wants nothing more than to be a tresora. In her mind, she feels that this is the only way to be with Jamys as she is not Kyn. She’s trained night and day for three years and when the council hands down their final test – find the three missing emeralds she find herself at a crossroads. She knows that Jamys wants to find the emeralds too and become a suzerain with lands of his own. She’s caught in the middle and torn between her love for Jamys and completing the task for herself. No matter her decision, she could lose Jamys.
But Jamys and Christian are not the only ones looking for the emeralds. There is another; a Kyn who wants the emeralds just as much though he plans to use them to ruin everyone and take over Lord Alenfar’s jardin. His Kyn talent allows him to overtake the minds and bodies of anyone including some of the strongest Kyn Lords. For hundreds of years he’s roamed the seas, but he’s closer than he’s ever been from what he wants and he’ll stop at nothing to get it.
Nightbred started off a bit slow for me. There is an inferred previous relationship between Jamys and Christian and as I didn’t remember them from the previous series I felt a little lost. Individually, I really liked our hero and heroine. Jamys’ opening scene where he challenges the warriors of his father’s jardin and prevails in all challenges sets up his story as he proves once and for all that he is and deserves to be a warrior. His father, Thierry, has been quite over protective since being kidnapped and tortured by their enemy, the Brethren, and he does not want to lose his only son. And while Jamys will never look older than the 17 years he was at the time of his change, he’s lived many lifetimes and he’s ready to move forward. He is willing to do whatever necessary to get what he wants.
Christian Lang had a tough childhood until she was taken in by Lucan and Samantha. Pulled into the word of the Darkyn, she embraced them as the family she’d never had. She’s trained for three years to be a tresora, a human personal assistant of sorts; a necessity where the Darkyn are concerned, and a very important position in a Darkyn household. Christian’s done all of this with the hope that one day she can be Jamys’ tresora.
This is where the romance between Christian and Jamys fell flat for me in this book. While we are “told” that they are in love and there are romantic elements and moments within the story, they both hide their feelings and walk on eggshells around each other. Christian is trying to be the person she thinks Jamys will need or want, which confuses Jamys a bit, but neither of them just speaks up and admits their feelings. This does not provide any sort of sexual tension or build up to some huge reveal, however, and when they do touch or kiss, it didn’t have that “oh my God, finally” feeling.
The main conflict of this book revolves around the search for the cursed emeralds from the Scroll of Falkonera which was introduced in the previous book, Nightborn. This part of the story was what pulled me through and kept me reading. It provides much mystery and intrigue and covers action and adventure well. It introduces another Kyn with the spectacular power of being able to control the mind and body of another Darkyn through the use of any gold that person might be wearing. He’s also a Kyn who has managed to exist by adopting the lifestyle of a pirate, roaming the seas for hundreds of years, therefore staying off the radar of other Kyn. While I enjoyed this part of the story, for me it slightly overshadowed Jamys and Christian’s story even though all their actions crossed over throughout the story.
I am also very unclear as to what happened during Christian’s transition at the end of the story. It felt like there was some sort of hint that Christian was something more than human and that facilitated her change but we are left hanging. She becomes Kyn, but it’s unexplained and I can only hope the author plans to clear it up in a future book.
Finally, what of the emeralds? We are left hanging here as well. Were they found? Who has them? And if the person I think has them, does—why not admit it? Not a cliffhanger; more a dissatisfaction for the reader.
I like this author’s writing style and her world building is convincing and well done. I love the world of the Darkyn and really enjoyed the book prior to this one. Nightbred, however, fell a bit short for me. I had moments of confusion and for me there wasn’t enough focus on the main couple, Jamys and Christian. I should point out that I have not read all of the books in her prior Darkyn series, of which this is a spinoff, and that could account for some of my confusion. I will continue on as I hope to get the answers to some of these questions. If anyone has read it and has some answers-please email me!
November 20, 2018
It was fine.
July 15, 2013
Three years ago, Jamys Durand and Christian (Chris) Lang fell in love, while Jamys was staying with Lucan and Sam. Thinking they are not worthy of the other, they still kept in contact through email over the years. Chris has given up her gothic looks and has done her best to become the most perfect tresora so she can give her oath to Jamys. Jamys in turn has gone back to his father’s stronghold, and started training to become a warrior himself. He wants to be the suzerain of his own jardin, so he can take care of Chris and ask her to be his mortal wife.
Jamys knows it is time to claim Christ for his own. Richard Tremayne, The High Lord of all the Kyn, has announced a treasure hunt for some magical emeralds. The Kyn who finds them, and hands them over to the High Lord will get the reign over Ireland. And with all the Kyn fleeing Europe where the Brethren are persecuting them mercilessly, there are plenty of people in need of a new place to live. Before long, only the deserts and wastelands will be available in America. The influx of refugees from Europe is really causing trouble for Lucan and Samantha, and somehow, Lucan is not behaving as he usually does.
When Sam goes of on a new police investigation, Lucan is really unhappy about that, and tries to prevent her from doing her job. And when she seems to be having an admirer, he totally goes over the line when he decides to take the man out himself. Somehow, he has lost 5 hours of his live, and has no idea why Jamys and Chris are on the run from him, or why Sam is so very mad at him. But still it takes a long time before someone finds out what is wrong with Lucan and knows what to do about it …
Both Jamys and Chris want to find the emeralds. Chris has been asked to by the Tresora Council, with the vague promise of getting what she wants most after handing them over. The council really does not want the High Lord to get his hands on them, as they fear for the world. With those emeralds he will supposedly be able to turn as many humans into Kyn as he wants, creating his own immortal army. But Chris can give up her dream of becoming a tresora, when she finds out that Jamys really is in love with her, and wants her to be with him for as long as possible. And so they start working together, following the last known traces about the emeralds. Revealing a lot of Chris’ dark past in the process.
