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Beaumaris of York has many secrets. No human can know that he’s an immortal Darkyn assigned to Knight’s Realm, the Kyn stronghold disguised as a medieval theme park. And none of his brethren can discover that he’s a half-breed, rescued from slavery as a child. Lately Beau has been yearning for action—and he’s about to find it with his new mission.

Brilliant archaeologist Dr. Alys Stuart is infamous for her extraordinary theories—especially those concerning the mysterious Knights Templar—and she is unaware that her research is funded by the Kyn coffers. When the Kyn sends a vexingly good-looking man to assist—and protect—her, she doesn’t expect the surge of attraction she feels for him.

When a powerful Templar artifact surfaces, Alys and Beau must trust each other enough to stop mankind’s greed for immortality from sparking a war between mortals and Kyn that will destroy the world.

314 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 7, 2013

27 people are currently reading
757 people want to read

About the author

Lynn Viehl

54 books986 followers
Also 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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Ezi Chinny.
2,691 reviews529 followers
September 12, 2017

I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review.
This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.


I am and will always be a fan of the original Darkyn series. They are one of the most underrated but one of the best written PNR/UF series I’ve read. It was dark but I loved the ingenuity of the story tying templars to the vampire lore. This spin off, the Lords of the Darkyn, has been quite disappointing and frankly it watered down the strength of the original series.

I cared about Alex. Her brother John, Michael and many of the original Suzereines. I wasn’t really interested in these side characters on this level. I have also waited a long time for High Lord Richard Tremayne to get his just due but he hasn’t paid for his treacherous ways yet.

In this story, Tremayne is looking for the emeralds knows as the Smiths’ jewels because of their rumored power so he has been funding archeological digs in hopes of someone discovering the jewel’s location. When Dr. Alys Stuart shows some promise in quest to discovering the gems, Tremayne sends Beaumaris of York to “assist” Dr. Stuart and report back directly to Tremayne.
Beau was already in the service of Jayr Byrne, the Suzeraine in Florida but he goes on this spy errand for the High Lord. Of course, there grows an attraction between Beau and Alysa which they both fight for different reasons.

At the same time Suzeraina Jayr is need of a new tresora, and an assassin uses this opportunity to infiltrate her jardin. This story at least brings an old favorite Jayr and Aedan back as their roles are now reversed. But this story gets quite twisty that I felt lost as to what was going on and the point of the story. I had to stop this audiobook and go back often to really follow and by the end, I wasn’t really invested. I noticed the author was attempting to tie together a bunch of side stories about parentage and family connections that had been hinted at in prior books. That part was rushed and didn’t work for me either.

The narration wasn’t the problem here but the story itself didn’t engage me as the past series had. Unless there is a return to the original series with some of the original characters like John Keller or even High Lord and Elaine, I won’t be continuing with the series.

I do still count the original series, The Darkyn, among my favorite series and highly recommend those.
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Profile Image for Sarah.
105 reviews37 followers
September 14, 2014
Meh..

Not the best I've read by her... book was confusing at parts; didn't really like the ending. Though, that might be because it has been so long since I read the earlier books and don't remember who most of the characters at the end were or the significance.
Profile Image for Taylor Mortsolf.
98 reviews4 followers
May 6, 2016
I love this whole series dearly! Definitely keeping this series!
Profile Image for Francesca Rock.
358 reviews23 followers
August 20, 2014

Honestly? I'm a bit relieved this series is over and that I'm done with this world. After the original Darkyn series ended I wasn't sure about reading the Kyndred and then this. This world definitely took an odd turn.

This book was okay - certainly not great by any means, nor was it completely horrible. I guess it was kind of an epic ending to the world of the Darkyn (that's not a spoiler, I just mean in terms of her writing this series) - but I would have also liked to see something from the beginning reflected in the end I suppose. Those first books were the best, after all.

Characters were okay. I really can't say more than that. You know why? I read this about a month ago and I can only vaguely recall them.

Anyway, this was okay. It had so much potential to be awesome, but it ... just wasn't.