And in the end it all comes together, the secret enemy who wants to take over Lucan’s jardin and wife, and Chris, and the man who lost the emeralds in the first place … and an ancient pirate legend involving a Dutch legend …
All the trouble for Lucan and Sam did get a lot more attention than the romance between Jamys and Chris, but it fitted the story and was very well written. I did have my suspicions about the bad guy early on, but did not connect everything. It also did not take very long to be swept up in the world of the Kyn again, their unique lore and culture.
Chris has worked so very hard, training with every possible weapon there is, in order to defend her lord when necessary, to deal with blood loss for a prolonged amount of time and still be able to do her duties, and whatever else can be asked of a tresora. No one suspects that it is not Lucan or Sam she wants to serve, but Jamys.
Jamys looks 17 forever, although he is several hundreds of years old already. Both his father and he have been tortured by the Brethren for decades, and when they were freed, no one thought they would ever be able to recover, and be sane again. But they did it, first Jamys’ father, when he found his new sygkenis, and Jamys started healing inside when he found Chris and her unwavering trust in him. Still he is treated as a boy by his father, and he is tired of it. This is why he started training as a warrior, to be a real man in the other man’s eyes as well. To earn his respect and that of the garrison that serves his father. I think that must be totally frustrating, to be a boy forever and treated as such.
They take great care of each other, and I liked reading about that. Jamys also has no hesitation whatsoever; he easily uses his Kyn powers to manipulate humans to give him whatever he wants. And Chris accepts it, and does not protest on behalf of the humans. This is kind of refreshing as well.
There was also another hidden enemy, speaking and capturing both Chris and Jamys in dreams. I do wonder who he is, and what will happen in the next book. I wish there was some more action on the Brethren side, but they don’t seem to be very organised in America at the moment.
The world Lynn Viehl has created, you either love it or hate it, there seems to be no way in the middle. I am one of the loving fans, but this book/subseries is just not as good as the rest. And although I did enjoy the story in this book, not as much as I used to. I will read the next book a bit sooner, Nightbound is already on my shelves.
7 stars.
Full review on my blog, www.boeklogboek.blogspot.com
Jamys knows it is time to claim Christ for his own. Richard Tremayne, The High Lord of all the Kyn, has announced a treasure hunt for some magical emeralds. The Kyn who finds them, and hands them over to the High Lord will get the reign over Ireland. And with all the Kyn fleeing Europe where the Brethren are persecuting them mercilessly, there are plenty of people in need of a new place to live. Before long, only the deserts and wastelands will be available in America. The influx of refugees from Europe is really causing trouble for Lucan and Samantha, and somehow, Lucan is not behaving as he usually does.
When Sam goes of on a new police investigation, Lucan is really unhappy about that, and tries to prevent her from doing her job. And when she seems to be having an admirer, he totally goes over the line when he decides to take the man out himself. Somehow, he has lost 5 hours of his live, and has no idea why Jamys and Chris are on the run from him, or why Sam is so very mad at him. But still it takes a long time before someone finds out what is wrong with Lucan and knows what to do about it …
Both Jamys and Chris want to find the emeralds. Chris has been asked to by the Tresora Council, with the vague promise of getting what she wants most after handing them over. The council really does not want the High Lord to get his hands on them, as they fear for the world. With those emeralds he will supposedly be able to turn as many humans into Kyn as he wants, creating his own immortal army. But Chris can give up her dream of becoming a tresora, when she finds out that Jamys really is in love with her, and wants her to be with him for as long as possible. And so they start working together, following the last known traces about the emeralds. Revealing a lot of Chris’ dark past in the process.
And in the end it all comes together, the secret enemy who wants to take over Lucan’s jardin and wife, and Chris, and the man who lost the emeralds in the first place … and an ancient pirate legend involving a Dutch legend …
All the trouble for Lucan and Sam did get a lot more attention than the romance between Jamys and Chris, but it fitted the story and was very well written. I did have my suspicions about the bad guy early on, but did not connect everything. It also did not take very long to be swept up in the world of the Kyn again, their unique lore and culture.
Chris has worked so very hard, training with every possible weapon there is, in order to defend her lord when necessary, to deal with blood loss for a prolonged amount of time and still be able to do her duties, and whatever else can be asked of a tresora. No one suspects that it is not Lucan or Sam she wants to serve, but Jamys.
Jamys looks 17 forever, although he is several hundreds of years old already. Both his father and he have been tortured by the Brethren for decades, and when they were freed, no one thought they would ever be able to recover, and be sane again. But they did it, first Jamys’ father, when he found his new sygkenis, and Jamys started healing inside when he found Chris and her unwavering trust in him. Still he is treated as a boy by his father, and he is tired of it. This is why he started training as a warrior, to be a real man in the other man’s eyes as well. To earn his respect and that of the garrison that serves his father. I think that must be totally frustrating, to be a boy forever and treated as such.
They take great care of each other, and I liked reading about that. Jamys also has no hesitation whatsoever; he easily uses his Kyn powers to manipulate humans to give him whatever he wants. And Chris accepts it, and does not protest on behalf of the humans. This is kind of refreshing as well.
There was also another hidden enemy, speaking and capturing both Chris and Jamys in dreams. I do wonder who he is, and what will happen in the next book. I wish there was some more action on the Brethren side, but they don’t seem to be very organised in America at the moment.
The world Lynn Viehl has created, you either love it or hate it, there seems to be no way in the middle. I am one of the loving fans, but this book/subseries is just not as good as the rest. And although I did enjoy the story in this book, not as much as I used to. I will read the next book a bit sooner, Nightbound is already on my shelves.
7 stars.
© 2013 Reviews by Aurian
Full review on my blog, www.boeklogboek.blogspot.com
August 14, 2021
First rating: 4 stars.
New rating: 3 stars
Either I was in a bad reading slump or this book wasn't as good as it's predecessor. It was slightly dull and the romance felt somewhat forced.
New rating: 3 stars
Either I was in a bad reading slump or this book wasn't as good as it's predecessor. It was slightly dull and the romance felt somewhat forced.
March 29, 2013
Mon avis en Français
My English review
I already had the opportunity to read a novel by this author and it is true that as I didn’t start with the first volume, I feared to not understand all the subtleties like the one I tried. But that was not the case and I was swept away by the story more than I would have thought at first.
We discover Jamys a young man changed at his 17 so, now, everyone thinks he is only a boy. Appearances are deceiving but it does not change people's attitude towards him. He corresponds in secret with a young woman, mortal, Chris, he loves for almost three years. But their condition, so different, prevents them from being together. So when he learns that the discovery of a lost treasure has the power to make him win a land, he does not hesitate to be part of this quest. Chris, meanwhile, is trying to become Tresora in order to get closer to her lover. But in order to become what she wants, they ordered her to find the treasure, otherwise they will destroy her by any means. So when Jamys arrives and that Chris is assigned to him, she knows that she will have to make a choice and fast! But in addition to this, it seems that they are not alone in the search of the famous stones, and some others Darkyn, have some more ruthless methods! Fact that we can discover in this novel.
It was really cute to see our two heroes together. They do not know how to express their feelings and do not know what the other feels. They therefore act both very cautiously, afraid to be rejected. It's funny to see them around each other like that, trying to uncover the secrets that are buried in themselves. During their quest, they will have the opportunity to rediscover what they have become after three years of absence, realizing that the person they were, are no longer, and each has evolved since. But that does not change their feelings and they will gradually be closer in the story. They are both scared but determined to please the other. We discover through their quest their tumultuous past, and their hopes for a new life. It was very interesting to see how they have evolved and how they became the person we discover. But of course, we have other really fascinating characters as Lucan and Sam and I must say that Sam is a woman with a fiery temperament. She made me smile several times by her attitude and her courage in all circumstances. I'm curious to learn more about her.
I was surprised that nobody realized who the villain really was or what was happening but when he was found I did not expect that he was so twisted. I was surprised by many of his actions and manipulations. It was interesting to see his designs at work.
The story was intriguing and I was looking forward to see how they would manage to survive. It’s a really nice read, and I would love to read some more now.
My English review
I already had the opportunity to read a novel by this author and it is true that as I didn’t start with the first volume, I feared to not understand all the subtleties like the one I tried. But that was not the case and I was swept away by the story more than I would have thought at first.
We discover Jamys a young man changed at his 17 so, now, everyone thinks he is only a boy. Appearances are deceiving but it does not change people's attitude towards him. He corresponds in secret with a young woman, mortal, Chris, he loves for almost three years. But their condition, so different, prevents them from being together. So when he learns that the discovery of a lost treasure has the power to make him win a land, he does not hesitate to be part of this quest. Chris, meanwhile, is trying to become Tresora in order to get closer to her lover. But in order to become what she wants, they ordered her to find the treasure, otherwise they will destroy her by any means. So when Jamys arrives and that Chris is assigned to him, she knows that she will have to make a choice and fast! But in addition to this, it seems that they are not alone in the search of the famous stones, and some others Darkyn, have some more ruthless methods! Fact that we can discover in this novel.
It was really cute to see our two heroes together. They do not know how to express their feelings and do not know what the other feels. They therefore act both very cautiously, afraid to be rejected. It's funny to see them around each other like that, trying to uncover the secrets that are buried in themselves. During their quest, they will have the opportunity to rediscover what they have become after three years of absence, realizing that the person they were, are no longer, and each has evolved since. But that does not change their feelings and they will gradually be closer in the story. They are both scared but determined to please the other. We discover through their quest their tumultuous past, and their hopes for a new life. It was very interesting to see how they have evolved and how they became the person we discover. But of course, we have other really fascinating characters as Lucan and Sam and I must say that Sam is a woman with a fiery temperament. She made me smile several times by her attitude and her courage in all circumstances. I'm curious to learn more about her.
I was surprised that nobody realized who the villain really was or what was happening but when he was found I did not expect that he was so twisted. I was surprised by many of his actions and manipulations. It was interesting to see his designs at work.
The story was intriguing and I was looking forward to see how they would manage to survive. It’s a really nice read, and I would love to read some more now.
January 3, 2016
"Nightbred" by Lynn Viehl. Book 2 of the Lords of the Darkyn trilogy.
I really liked this second addition to the trilogy. Jamys is a character that was introduced in the second book of the Darkyn series and I've always wanted him to get a happily ever after. Chris is a character that was introduced in the third book of the Darkyn series and I've always wanted to know what happened to her.
Jamys may look like a mature seventeen year old but he's really 700 years old. He's been training to be a warrior for the last 3 years, gaining muscle and skills to use a sword and knives. He wants to be master of his own territory so he can have a tresora, one in particular. He has never stopped thinking about Chris since he met her 3 years ago. He's loved her ever since then but he's not sure if she has the same feelings for him. If making her his tresora is the only way he can be near her, then that's what he's going to do.
Chris has dedicated the last 3 years of her life to becoming the prefect tresora but not for her current Lord Lucan. She never swore loyalty to him even though she's very loyal. She wants to be Jamys's tresora. She's loved him since she met him 3 years ago but she's not sure if he feels the same way. If being his tresora is the only way she can be with him, then that's what she's going to do.
So that's the basis of the love story between Chris and Jamys. I loved it. Beyond the romantic love story, the overall plot of the book continues from the first book. Jamys and Chris are both searching for the Emeralds of Eternity; Chris needs them to become a tresora and Jamys needs them to become a seigneur (master) of his own territory. But there's another force out there that's interfering and can take over the minds of the Kyn. Even though I figured out the plot and some of the twists in this book, I really enjoyed the story. It's also enjoying to see some of the original Darkyn. In this book, Lucan and Sam play a big roll. The overall series story line is not concluded in this book (obviously) because there is one more book to go.