Check out more of my reviews at http://whatabookbitch.blogspot.ca
Profile Image for Diana.
465 reviews33 followers
May 19, 2013
Liked it but not as much as I'd hoped to. I am invested in the large cast of past-book characters and always look forward to visiting the world of the Darkyn. Viehl can be so uneven, though, and that is frustrating. The narrative here jumps around too much even for someone who's familiar with the lore. The MCs are newish to the clan and not nearly as interesting as the heavy hitters in the earlier books. Well, what I really want to say is that I've already forgotten the h/h because they're not strong enough to carry the book. It would have been a total fail without guest appearances from the past.

Profile Image for Faswop.
180 reviews
May 6, 2014
This story was just plain weird, but it was also fun in the way of Medieval Times kind of way. It was definitely a unique and different take on vampires. I haven't read anything else by this author, so this story took a bit to sort out the how's and whys. The characters were interesting and the story moved right along tying everything up nicely in the end. I don't think I'll be reading anything else by this author, but it was a fun foray into a very imaginative twist on vampires.
Profile Image for Tricia.
606 reviews11 followers
August 14, 2013
I don't love this spinoff series by Viehl. The Darkyn books are so much more interesting. And the mystical/magical theme running through this particular trilogy was annoying. Not that a vampire book isn't already supernatural, but it at least followed a specific set of rules. Now there are ghosts, visions, magical gems, etc. Meh.
Profile Image for Aurian Booklover.
588 reviews41 followers
September 30, 2013
High Lord Richard Tremayne is still looking for the Smiths’ jewels. He never stops scheming, and now he has appointed Beaumaris of York to oversee an archeological dig. Beau is sworn to the service of Lady Jayr mac Byrne, Suzeraina of Knights Realm Stronghold in Orlando, Florida. Her Seneschal Aedan mac Byrne is not pleased that Beau is supposed to hunt traitors to the Kyn, renegade tresora in secret, he would prefer a full out battle.

Beau is to protect and aid the archaeologist Dr. Alys Stuart in her quest for the emeralds Richard desperately wants. Alys has the laughed upon theory that the Templars fled to America to escape the French King’s wrath, and that they took some of their biggest treasures with them. Of course Beau cannot tell her that her theories were right, as she would never believe him to be a Knight Templar himself. And now she is hired by Highlord Enterprises for a nighttime dig in Florida. She doesn’t know why they insist she only works at night, but the money is too good to argue. Alys has brought a lot of equipment and some eager young students with her, and she is totally not interested in having a huge man looming behind her, watching over her shoulder while she works. And Beau soon discovers that his Kyn powers don’t work on Alys. But when Richard puts the pressure on, Alys has no choice but to accept him, and she will make use of his great strength to haul equipment when needed.

While the students will sleep in the hotel during the day, the dig cannot stay behind unprotected, and Beau has made a nice sleeping room in the ruins of the old monastery for the both of them. Some of the technology Alys has brought with her astound him, and he is totally surprised that she would share her hot water shower with him, powered by sunlight.
Alys has always been unable to connect with people, more an observer than someone who joins in. She has grown up lonely, and without knowing how to make friends. But strangely enough, she is attracted to Beau, and is not happy that all her young interns are falling over themselves trying to get his attention. They are here to work, as they only have a few weeks to find what they are after.

But they are not the only ones digging near the old monastery and Indian village, even though the property is owned by Highlord. And somehow Alys keeps having nearly fatal accidents. Someone is out there sabotaging her dig, and wants to kill her. And how come Beau can always find her, even when she takes care of disappearing without him noticing? And then there are his strange eating and drinking habits, and his enormous strength…

Alys refuses to give in to her attraction to Beau, until after she finds out the truth about him…

In the meanwhile, back at the Jardin, Suzeraina Jayr is interviewing candidates for the post of her new tresora. And she really likes this Devan Leeds, who lost his master and all his family when the Brethren burned their household in Italy. He is happy to be of service again, and he is very good at his job. Of course, Byrne doesn’t like him or trust him one little bit, and he sets Farlae, the spy master, on his trail to discover the truth about Leeds.
But every time Farlae gets close, something happens to sway him of his course. Which is strange, as leeds is mortal, without any Kyn powers … Farlae’s lover, the fool Rainer, is also not happy with the attention Farlae bestows upon the mortal…


I think someone who reads these three books back to back has more chance to understand the underlying mystery with the emeralds and the Smith who crafted them. His ghost keeps interfering in the lives of his descendants, and he has many. All the tiny threads come together I this third book, and I have to admit, I still have trouble understanding it all.