The only thing I wish I knew was Chris and Jamys's back story. They kept referring to meeting 3 years ago like I (as the reader) should already now what happened. I know there is a novella in the Darkyn series called "Master of Shadows" and unfortunately I couldn't read it because it is not available on the eReader that I have. I'm thinking their past may be included in this novella? (NOTE: If I ever end up reading the novella, I'll edit this review to let you know.) Regardless, you can totally read this book without reading the novella. Enough of the backstory is given that you know they formed some kind of relationship together.
I am really look forward to starting the last book. I'm enjoying this trilogy.
I really liked this second addition to the trilogy. Jamys is a character that was introduced in the second book of the Darkyn series and I've always wanted him to get a happily ever after. Chris is a character that was introduced in the third book of the Darkyn series and I've always wanted to know what happened to her.
Jamys may look like a mature seventeen year old but he's really 700 years old. He's been training to be a warrior for the last 3 years, gaining muscle and skills to use a sword and knives. He wants to be master of his own territory so he can have a tresora, one in particular. He has never stopped thinking about Chris since he met her 3 years ago. He's loved her ever since then but he's not sure if she has the same feelings for him. If making her his tresora is the only way he can be near her, then that's what he's going to do.
Chris has dedicated the last 3 years of her life to becoming the prefect tresora but not for her current Lord Lucan. She never swore loyalty to him even though she's very loyal. She wants to be Jamys's tresora. She's loved him since she met him 3 years ago but she's not sure if he feels the same way. If being his tresora is the only way she can be with him, then that's what she's going to do.
So that's the basis of the love story between Chris and Jamys. I loved it. Beyond the romantic love story, the overall plot of the book continues from the first book. Jamys and Chris are both searching for the Emeralds of Eternity; Chris needs them to become a tresora and Jamys needs them to become a seigneur (master) of his own territory. But there's another force out there that's interfering and can take over the minds of the Kyn. Even though I figured out the plot and some of the twists in this book, I really enjoyed the story. It's also enjoying to see some of the original Darkyn. In this book, Lucan and Sam play a big roll. The overall series story line is not concluded in this book (obviously) because there is one more book to go.
The only thing I wish I knew was Chris and Jamys's back story. They kept referring to meeting 3 years ago like I (as the reader) should already now what happened. I know there is a novella in the Darkyn series called "Master of Shadows" and unfortunately I couldn't read it because it is not available on the eReader that I have. I'm thinking their past may be included in this novella? (NOTE: If I ever end up reading the novella, I'll edit this review to let you know.) Regardless, you can totally read this book without reading the novella. Enough of the backstory is given that you know they formed some kind of relationship together.
I am really look forward to starting the last book. I'm enjoying this trilogy.
January 10, 2015
I love the ‘Lords of the Darklyn’ storyline. This one is a fascinating blend of the ‘Lost Dutchman’, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Twilight and of course there’s some of our favorite Darklyn: Lucan & Sam and Jamys & Chris.
But it felt like this was just a vehicle to continue the ‘Emeralds of Eternity’ storyline, with Jamys & Chris’ romance throw in on top. Lucan & Sam’s problems were just as prominent at Jamys and Chris.
Though I love Jamys and am glad he had his own book and happy ending, sometimes I felt he was a little too bland and predictable. Halfway through we see that all that tension and desire was just smoldering under the surface and I’m glad the crisis allowed him to open up. He comes across as the perfect lover, but his love scenes were too gentle. I don’t like abusive men, but this could have had more spice. Chris also was too withdrawn and cautious. She used to be rebellious until Sam introduced to the Darklyn world and Burke got ahold of her. Instead of boldly doing her thing, we don’t see much of the old Chris showing through. She just seemed to follow in Sam’s footsteps.
The two of them seemed like whipped puppies. Afterall this was their book, they should shine. Instead, as shown by how Dutch was more interested in Lucan and Sam than Jamys and Chris, it was like the two were the sidekicks. Sam was the female hero and Lucan was the unwilling bad guy. Except for a few spots, Jamys and Chris were just along for the ride.
Werren was an interesting character. I was never sure just who she was and what she was up to even at the end. She did what she could to help the girls, but she was way too terrified and subservient. She could have taken over like Sam did at any time, but then they had nowhere to go. I would think that death would be preferable to their condition.
The main storyline ending is exciting, though the epilogue was expected. I knew somehow the main issue between Jamys and Chris would be resolved, afterall it was brought up quite a bit, but I like the romantic way it happened. Jamys got his girl and his jardin. Couldn’t be better. Though having to keep Chris a secret is nothing new to the series. And the treasure hunt is still ongoing for ‘Nightbound’
Quick Thoughts: 1)When Sam got back and caught Lucan ‘just feeding’ on a young girl, he should have picked one not so scantily dressed. It might have helped his case.
2)Paradise Isle sound almost exactly like Esme’s island in Twilight’s Breaking Dawn. Though Paradise was a lot more fantasy.
Fave scenes: Chris confronting the visiting warriors, the confrontation at the ‘Turtle’s Nest’, Bug’s ‘Free Wheeling’ shop and Stryker’s party.
But it felt like this was just a vehicle to continue the ‘Emeralds of Eternity’ storyline, with Jamys & Chris’ romance throw in on top. Lucan & Sam’s problems were just as prominent at Jamys and Chris.
Though I love Jamys and am glad he had his own book and happy ending, sometimes I felt he was a little too bland and predictable. Halfway through we see that all that tension and desire was just smoldering under the surface and I’m glad the crisis allowed him to open up. He comes across as the perfect lover, but his love scenes were too gentle. I don’t like abusive men, but this could have had more spice. Chris also was too withdrawn and cautious. She used to be rebellious until Sam introduced to the Darklyn world and Burke got ahold of her. Instead of boldly doing her thing, we don’t see much of the old Chris showing through. She just seemed to follow in Sam’s footsteps.
The two of them seemed like whipped puppies. Afterall this was their book, they should shine. Instead, as shown by how Dutch was more interested in Lucan and Sam than Jamys and Chris, it was like the two were the sidekicks. Sam was the female hero and Lucan was the unwilling bad guy. Except for a few spots, Jamys and Chris were just along for the ride.
Werren was an interesting character. I was never sure just who she was and what she was up to even at the end. She did what she could to help the girls, but she was way too terrified and subservient. She could have taken over like Sam did at any time, but then they had nowhere to go. I would think that death would be preferable to their condition.
The main storyline ending is exciting, though the epilogue was expected. I knew somehow the main issue between Jamys and Chris would be resolved, afterall it was brought up quite a bit, but I like the romantic way it happened. Jamys got his girl and his jardin. Couldn’t be better. Though having to keep Chris a secret is nothing new to the series. And the treasure hunt is still ongoing for ‘Nightbound’
Quick Thoughts: 1)When Sam got back and caught Lucan ‘just feeding’ on a young girl, he should have picked one not so scantily dressed. It might have helped his case.
2)Paradise Isle sound almost exactly like Esme’s island in Twilight’s Breaking Dawn. Though Paradise was a lot more fantasy.
Fave scenes: Chris confronting the visiting warriors, the confrontation at the ‘Turtle’s Nest’, Bug’s ‘Free Wheeling’ shop and Stryker’s party.
February 27, 2023
The hero has truly been through hell and back and now, he's no longer contents with being silent. With his youthful face stuck at 17 years and his problems with words thanks to years of torture it's easy to take one look at him and write him off as weak and something to be protected. But he's a man. He; s spent a long-time training and getting stronger all for one purpose. To game the right to have the title of Kyn lord and with it the ability to have a servant. But he only wants the heroine and its certainly not for servitude. 3 long years have passed since he last saw the woman he loves. 3 long years and he's still's as passionately in love with her as the day he met her. With her beautiful face constantly on his mind, he longs for the day when he can take her away and make her his.
The heroine has had a rough life. Thrust into foster care at a young age when her dad walked out and her mother went crazy, she's dedicated her life to training to be a Kyn employee. She cut her hair and lost her piercings, even dawning a new calm and composed professionalism. All for the purpose of becoming worthy of the hero’s company. When they meet again 3 years later, she's just as in love with him as they day they met. This strong and quiet warrior has always held her heart and his soft touches and tenderness reflect his own feelings. But things are happening around them that put a strain on their relationship. The search for the gems which will grant the hero control of Ireland. Plus, something or someone taking control her boss and turning him into a monster. But one thing that never changes in their love for one another because it's apparent he's remained away to better himself for her and she's stayed away to better herself for him. When all along, they were already deserving of each other.
At first, I was in love with the story and more so with the main characters. And while that love for them never changed, I wasn't thrilled with the plot line and the multiple switches of POV with the sub characters. Because of my adoration with the hero and heroine, I so desperately wanted more time with them. These two people who were outcast in a way from their culture, finding each other but doubting their self-worth. They spent 3 years apart trying to better themselves when they were already perfect for each other. Strong silent types get me every time and though the hero did have the appearance of an Edward from Twilight this was no wishy-washy teen heartthrob. He was strong, kind and horribly tortured man who loved a human woman. I could have done less of the diversion to other subplots.
The heroine has had a rough life. Thrust into foster care at a young age when her dad walked out and her mother went crazy, she's dedicated her life to training to be a Kyn employee. She cut her hair and lost her piercings, even dawning a new calm and composed professionalism. All for the purpose of becoming worthy of the hero’s company. When they meet again 3 years later, she's just as in love with him as they day they met. This strong and quiet warrior has always held her heart and his soft touches and tenderness reflect his own feelings. But things are happening around them that put a strain on their relationship. The search for the gems which will grant the hero control of Ireland. Plus, something or someone taking control her boss and turning him into a monster. But one thing that never changes in their love for one another because it's apparent he's remained away to better himself for her and she's stayed away to better herself for him. When all along, they were already deserving of each other.
At first, I was in love with the story and more so with the main characters. And while that love for them never changed, I wasn't thrilled with the plot line and the multiple switches of POV with the sub characters. Because of my adoration with the hero and heroine, I so desperately wanted more time with them. These two people who were outcast in a way from their culture, finding each other but doubting their self-worth. They spent 3 years apart trying to better themselves when they were already perfect for each other. Strong silent types get me every time and though the hero did have the appearance of an Edward from Twilight this was no wishy-washy teen heartthrob. He was strong, kind and horribly tortured man who loved a human woman. I could have done less of the diversion to other subplots.
February 3, 2017
Jamys Durand, an immortal Darkyn, is in limbo. Fiercely protected by his father, Jamys has had no chance to prove himself as a warrior and gain his own territory. When an announcement from the High Lord arrives promising territory to anyone who can find a lost Knights Templars treasure, Jamys sees it as the perfect opportunity to finally be taken seriously and perhaps win the heart of the human girl he loves. Chris Lang has done a lot of growing up since her and Jamys met three years ago. Secretly in love with Jamys, Chris decides to take on the onerous task of becoming a tresora , in hopes that she may get to serve Jamys. When her last task puts her at odds with Jamys, Chris has a huge decision to make. Will Chris complete her training? Will the lost treasure be recovered?
I was really sad when the Darkyn series ended. Viehl has created a very unique take on vampire mythology by combining it with history, which made me completely enamored of the series. Fortunately, the Lords of the Darkyn continues in that same vein.
Readers first met Jamys in the Darkyn series where he was recovering from being tortured by the Brethren. In this book, he is definitely more confident but frustrated by the roll his father has forced him into. Once Jamys learns of the treasure hunt, Jamys risks everything by defying his father and leaving their territory without permission.