I liked Alys and her struggles to fit in a normal pattern with people. She really has no people skills whatsoever, but she believes in herself, works hard, and sees a lot. She does not give in to Beau easily, and I liked that in her.
Beau is very curious about this woman who can ignore his Kyn powers, and who keeps ignoring him as a man. She does not see her own beauty at all. He admires her for her work and her sharp intellect, and is ashamed of himself. His shady past, and the fact that he only recently learned how to read and write. He is totally intrigued by all the equipment she has brought with her, and intent on learning how to work with it. Beau is a very honourable man, and I really liked him for not forcing her into his arms. He was patient and waited for her to invite him. Most heroes nowadays just keep pushing, but I guess an immortal warrior learns patience over time.

I enjoyed catching up on Jayn and Byrne and their guests and the intrigue with Devon was fascinating.

NightBound is an action packed story with lots of intrigue and danger. Beau and Alys were totally new to me, and I enjoyed following them around the dig. And I sure would not mind visiting the Knights Realm, a Kyn stronghold masquerading as a medieval themepark. A very clever way to live openly amongst the humans and make money for its upkeep.

I still don’t think this series is as good as the original series, but I liked it enough to continue reading, and hope to get my hands on her totally new and different series soon.

7 stars.


© 2013 Reviews by Aurian


464 reviews2 followers
October 22, 2024
Nightbound by Lynn Viehl was my first venture into the world of the Darkyn. The story was interesting, and the characters were unexpected. Overall, it was a diverting read.
Profile Image for Sara | Doorasbookshelf.
347 reviews8 followers
November 19, 2021
Considering I didn't have high hopes of the book, because of the previous book, I ended up enjoying it halfway through.
Beau was really likeable and he and Alys had chemistry.
Profile Image for Dark Faerie Tales.
2,274 reviews564 followers
June 27, 2013
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales.

Quick & Dirty: Vampires, Knights, Archaeologist, Buried Treasure and Traitors, need I say more?

Opening Sentence: Sunken black eyes peered out of the two-inch view slot in the copper door.

The Review:

Sometimes a story will grip you from the opening sentence and other times you could read 300 pages and still be waiting for an “Aha” moment. Nightbound was definitely a gripping tale. This story is part of a larger world of the Darkyn that Ms. Viehl has created. The original series has 10 books under the Darkyn Series and then there are an additional three books in the Lords of Darkyn with this being book number three. I am adding the rest of the series to my “To Be Read” pile in part because I believe the history and world that Ms. Viehl has created is a truly unique and fascinating world, plus when a story captures my attention as well as this one did I want more.

So what do we know about Nightbound with out spoilers or for any of you that are unfamiliar with the world of the Darkyn. This is a world where Vampires are men and women from the 1200’s that were cursed, died and then rose to walk the earth. This take on Vampires was very well thought out and told. When you can take two amazing ideas such as Vampires and Knights and mix in romance and mystery all I have to say is “Where do I sign up?”

The reader is first introduced to Beaumaris of York or Beau, a knight/vampire, that lives and works at the Knights Realm Stronghold located in Orlando, Florida. This portion of the story was the part of the story that I found most interesting because I have the pleasure of living and working in Orlando and there really is one show here that are representations of this realm, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. Now I’m unsure if Ms. Viehl had the opportunity to have a meal and see the show at Medieval Times but I have a sneaky suspicion that she did. This gave me a real sense of place and grounded the story in such a way that I don’t truly think can be discounted or clarified.

Our heroine, Dr. Alys Stuart, was a character that I was completely captivated by from the start. She refuses to bluster or make meaningless chatter. This is a woman who calls a spade a spade and has no problem telling Beau that he is too good looking to be anything more than a distraction to her interns. This was a woman that I often see myself becoming bosom buddies with due to her forthrightness and intellectual prowess.