Like Jamys, Chris has done a lot of growing up since we last met her. She has shed her Goth persona and is determined to become a tresora , a human servant to the Darkyn. The only thing that distracts her from her end game is when Jamys shows up unexpectedly. Chris struggles for a bit trying to decide if she wants to be a tresora and lose Jamys or help him in his quest and not become a tresora.
In addition to getting to read about Jamys and Chris again, Lucan and Sam also make an appearance in this book with a secondary plot. Sam and Lucan are still as lovable as ever. When Lucan begins to act abnormal, Sam has to figure out what is causing the strange behavior before Lucan does something he may regret.
Nightbred is the second book in the Lords of the Darkyn series ( not a standalone read! The Darkyn series should be read entirely before this series). Viehl continues to weave her magic with this dark PNR series. If you love vampires and history, Viehl is a writer that you need to read.
* Review also on https://www.facebook.com/SoManyReads/
I was really sad when the Darkyn series ended. Viehl has created a very unique take on vampire mythology by combining it with history, which made me completely enamored of the series. Fortunately, the Lords of the Darkyn continues in that same vein.
Readers first met Jamys in the Darkyn series where he was recovering from being tortured by the Brethren. In this book, he is definitely more confident but frustrated by the roll his father has forced him into. Once Jamys learns of the treasure hunt, Jamys risks everything by defying his father and leaving their territory without permission.
Like Jamys, Chris has done a lot of growing up since we last met her. She has shed her Goth persona and is determined to become a tresora , a human servant to the Darkyn. The only thing that distracts her from her end game is when Jamys shows up unexpectedly. Chris struggles for a bit trying to decide if she wants to be a tresora and lose Jamys or help him in his quest and not become a tresora.
In addition to getting to read about Jamys and Chris again, Lucan and Sam also make an appearance in this book with a secondary plot. Sam and Lucan are still as lovable as ever. When Lucan begins to act abnormal, Sam has to figure out what is causing the strange behavior before Lucan does something he may regret.
Nightbred is the second book in the Lords of the Darkyn series ( not a standalone read! The Darkyn series should be read entirely before this series). Viehl continues to weave her magic with this dark PNR series. If you love vampires and history, Viehl is a writer that you need to read.
* Review also on https://www.facebook.com/SoManyReads/
July 8, 2015
This is not the first of Lynn’s books I’ve reviewed on my blog, nor do I suspect Nightbred will be the last. The series is presented as paranormal suspense romance, and Nightbred lives up to that label, but at the same time, I find myself captured by the use of language not so as to distract from the story but more to embellish upon it, transcending the genre standards to offer stunning imagery.
Tie that skill with words and phrases to characters we either already know or soon find ourselves captivated by, toss in a mystery adventure with lives on the line and you’re starting to see why I pick up her books without hesitation.
Nightbred focuses on Jamys, the victim of Brethren torture and his mother’s betrayal, who is struggling to find his place in a world that sees him forever as the teenage boy he was when he turned. This is especially true for his father, a man unwilling to chance any more harm to the remainder of his human family.
It’s no surprise Jamys fell for Chris, a street-wise human who defended him when no one else would and lets no one push her around.
But that’s in the past, and Nightbred is about their future. Three years have passed, spent separately in a desperate attempt to prove they are each worthy of the other. As is often the case, their efforts push them apart rather than bringing them together, but neither of them are the type to passively accept the failure. Their future requires they open up to the chance of hurt and rejection, challenges their loyalty to each other and those they love, and introduces a new element with a lot of potential stories woven around it.
This novel is complex, compelling, and at times, dark and painful. It’s not light reading, but at the same time it’s one of those books you don’t want to put down while you wish you could delay the end. It didn’t leave me wanting, and yet it has enough left to discover that I’m already looking forward to the next in the series.
Tie that skill with words and phrases to characters we either already know or soon find ourselves captivated by, toss in a mystery adventure with lives on the line and you’re starting to see why I pick up her books without hesitation.
Nightbred focuses on Jamys, the victim of Brethren torture and his mother’s betrayal, who is struggling to find his place in a world that sees him forever as the teenage boy he was when he turned. This is especially true for his father, a man unwilling to chance any more harm to the remainder of his human family.
It’s no surprise Jamys fell for Chris, a street-wise human who defended him when no one else would and lets no one push her around.
But that’s in the past, and Nightbred is about their future. Three years have passed, spent separately in a desperate attempt to prove they are each worthy of the other. As is often the case, their efforts push them apart rather than bringing them together, but neither of them are the type to passively accept the failure. Their future requires they open up to the chance of hurt and rejection, challenges their loyalty to each other and those they love, and introduces a new element with a lot of potential stories woven around it.
This novel is complex, compelling, and at times, dark and painful. It’s not light reading, but at the same time it’s one of those books you don’t want to put down while you wish you could delay the end. It didn’t leave me wanting, and yet it has enough left to discover that I’m already looking forward to the next in the series.
January 6, 2013
Nightbred started out as an amazing novel. I was rather excited to have finally found a book that measured up to some of my favorite romances, but unfortunately my hopes were dashed. I loved Lucan, Sam, Chris, and Jayms. They were very intriguing and well thought out characters. Though this is were my positive thoughts end. Nightbred had great potential and talent up until the last third of the book. It was like the story went off the deep end. Almost as if the author thought something was wrong with the story and tried to "fix" the problem, but in my opinion ended up ruining the whole book.
I was definitely not impressed with Nightbred, and though there were parts of this book I enjoyed I probably won't read another Lords of the Darkyn novel.
Lord Durand has always been a warrior at heart, and these last three years he has spent every day training to become a true warrior. When Jamys and many other Darkyn warriors are called to duty, he realizes that this is his chance to prove his worth. To himself and the woman he loves.
Christian Lang is one mission away from becoming a Tresora, but when she is asked to betray her friends and the man she loves she begins to question everything!
On test will make or break this relationship and only true love will come out on top.
Originally Reviewed on Night Owl Reviews
http://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Rev...
I was definitely not impressed with Nightbred, and though there were parts of this book I enjoyed I probably won't read another Lords of the Darkyn novel.
Lord Durand has always been a warrior at heart, and these last three years he has spent every day training to become a true warrior. When Jamys and many other Darkyn warriors are called to duty, he realizes that this is his chance to prove his worth. To himself and the woman he loves.
Christian Lang is one mission away from becoming a Tresora, but when she is asked to betray her friends and the man she loves she begins to question everything!
On test will make or break this relationship and only true love will come out on top.
Originally Reviewed on Night Owl Reviews
http://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Rev...
December 3, 2014
This one has a dual plot. Lucan and Samantha (H & h of Nightborn) play a huge role in this book. Lucan is the suzerain of the jardin in Fort Lauderdale. Suddenly someone is using mind manipulation to throw his jardin into chaos. Samantha is targeted as is Lucan himself.
Jamys is a 700+ year old Darkyn who has been living under his father's overprotective shadow and wants a jardin of his own which his father will not allow. Jamys leaves his North Carolina home to visit Christian Lang who lives with Lucan and is training as a tresora so she can ultimately protect Jamys.
Richard Tremayne has issued a proclamation that anyone who finds the three Emeralds of Eternity will become the new suzerain of Ireland. All kinds of crazy people come out of the woodwork in search of the jewels. In order to complete her tresora training, Chris has to find the jewels and give them to the tresora council. Jamys needs the jewels to get his own jardin. These youngish lovers are at cross purposes until they finally start talking to each other instead of assuming.
This is a crazy roller-coaster ride of murder and mayhem that does have it's happily ever after...eventually.
Jamys is a 700+ year old Darkyn who has been living under his father's overprotective shadow and wants a jardin of his own which his father will not allow. Jamys leaves his North Carolina home to visit Christian Lang who lives with Lucan and is training as a tresora so she can ultimately protect Jamys.
Richard Tremayne has issued a proclamation that anyone who finds the three Emeralds of Eternity will become the new suzerain of Ireland. All kinds of crazy people come out of the woodwork in search of the jewels. In order to complete her tresora training, Chris has to find the jewels and give them to the tresora council. Jamys needs the jewels to get his own jardin. These youngish lovers are at cross purposes until they finally start talking to each other instead of assuming.
This is a crazy roller-coaster ride of murder and mayhem that does have it's happily ever after...eventually.
July 11, 2014
I don't know what happened with this book. I loved Jamys & Chris together in Incarnatio. But this book was boring. I would've stopped & gone on to the next one in the series if I could've, but I knew it'd put me too far out of the loop on the big plot of the Lords of the Darkyn series.
So what was wrong: there was a lot of ambiguity about what was going on & what force was bad or good of these invisible ones. I am still confused on that. The story with Jamys & Chris dragged. It felt really high school as well, which is odd since Jamys is 700yrs old. I mean, I know he looks 17, but he's not, so why must his love story be high school-ish? And Chris is 21. Speaking of Chris, there really should've been more about that cross she wore. I feel nothing was resolved in this book of small mysteries.
I'd give this 2 stars, but I feel that makes it seem bad, when it's not. It's just mediocre. I'm hoping for something more from the 3rd book.
I think my fav parts of this book were Lucan & Sam.
And why has no one mentioned to Jamys in all the Darkyn books that Alex Keller can age him like she did Jayr? Seriously, why hasn't Alex herself told him. Looking 21 forever would be fine, but a teenager? No, that's just too problematic. I mean you'd have to go to high school more than once & deal with the Bella's of the world (Twilight reference). I'd pick looking 25-30 forever, myself.
So what was wrong: there was a lot of ambiguity about what was going on & what force was bad or good of these invisible ones. I am still confused on that. The story with Jamys & Chris dragged. It felt really high school as well, which is odd since Jamys is 700yrs old. I mean, I know he looks 17, but he's not, so why must his love story be high school-ish? And Chris is 21. Speaking of Chris, there really should've been more about that cross she wore. I feel nothing was resolved in this book of small mysteries.
I'd give this 2 stars, but I feel that makes it seem bad, when it's not. It's just mediocre. I'm hoping for something more from the 3rd book.
I think my fav parts of this book were Lucan & Sam.
And why has no one mentioned to Jamys in all the Darkyn books that Alex Keller can age him like she did Jayr? Seriously, why hasn't Alex herself told him. Looking 21 forever would be fine, but a teenager? No, that's just too problematic. I mean you'd have to go to high school more than once & deal with the Bella's of the world (Twilight reference). I'd pick looking 25-30 forever, myself.
January 19, 2013
This book reminded me of the early Darkyn series, which is a good thing as I really liked those. I think part of the reason why is that the main characters are ones that we have meet before, they had already worked through a lot of issues with themselves. Plus the other Kyn people around are ones that I really reading about.
It was interesting how Lucan seemed to change so much, too much. I loved seeing Sam give him hell, because out of it or not, he at times deserves it.
I loved watching Jamys and Chris get to know each other and how they each were working towards the same goal, but in secret. Like Chris, I found myself laughing when they each confessed what they were doing.
I thought the ending was funny, the ceremony that was that didn't need to be, and then Alex letting Chris know of some secret news. With as much as Jamys and Chris are hiding I can't wait to read more in the series to see what happens when they are outed.
It was interesting how Lucan seemed to change so much, too much. I loved seeing Sam give him hell, because out of it or not, he at times deserves it.
I loved watching Jamys and Chris get to know each other and how they each were working towards the same goal, but in secret. Like Chris, I found myself laughing when they each confessed what they were doing.
I thought the ending was funny, the ceremony that was that didn't need to be, and then Alex letting Chris know of some secret news. With as much as Jamys and Chris are hiding I can't wait to read more in the series to see what happens when they are outed.