The story meanders a little but sometimes you need the quiet and silly moments to make the unexpected moments really sing. There is a mystery of hidden gems that Dr. Stuart is placing her reputation on the line to find plus we have mysterious events happening around the dig site. Are they the result of sabotage by one of the interns or another group that is trying to regain the lost artifacts? I won’t give away what occurs but the story is worth the meanderings.

Meanwhile, we have undercurrents happening at the Knights Realm Stronghold. There are side stories that involve the Suzeraina Jayr mac Byrne and her mate, two guest that come to visit the Realm, a human that Suzeraina is trying out for a job in the castle, and two knights that are working on their relationship and traitors. Overall, this story has loads of action and sometimes we lose our way but the eventual outcome is worth the effort.

Nightbound is a book that wasn’t on my radar and Ms Lynn Viehl was not a name that I knew but both are now apart of my imagination. I would definitely recommend this book but I think most of you would be best suited to start from the Lords of Darkyn Series and if you are truly entranced by the world, read the Darkyn Series as well. I believe the effort will be well rewarded.

Notable Scene:

“So, Mr. York. If you’re note here to monitor me, then why would they give someone with no archaeological experience this assignment?”

He grinned. “Oh, to manage things.”

“And that.” She shook a finger at his face. “That is the other problem I have with you. You’re far too attractive. Half of my interns are young, impressionable girls. I don’t want them distracted from their work, especially if you decide to tackle one of them.”

So she thinks me handsome. Beau had never been especially vain, but her compliment pleased him. “You seem to think I can do nothing but roll about on the floor with women.”

She gave him a tight smile. “I can only go by experience.”

FTC Advisory: Signet/Penguin provided me with a copy of Nightbound. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
248 reviews2 followers
September 19, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this book. it made me feel very warm and tingly inside
Profile Image for Helyce.
578 reviews6 followers
May 13, 2013
Reviewed for www.smexybooks.com

As we continue the search for the Emeralds of Eternity we meet Dr. Alys Stuart. Alys is a young and brilliant archeologist whose theories on the Knights Templar have brought her to the attention of Richard Tremayne. Richard wants to possess the Emeralds, so when he learns that Alys may have discovered their hiding place; he sponsors a dig and hires Alys to lead it. Alys is thrilled with this opportunity. She’s well aware that her theories on the Templars are not well received and she is determined to prove herself and her theories once and for all.

To ensure everything goes well at the dig, Richard Tremayne sends Beaumaris of York to monitor Alys and her student interns. Under the guise of “overseer”, Beaumaris’ will make sure that nothing interferes with Alys and her search.

But Beaumaris didn’t count on his attraction to the pretty archeologist and he soon finds his protective instincts surfacing. When a rogue faction shows up near the dig site Alys and Beau realize they are on to something. Danger follows them as they get closer and closer to discovering the treasure, but no treasure is worth what would happen if the Emeralds fall into the wrong hands.

Nightbound is the third book in this trilogy spinoff of Ms. Viehl’s Darkyn series. The search for the Emeralds of Eternity continues. Fabled to bring eternal life to the one who possesses it, it’s not really clear what the emeralds are capable of and they could quite possibly do more damage than good if they fell into the wrong hands. While I enjoyed this final installment-Beaumaris and Alys were a fun couple-I have to admit being slightly confused with a few things.

There is a lot of mystery surrounding the emeralds. They are being “protected” by the ghost of Cristophe, a blacksmith from the time of the Templars. He is its self appointed guardian, determined to keep the emeralds safe. I refer to Cristophe as a ghost because I’m not exactly sure what kind of entity he is. His closeness to the emeralds over hundreds of years have created the “being” he is and he refuses for the Emeralds to fall in to the wrong hands. He’s come to Alys through her dreams since she was a child, as a kind of guide. I found his connection to Alys and the mystery surrounding the emeralds and why Cristophe did what he did to be confusing. Even re-reading parts of this story have not cleared up his part in all this. There also seems to be a connection between Beaumaris and Cristophe, but I hesitate to mention my suspicions here in case they be considered spoilers.

That aside, I really did enjoy our H/H in this story. Beaumaris is a couple hundred years old and has not really been interested in a woman for a very long time. He has some secrets and he fears them coming out and losing the only family he’s ever know, even after all this time. He is totally unprepared for Alys, yet they immediately seem to be a perfect match. Alys is young, but she’s no pushover and she is not at all happy when Beau shows up to oversee her dig on behalf of Richard Tremayne. Right away she is suspicious of him and the fact that he is gorgeous is just too much of a distraction for her. She tries hard to convince him that his presence is not necessary until Tremayne puts his foot down and Alys realizes that this is a battle she will not win. Their romance develops nicely and I really enjoyed them together.

If you are a fan of the previous Darkyn series, you’ll be happy to know that we see several characters from that series as well as the couples from the previous two books in this trilogy. Several secrets are revealed and there is some closure to the mystery of the emeralds, though I felt the author did leave a small door open should she decide to pursue this series further.

While I admit that I found part of the story confusing, I still found it enjoyable. I have always been intrigued by any story with focus on the Knights Templar and the author spins an interesting tale here with colorful characters. The resounding theme of good vs. evil comes through here but is also skewered just slightly to make you ask yourself “who exactly was the bad guy?” Personally, a second pass of this book is definitely in order for me when time permits.
Profile Image for Rachelle.
1,369 reviews15 followers
March 5, 2017
Alys is Dr. AL Stuart, Archaeologist. She ehas been studying the Knights Templar her entire life and iss onto a theory of a hidden treasure. Unfortunately, there are those who would rather it remained hidden and she is learning more than she should.

Beau is a warrior fo the Darkyn. He is sent to oversee Alys and make sure what she is looking for doesn't end up in the wrong hands.

Guided by a "ghost" and trying to thwart all the games being played around them, they find each other rather unexpectedly.

This is a great story, and Lynn is a great Author. I plan to find more of this series and read more about the Darkyn world that she has created.
Profile Image for Tania.
828 reviews5 followers
January 6, 2016
"Nightbound" by Lynn Viehl. Book 3 in the Lords of the Darkyn trilogy. *finale*

I really enjoyed this last book of the trilogy featuring Beau (Beaumaris) and Alys (pronounced Alice). It really wrapped up the trilogy nicely. I thought I had the plot line of the trilogy figured out but true to Ms. Viehl's writing, the twists in the plot made this book one I had a hard time putting down.

Beau and Alys are each looking for the Emerald's of Eternity. But Alys, an archaeologist, doesn't know that she's working for the High Lord of the Darkyn, Richard. She's just determined to prove that one of the ancient Templar Knights came to America. Everyone already thinks she's crazy and now she has to deal with a project manager named Beauregard who's never even been on an archaeological site before!

Beau has been sent by the High Lord to recover the Emerald's of Eternity. He's to keep track of Dr. Al Stuart, the archaeologist looking for the gems. The last thing Beau expects is for Al to be a woman and for him to be attracted to her. He's determined to think of her as his little sister and not interfere with her work. But that's kind of hard when she keeps sleepwalking and ending up in his bed with him!

I loved the romance between Alys and Beau. Alys is a scientist and a very logical person, so her view on life, in general, is very analytical. It's very entertaining to see her try to make logic of things that are not explainable. Beau is a character that was introduced in the Darkyn series but wasn't a character that really stood out. I'm glad this was his story because he's a really nice character. He's very polite and very helpful but can totally be a kiss-ass male when he has to be. The chemistry between the two of them was excellent. The overall trilogy plot wraps up really well with this book. All questions are answered and you get a feeling of completeness when you're done reading it.

I'm not sure if any more Darkyn or Kyndred books will be written but if there are, I would definitely read them.
Profile Image for Theresa.
4,133 reviews16 followers
January 12, 2015
The conclusion to the ‘Lords of the Darklyn’ series. Dr. Alys Stuart is an archeologist specializing in Templar treasures. She‘s being funded by the Hylord company on an excavation in central Florida to search for any evidence of a Templars presence. Beaumaris of York has been ordered my Michael to supervise her. But their first meeting is very revealing and combative, creating an instant rift.

Right off the bat I didn’t like Beau’s inconsiderate manner with Alys. He’s definitely not a gentleman, which says a lot about his childhood in Europe. But then he completely flips the other way and becomes very considerate and helpful. I wasn’t sure I’d trust someone so inconstant. But then he turns out to be my favorite of the three ‘Lords’. The dream glimpses of his childhood are wonderful.

The main story is very complicated and exciting. Unlike the previous book, Alys and Beau’s both have a solid presence in the story. But most it takes places either at the digsite or Knight’s Realm, so we see a lot of Jayr and Bryne and their jardin. I love the inside look at how the Realm (its offseason) works. In fact, I like how this whole Darklyn World series has more back history than most vamp series.

Beau’s talent is used very nicely, but Alys’ is the best. She has the ability of very analytical thinking, able to solve complicated mind puzzles, putting the bits and pieces together until a solution is formulated. Sort of like Kyn Sherlock Holmes.

Quick Thoughts: 1)All the Disney and theme parks stuff is cool, but Alys park experience was hard to understand.

2)Leeds seemed a little too good to be true from the beginning.

3)The complicated genealogy of all the characters at the end is a surprise, but I’m not sure how the male one works. It’s kind of out of the blue. In fact the whole ending is a surprise. I couldn't put it down

Fave scenes: Alys’ camp shower, Alys’ sleepwalking, the attack on the Realm and Beau’s fight with Leeds.
Profile Image for Clare O'Beara.
Author 25 books371 followers
December 6, 2014
Once a Knight Templar, now one of the Darkyn, Beaumaris is no stranger to battle. He lives in a garrison in Florida, where his fellows muse about electricity tithes as they try to keep pace with the world around them. Then he's sent to keep an eye on an archaeological dig. Professor Alys Stuart, who's determined to make her name, has students to supervise and no time to talk to strange security men. And why will Beau only allow work to proceed at night?

Swampy ground means that human burials deteriorate fast and any such finds need to be reported to the authorities and tribal contacts, but Alys doesn't expect to find graves, just evidence of human occupation. Ground penetrating radar and grids might be the main things on Alys's mind, but she has to admit that Beau, as he does grunt work for her, is just a little bit fascinating. Then she starts having vivid dreams about ghosts, she finds sabotage, and she wonders what is going on behind the foundation which owns the land.

Lynn Viehl's 'Darkyn' series is well established and NIGHTBOUND references many characters and situations from the previous books. Darkyn, who feed on blood and have a complex hierarchy, have helpers among humans, who are suffering from attacks by the Brethren and who may also harbour traitors. Various objects of power from olden times, such as Emeralds of Eternity, may have been scattered around by the Knights Templar. But if you keep your eye on the main characters at the dig it's possible to read this as a standalone.

I enjoyed all the detail about the hard work of archaeology, though I didn't see digging at night working because of shadows and safety, let alone mosquitoes. There are very varied characters and snippets about medieval life, when people didn't wash, had bad teeth and went veiled to hide disease scars. Technology aids today's research and Alys, like Agent Scully, insists on science to explain the anomalies she notices. People don't die of plague and rise as vampires. Fans of Lynn Viehl will have a great time with NIGHTBOUND and newcomers can read it too.
1,404 reviews7 followers
February 18, 2014
***New York Times***** bestselling author Lynn Viehl continues her captivating Lords of the Darkyn saga, as a warrior of hidden legacy is finally allowed to enter the fray…. **


Beaumaris of York has many secrets. No human can know that he’s an immortal Darkyn assigned to Knight’s Realm, the Kyn stronghold disguised as a medieval theme park. And none of his brethren can discover that he’s a half-breed, rescued from slavery as a child. Lately Beau has been yearning for action—and he’s about to find it with his new mission.


Brilliant archaeologist Dr. Alys Stuart is infamous for her extraordinary theories—especially those concerning the mysterious Knights Templar—and she is unaware that her research is funded by the Kyn coffers. When the Kyn sends a vexingly good-looking man to assist—and protect—her, she doesn’t expect the surge of attraction she feels for him.


When a powerful Templar artifact surfaces, Alys and Beau must trust each other enough to stop mankind’s greed for immortality from sparking a war between mortals and Kyn that will destroy the world.

### Review

**Praise for the work of Lynn Viehl**


“Lynn Viehl is an amazing storyteller.” —*New York Times* Bestselling Author Marjorie M. Liu


“A clever, rip-roaring adventure from start to finish.”—#1 *New York Times *Bestselling Author Patricia Briggs

### About the Author

Under her own name and pseudonyms, **Lynn Viehl** has published over twenty-five novels with ROC and NAL since her debut novel was published in January 2000. She and her family currently live in Florida.
241 reviews2 followers
July 20, 2013
First, if you haven't read the previous stories of Simone and whats-her-name, there will be much confusion. I grabbed this novel thinking it was a continuation of what I'd read, it's not. I'm usually not a huge fan of explaining characters and past events in a series novel but I understand it is often called for and I could have used it here. That being said...

As for the main events, the two main characters are uninteresting. Alys claims she's special but the evidence for that is minimal especially as she turns into an old fashioned romance heroine the moment their genitals join. Suddenly it's all forever romance and who needs that career in archaeology?

Their personal dramas are so undramatic. Alys is an orphan but she doesn't seem to care too much so why should I? Beau has literary difficulties but it's not his challenges that are interesting so much as how the hell did it take him the better part of a millennium to man up to the challenge? I find this to be a common problem with writing immortals. Too often the authors treat immortal characters as if the only interesting part of their lives began in the last ten years... the previous 500, they were clearly napping through the world's most interesting events.

It's possible I may have liked this if I had read the first installments but I don't think better understanding would have made the characters more interesting.
75 reviews
July 19, 2013
I loved Nightbound, the latest book in Lynn Viehl’s Lords of the Darkyn series. This one stars Beaumaris, from the Knight’s Realm, and Dr. Alys Stewart. Beaumaris is Darkyn, one of the Knights Templar who were cursed (or blessed, depending upon your perspective) with immortality. Alys, an archeologist, is on the cusp of discovering what she believes is the Fountain of Youth; the Darkyn believe she is actually about to discover the Emeralds of Immortality that can, as the name suggests, make anyone immortal. Little does Alys know that her research is being funded by the leader of the Kyn himself, Richard Tremayne, and he does not want her finding the gems. Beau is sent to keep that from happening and to get the emeralds for Richard. Of course, they aren’t the only ones interested in the gems so things get pretty dangerous pretty fast.

This is a great series, and this book in particular is one of my favorites. The chemistry between Beau and Alys is intense and their interactions are a lot of fun to read. I also like that Viehl brings in characters from her other novels. I really, really loved the small side story about Rainer and Farlae. I highly recommend this novel for fans of the series; if you haven’t read any of the books yet I’d start from the beginning. There’s a lot of backstory that, if you haven’t read the previous books, might make this one confusing.
Profile Image for Robin Priddy.
98 reviews8 followers
June 3, 2013
This is the third installment of Ms Viehl's Lords of the Darkyn series. Fans of Ms Viehl will enjoy this book. In this book we even learn a little bit of history about the Knights of the Templar. The hero and heroine are perfect for each other. I can't wait to see what Ms Viehl will bring us next.
Dr Alys Stuart is an archaeologist. Her work is centered around the Knights of the Templar. She believes that some of the knights went to Spain and came to America with the Spanish priest. She is in Florida to dig at an old Spanish mission where she believes she will uncover artifacts from the Templars. If she is correct her career will be made and is she is wrong it will be the end of it. Unknown to Alys her research and dig are being funded by a member of the Kyn. He wants to use the power of the Templar artifact for his own.
Beaumaris of York, Beauregard York, is an immortal Darkyn. He lives and works at the Knight's Realm which is not only a Kyn stronghold but also an Medieval Theme park. He has been assigned to Alys's dig. His job is to get the Templar artifact and bring it to safety. Beau finds himself very attracted to Alys. He will have to keep her safe from two groups of people who want to use the power of the artifacts for evil.
Profile Image for Barbara ★.
3,510 reviews288 followers
December 20, 2014
I was happy with the conclusion of the Lords of the Darkyn series though I would surely like to see Richard Tremayne get his comeuppance (what a pain in the butt he is!) In this one, human archaeologist Alys Stuart is in charge of a dig in Florida funded by Tremayne. Alys is in search of Templar artifacts while Tremayne is hoping she'll uncover the Emeralds of Eternity which are still up for grabs. To cement his position Tremayne sends Beaumaris York to spy on Alys and her crew. Of course, Beau falls in love with Alys and like every other hero in this series, turns his back on Tremayne in favor of his mate.

As usual with this series, danger abounds, women are in peril, the males rescue said damsels in distress and everyone lives happily ever after...except Tremayne of course who still hasn't gotten his emeralds. Bummer for him. This is a fast-paced story that imparts some Templar knowledge as well as enlightening the reader on the characters beginnings which they didn't even know. All in all a good series ender that ties up all the loose ends.
Profile Image for Cindy.
391 reviews
May 22, 2013
God I love these books...The Darkyn, the Kyndred, the Lords of the Darkyn all are intertwined and yet can be read as a stand alone novel. Dr. Alys Stuart is an archaeologist on a mission, Beaumaris of York is an immortal sent to work with Alys on her latest project: the recovery of Emeralds said to possess immortality giving magic. Alys just wants to prove that Templar Knights are the first ones who came to the new world all those years ago, Beau is on a mission to recover those emeralds for the High Lord of the Darkyn...what he doesn't expect to find is the woman he could spend the rest of his life with. As twists and turns come up to keep you riveted, so do back stabbing, grasping traitors. All will not end well...but I could be wrong! You'll have to read this for a true ending...I don't reveal endings!
Profile Image for Preeti.
622 reviews23 followers
June 28, 2013
I'm giving this a four because I found the main characters interesting and the romance nicely done. The plot, however, didn't live up to its promise. There's a treasure hunt afoot for a mystical artifact. In play are good guys, bad guys, worse guys and a mysterious entity manipulating many of the characters.

I guess I was hoping all these initial thrills and chills would lead to a more dramatic payoff in the end, but somehow I just didn't feel it. Ending too rushed? With too many barely-remembered characters introduced? (Listen, I know these are recurring characters, but my memory is shaky!)
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
May 13, 2013
I am surprised that I liked this one as much as I did because I didn't care for Alys. She seemed so much like a robot. I was on the fence with Beau. I did like all the action at the Knights of the Relm. I hated what Jayr went through and all the betrayals that she went through. Towards the end I started to get whiplash with the people and if they were good or bad and with who was related with who. I did like the ending with the ceremony, not what you usually see with the Kyn.
Profile Image for Lori Reed.
31 reviews4 followers
May 22, 2013
I love reading about Viehl's Darkyns! I like a little historical background with my stories and she delivers every time. Although it's a little hard to believe that a race of immortals has a stronghold disguised as a medieval theme park, it still gets the job done. As always there is lots of action and adventure that accentuates Beau and Alys's romance. Always a pleasure!
Profile Image for Merideth.
892 reviews7 followers
May 13, 2013
I really like this series. However this book had about every character we have ever met in it. trying to keep them straight made my head spin. I did like the main characters. However I felt like having so many character took away from the story.
Profile Image for Connie.
723 reviews18 followers
October 14, 2014
This is a very good book and they seem to get better with every book in the series.
This book has some good twists and turns in the end that I liked and you will, too!
Enjoy the story of Beaumaris and Alys!!
Profile Image for Andi.
183 reviews1 follower
January 5, 2015
It did a pretty good job at tying the storyline up. But now I feel the need to go back and reread some of the first books. I cannot remember some of the details from the first series, and I know these are supposed to be a stand alone trilogy, but it helps knowing the back story.
Profile Image for Nikki.
28 reviews2 followers
April 24, 2013
The writing style is confusing and doesn't flow well for me. The sentences weren't clean and informative, instead they were long and strangely worded. Some were even random and out of place.

I barely made it to Chapter 2 before I had to walk away.





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