June 16, 2014
Not bad, not bad. I was excited to read Chris and Jamys' story - as there were teasers about their relationship in previous books. It was nice to see something you knew was coming bear fruit.
It was a pretty quick read. I really like Chris, though I don't like that she changed herself for him. But then it all redeems itself because Jamys gets mad at her for making those changes. It was a nice relationship to read - one of those "I like you as you are" stories that all Bridget Jones fans love.
The plot was also good, if a tiny bit confusing. I don't really get how these emeralds are supposed to work ... but hopefully that will be revealed in the final book. And there was certainly a lot of action and explosions in the effort to obtain them.
Overall, a good story with good characters. Let's just hope for clarification in the next story.
Check out more of my reviews at http://whatabookbitch.blogspot.ca
January 1, 2013
When I first read Nightborn, by Lynn Viehl, I really liked the world that Viehl had created and I went back and started to read the other books in the Darkyn series. I think I got to the third one before I just wasn't interested in it anymore. The Lords of the Darkyn, the branch off series that Nightbred is a part of, is much better written and the greater story arc is much stronger.
One of the books that I did read was Thierry's story (I don't know which one it was....) and I was intrigued by his son, Jamys. When I learned the second book in the series would finally focus a story on him, the seventeen year old who is really centuries old, I was excited. Jamys was the draw to this story, and he delivered!
For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/0...
One of the books that I did read was Thierry's story (I don't know which one it was....) and I was intrigued by his son, Jamys. When I learned the second book in the series would finally focus a story on him, the seventeen year old who is really centuries old, I was excited. Jamys was the draw to this story, and he delivered!
For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/0...
February 23, 2013
While I love Viehl's Darkyn series, I'm less enthused by the last few installments. Nightbred is slightly more interesting than the last one, but the characters are still shallow and hard to root for. In this particular book, Jamys is fully described as a baby faced man who wishes his daddy would stop coddling him so he could be treated seriously as a fighter and get the girl. Well, boo hoo. That's about all we ever learn about his motivations or internal struggle. There are descriptions in the book about his mother's betrayal, but although Viehl describes the conflict often, we don't really ever feel what Jamys is feeling or really understand how it shapes him. Fans of the series, however, may still find the story interesting and the side plot of Lucan and Sam is great as they always are.
July 24, 2013
I originally posted this review on my blog http://ahellofawoman.blogspot.co.uk
This was a quick, straightforward and solid read.
On the whole, I liked the characters - although I found it impossible to imagine being attracted to Jamys (he was turned at 17 and even though he's now hundreds of years old, he still looks like a 17 year old so the thought of doing rude things to him was just icky). Also, the author should have just called Lucan's tresora Alfred rather than Burke, as he seemed to have been styled on Bruce Wayne's butler and confidante.
Even though there were a few over the top elements - like the Pirate Captain, Dutch, and the lap dance at Stryker's private orgy party - they didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the story. I just hope that the next Lords of the Darkyn book features a slightly older in body Darkyn!
This was a quick, straightforward and solid read.
On the whole, I liked the characters - although I found it impossible to imagine being attracted to Jamys (he was turned at 17 and even though he's now hundreds of years old, he still looks like a 17 year old so the thought of doing rude things to him was just icky). Also, the author should have just called Lucan's tresora Alfred rather than Burke, as he seemed to have been styled on Bruce Wayne's butler and confidante.
Even though there were a few over the top elements - like the Pirate Captain, Dutch, and the lap dance at Stryker's private orgy party - they didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the story. I just hope that the next Lords of the Darkyn book features a slightly older in body Darkyn!
August 25, 2016
I like the main characters in this one, enough to ignore the I've-been-in-love-with-you-for-three-freakin-years-and-never-mentioned-it thing. Both are more than competent and emotionally mature, having overcome some nasty stuff. And they were both actively working on their individual strategies for being together, in a gift of the magi sort of way.
The plotting wasn't as clear in this book, as there are layers of villains that have to be peeled away. The author's tendency to include non-consensual sex in every book also continues. But ignoring the rapey bits and the sometimes confusing which-bad-guy-is-it thing, the main relationship and its development is lovely. 3.5 rounded up.
The plotting wasn't as clear in this book, as there are layers of villains that have to be peeled away. The author's tendency to include non-consensual sex in every book also continues. But ignoring the rapey bits and the sometimes confusing which-bad-guy-is-it thing, the main relationship and its development is lovely. 3.5 rounded up.
May 8, 2014
it was good, you get the point of cris here, she wants to be part of their world so she works hard and become a trust person for them so she have to change and jayme he just one to be someone she can be proud of and have t hings of their own this books is really strong at that point because one cant relate , when you star working sometimes you have to change your ways i just to have pink and green hair but for the office work it has to go and men always want something stable so they can say to their partner i have something to offer you so and women to sometimes we just work so hard so that your partner can see that he can count on us
December 9, 2012
This is a solid read, but I miss the dark magic feel of the original Darkyn series. I just don't get this series and why it's a spin-off. The characters and worlds in this book are all mostly from the Darkyn world, which should make me happy, but as much as I thoroughly enjoyed the idea of getting Jamys's story, I couldn't help but feel as though something is ... missing... that I used to find in the Darkyn books. This book was boring. I don't know if I'll continue with this series, and that makes me sad. Ah well.
June 25, 2013
I love this author and this book did not disappoint! as soon as I picked it up, I could not put it down (I forgot to update my status lol :P) for any of you that follow the Darkyn, this is Jamys's story, the son of Thierry Durrand and Jema. LV has also introduced another important character that plays a huge part with the very few female Kyn. I don't want to give too much away tho, so you're just gonna have to read this awesome book!
December 30, 2012
Oooo, this one was the best so far. I thought I'd have a little trouble with the romance part and Jamys being so young - but then again, he might look 17, but he's hundreds of years old, so I got over it. Excellent book. Of course, it helps that Lucan is one of my favorite Darkyn anyway, so having him as part of this was bonus.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews