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Kyndred #1
Shadowlight: A Novel of the Kyndred
Shadowlight: A Novel of the Kyndred
Mass Market Paperback
First published October 6, 2009
48 people are currently reading
1898 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
November 13, 2009
I got my Lynn Viehl fix! I miss the fangs, I admit. Where the hunger, the primal instincts, of my vampires and werewolves? Waxing poetic, LOL.
I liked the scenes starring GenHance, the shady genetics corp, à la science and lab thrillers like Paycheck , if it were good, with monsters. What can I say, I'm a science nerd.
Readers of Viehl's Darkyn series will be happy to see edible ex-assassin and vampire lord Lucan, fan favorite, and his mate, ex-homicide detective, Samantha. I loved the hunting scene. *wink, wink, nudge, nudge* Their relationship continues here, and it's great to see them again and learn more about them as their relationship develops a bit like Wrath & Beth's relationship progressed in a certain other series.
That said, one can read this without the Darkyn series. Just be prepared to launch right into the thick of things. Keep up.
Speaking of which, the crime and horror elements were truly creepy with the abusive misogynist turned Frankenstein's freak. He was always a monster inside, LOL.
I liked the real world detail in the corporate espionage plot, infiltrating a genetics conglomerate and kidnapping. I also like that secondary character Drew is a techy and Rowan's a one time street urchin, now cook. I'm looking forward to her book. Ms. Viehl has done it. Only she could write a thriller involving a chef, LOL.
Some have complained that they don't feel a connection to the characters, probably because Viehl's novels are less sentimental and internal. Frankly, this means her narratives move along a lot faster than the average romance bogged down with long internal monologues, and also importantly, keeps action sequences continuous. Don't you just hate it when a hero stops to ponder in the middle of a gunfight? There is a lot of tightly written action here. Great pacing!
My only complaint is that I want a dark hero. Matthias was too good! I want to see Drew in action. He looks like a smartmouth. :D
I liked the scenes starring GenHance, the shady genetics corp, à la science and lab thrillers like Paycheck , if it were good, with monsters. What can I say, I'm a science nerd.
Readers of Viehl's Darkyn series will be happy to see edible ex-assassin and vampire lord Lucan, fan favorite, and his mate, ex-homicide detective, Samantha. I loved the hunting scene. *wink, wink, nudge, nudge* Their relationship continues here, and it's great to see them again and learn more about them as their relationship develops a bit like Wrath & Beth's relationship progressed in a certain other series.
That said, one can read this without the Darkyn series. Just be prepared to launch right into the thick of things. Keep up.
Speaking of which, the crime and horror elements were truly creepy with the abusive misogynist turned Frankenstein's freak. He was always a monster inside, LOL.
I liked the real world detail in the corporate espionage plot, infiltrating a genetics conglomerate and kidnapping. I also like that secondary character Drew is a techy and Rowan's a one time street urchin, now cook. I'm looking forward to her book. Ms. Viehl has done it. Only she could write a thriller involving a chef, LOL.
Some have complained that they don't feel a connection to the characters, probably because Viehl's novels are less sentimental and internal. Frankly, this means her narratives move along a lot faster than the average romance bogged down with long internal monologues, and also importantly, keeps action sequences continuous. Don't you just hate it when a hero stops to ponder in the middle of a gunfight? There is a lot of tightly written action here. Great pacing!
My only complaint is that I want a dark hero. Matthias was too good! I want to see Drew in action. He looks like a smartmouth. :D
February 12, 2010
Seamlessly transitioning into the next arch of her Darkyn universe, Lynn Viehl starts off her Novels of the Kyndred series with a sharp, sexy entry that focuses on genetically altered children known as the Kyndred. Unbeknownst to the Darkyn- templar knights cum vampires, introduced in her first seven book series- twenty odd years ago, a shadow group experimented with children who are neither human, nor Kyn (vampire). Orphans nobody wanted, the children are secretly adopted out and few of them are aware of what they truly are because their powers are only fully activated after they die.
Shadowlight centers around Jessa Bellemy and a mysterious man we later discover is a prototype of the Kyndred- a creature far older than the Darkyn themselves. Gaven Matthias has made it his business to collect and protect the Kyndred ever since he awoke from a deep freeze he labored under for thousands of years. When Jonah Genaro, ceo of GenHance, a leading biotech company, targets Jessa, Matthias snatches her before his arch nemesis can capture her first.
Jessa has no clue who she is anymore, let alone what she is. She only knows that since she survived a tragic accident, she has a special gift that frightens her- one that enables her to read the dark shadows of a human soul. When a gorgeous man rescues her from an apparent attack, having only herself to trust for so long, she's wary of the enigmatic stranger.
Because she doesn't know who to trust, she's determined to escape him- and the odd attraction she feels toward him. So she focuses on getting away from the underground fortress she's imprisoned in, while topside her world is turned upside down by the man who would stop at nothing to get his hands on her- and her gift.
When she finally realizes that Matthias is who he says he is, and that her very life is threatened by GenHance, they two team up- along with the motley crew of Kyndred Matthias has collected to aid him. But first they must stop a misogynist monster- and a former employee of GenHance- who blames Jessa for his recent troubles.
Meanwhile Jonah Genaro quietly works behind the scenes to advance his own designs- one that started two thousand years ago at the end of the Roman Empire and I suspect will not end till the Kyndred come into their own.
Viehl takes the best elements of her Darkyn novels, pares them down, and spins her world into a whole new direction. Smart and darkly sensual, Shadowlight begins Viehls's new series with action, suspense and a dash of mystery and moves the Kyndred closer to the paranormal romance genre and a tad farther from the Urban Fantasy that marked the Darkyn series. (A smart move, because her sexy tortured heroes cry out for a happily-ever-after every time!) Her way of hooking a reader with tantalizing peeks into the ancient world and tying them to modern menaces is what sets her novels apart and makes them stand out from the rest of the pack. I simply couldn't put Shadowlight down once I started!
Shadowlight centers around Jessa Bellemy and a mysterious man we later discover is a prototype of the Kyndred- a creature far older than the Darkyn themselves. Gaven Matthias has made it his business to collect and protect the Kyndred ever since he awoke from a deep freeze he labored under for thousands of years. When Jonah Genaro, ceo of GenHance, a leading biotech company, targets Jessa, Matthias snatches her before his arch nemesis can capture her first.
Jessa has no clue who she is anymore, let alone what she is. She only knows that since she survived a tragic accident, she has a special gift that frightens her- one that enables her to read the dark shadows of a human soul. When a gorgeous man rescues her from an apparent attack, having only herself to trust for so long, she's wary of the enigmatic stranger.
Because she doesn't know who to trust, she's determined to escape him- and the odd attraction she feels toward him. So she focuses on getting away from the underground fortress she's imprisoned in, while topside her world is turned upside down by the man who would stop at nothing to get his hands on her- and her gift.
When she finally realizes that Matthias is who he says he is, and that her very life is threatened by GenHance, they two team up- along with the motley crew of Kyndred Matthias has collected to aid him. But first they must stop a misogynist monster- and a former employee of GenHance- who blames Jessa for his recent troubles.
Meanwhile Jonah Genaro quietly works behind the scenes to advance his own designs- one that started two thousand years ago at the end of the Roman Empire and I suspect will not end till the Kyndred come into their own.
Viehl takes the best elements of her Darkyn novels, pares them down, and spins her world into a whole new direction. Smart and darkly sensual, Shadowlight begins Viehls's new series with action, suspense and a dash of mystery and moves the Kyndred closer to the paranormal romance genre and a tad farther from the Urban Fantasy that marked the Darkyn series. (A smart move, because her sexy tortured heroes cry out for a happily-ever-after every time!) Her way of hooking a reader with tantalizing peeks into the ancient world and tying them to modern menaces is what sets her novels apart and makes them stand out from the rest of the pack. I simply couldn't put Shadowlight down once I started!
November 7, 2014
First, a disclaimer. I hadn't realized Kyndred was a spin-off from her Darkyn series or I wouldn't have bought Shadowlight.
I loved her Disenchanted&Co series, but Darkyn was a series I didn't particularly enjoy.
Shadowlight was the nadir for me, the lowest point. This it was not simply "a did not enjoy" feeling, but a severe case of disliking it (with a not so few touches of detest).
To put it very simply I was unable to buy in to the story or its characters, it was like getting into a history show with memorabilia so fake to be kitsch. We have a corporation (a corporation, not a government) who can wipe clean people's bank accounts, can forge crimes, makes people disappear, murder by the bunches.
I do need a strong, strong story to make me believe. Something more than your word that they can.
We have scientists that need to kill to harvest the incredible powers of a DNA. Sorry, this isn't science, it's magic. Do not try to pass it for science. It's not. We have a serum that makes a man impossible to kill, in any way. The guy is shot, speared, electrocuted and burned to crisp ashes (almost). But he keeps regenerating. Again I need some strong world to make me accept.
I had the same problem with the bad guys. I wasn't really shown they are bad, I was told through other people's accounts, letters, newspapers' clips. To me this breaks were boring to hell, didn't really add anything and dragged a story that was already slow as molasses.
All the characters were utterly unlikable to me from the sidekick to the main ones.
The heroine was so bland, and the hero a "dumb fuck" [sorry for the language]. He kidnaps her, but ask her for her trust (based on what??) He violates her in anyway possible, and she has NO reaction. (Sorry, this IS really personal. Not everyone will feel the same. But when I don't buy into a story, I see only two strangers. But if you are a stranger and watch me masturbate, this is a violation. If you keep touching me in a sexualized or simply very personal way, this is a violation. If you invade my dreams, yep, it's a violation. And it's a constant barrage. I was nearly thrown into a rage when he first feeds her and later "massage" her, because I really felt it was a form of violence to which she couldn't react because hormones or bond...)
And of course we have a mate bond without its name. So she keeps panting for him and is sooo attracted to him. At the end of the day she's portrayed as a stupid nitwit.
Because when she finally escapes, she's proven wrong and almost dies because of it. Nope, not my ideal heroine, sorry.
There was no connection or chemistry from the romance stand point. Again we were told, not really shown any love.
The side characters were the final nail in the coffin. From the vamp couple stuck in the middle ages, to Rowan, a very, very unlikable sulking teenager . Lawson is again so over the top to be absurd and .
Absolutely stupid final note. There are 6 Genaro in all Italy, as the surname seems to be a misspelling of the way more common "Gennaro", a Southern Italian first name (not one from the Rome area).. :)
I loved her Disenchanted&Co series, but Darkyn was a series I didn't particularly enjoy.
Shadowlight was the nadir for me, the lowest point. This it was not simply "a did not enjoy" feeling, but a severe case of disliking it (with a not so few touches of detest).
To put it very simply I was unable to buy in to the story or its characters, it was like getting into a history show with memorabilia so fake to be kitsch. We have a corporation (a corporation, not a government) who can wipe clean people's bank accounts, can forge crimes, makes people disappear, murder by the bunches.
I do need a strong, strong story to make me believe. Something more than your word that they can.
We have scientists that need to kill to harvest the incredible powers of a DNA. Sorry, this isn't science, it's magic. Do not try to pass it for science. It's not. We have a serum that makes a man impossible to kill, in any way. The guy is shot, speared, electrocuted and burned to crisp ashes (almost). But he keeps regenerating. Again I need some strong world to make me accept.
I had the same problem with the bad guys. I wasn't really shown they are bad, I was told through other people's accounts, letters, newspapers' clips. To me this breaks were boring to hell, didn't really add anything and dragged a story that was already slow as molasses.
All the characters were utterly unlikable to me from the sidekick to the main ones.
The heroine was so bland, and the hero a "dumb fuck" [sorry for the language]. He kidnaps her, but ask her for her trust (based on what??) He violates her in anyway possible, and she has NO reaction. (Sorry, this IS really personal. Not everyone will feel the same. But when I don't buy into a story, I see only two strangers. But if you are a stranger and watch me masturbate, this is a violation. If you keep touching me in a sexualized or simply very personal way, this is a violation. If you invade my dreams, yep, it's a violation. And it's a constant barrage. I was nearly thrown into a rage when he first feeds her and later "massage" her, because I really felt it was a form of violence to which she couldn't react because hormones or bond...)
And of course we have a mate bond without its name. So she keeps panting for him and is sooo attracted to him. At the end of the day she's portrayed as a stupid nitwit.
Because when she finally escapes, she's proven wrong and almost dies because of it. Nope, not my ideal heroine, sorry.
There was no connection or chemistry from the romance stand point. Again we were told, not really shown any love.
The side characters were the final nail in the coffin. From the vamp couple stuck in the middle ages, to Rowan, a very, very unlikable sulking teenager . Lawson is again so over the top to be absurd and .
Absolutely stupid final note. There are 6 Genaro in all Italy, as the surname seems to be a misspelling of the way more common "Gennaro", a Southern Italian first name (not one from the Rome area).. :)
November 9, 2009
Great new characters and a few familiar faces get Viehl's Kyndred off to a great start!
Shadowlight starts by introducing Min, who having just lost her adoptive father is embarking on a new life and starting a new job, her limited talent of foresight hasn't twinged but she has the future all mapped out. Min seemed like such a sweet and promising character, that when something really bad happens to her - she only senses when good things are going to happen - that I was so bummed, that I put the book down. But since Shadowlight was highly recommended to me by a friend, I went and hunted down reviews looking for spoilers which set my mind at ease, and I am so glad that I picked this back up.
All of the other new characters that Viehl has created - Mathias, Jessa, and Rowan - are well fleshed and very interesting, the romance is minimal with the courtship happening in the leading ladies dreams but I still liked the starring pair and having read the Darkyn books I didn't expect the romance to be the main focus of the story. I also liked the way that Viehl slowly doles out the knowledge about Mathias - who is just a bit off from normal in his speech patterns and familiarity with life in the USA - holding off on clueing us into his talents and his origins and I really liked not knowing whether the agenda for Mathias and crew made them friend or foe to the Kyndred. I was also happy to see the evil gene splicing company GenHance - out to harvest the Kyndred for their DNA - taking over as the villains of the story, I liked them so much better than the evil religious zealots of the Darkyn books.
Shadowlight still a bit of the darkness that used to make me squirm with Viehl's Darkyns, one of the GenHance minions is violently insane, but still this first novel of the Kyndred is my favorite of Viehl's stories so far. Even with Shadowlight being a spin-off of Viehl's Darkyn series, Viehl hasn't left her Darkyn behind - yes Alex still puts in an appearance, and Sam and Lucan are brought in as well with Sam having to finally fully accept what being Darkyn means to her and to Lucan. And since, according to Alex, the Kyndred are the future of the Darkyn, I am sure that we'll be seeing more of the Darkyn as the series continues with the woman of everyman's dreams, Rowan, in Dreamveil out in 2010.
Dreamveil: A Novel of the Kyndred (KYNDRED NOVEL)
Shadowlight starts by introducing Min, who having just lost her adoptive father is embarking on a new life and starting a new job, her limited talent of foresight hasn't twinged but she has the future all mapped out. Min seemed like such a sweet and promising character, that when something really bad happens to her - she only senses when good things are going to happen - that I was so bummed, that I put the book down. But since Shadowlight was highly recommended to me by a friend, I went and hunted down reviews looking for spoilers which set my mind at ease, and I am so glad that I picked this back up.
All of the other new characters that Viehl has created - Mathias, Jessa, and Rowan - are well fleshed and very interesting, the romance is minimal with the courtship happening in the leading ladies dreams but I still liked the starring pair and having read the Darkyn books I didn't expect the romance to be the main focus of the story. I also liked the way that Viehl slowly doles out the knowledge about Mathias - who is just a bit off from normal in his speech patterns and familiarity with life in the USA - holding off on clueing us into his talents and his origins and I really liked not knowing whether the agenda for Mathias and crew made them friend or foe to the Kyndred. I was also happy to see the evil gene splicing company GenHance - out to harvest the Kyndred for their DNA - taking over as the villains of the story, I liked them so much better than the evil religious zealots of the Darkyn books.
Shadowlight still a bit of the darkness that used to make me squirm with Viehl's Darkyns, one of the GenHance minions is violently insane, but still this first novel of the Kyndred is my favorite of Viehl's stories so far. Even with Shadowlight being a spin-off of Viehl's Darkyn series, Viehl hasn't left her Darkyn behind - yes Alex still puts in an appearance, and Sam and Lucan are brought in as well with Sam having to finally fully accept what being Darkyn means to her and to Lucan. And since, according to Alex, the Kyndred are the future of the Darkyn, I am sure that we'll be seeing more of the Darkyn as the series continues with the woman of everyman's dreams, Rowan, in Dreamveil out in 2010.
Dreamveil: A Novel of the Kyndred (KYNDRED NOVEL)
March 13, 2012
This decade has seen the rise of the vampire novel, thanks in no small part to the colossal success of Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series. One of the more popular novelists in the supernatural romance/thriller genre has been Lynn Viehl. Her Darkyn series has produced several trips to the New York Times bestseller list for trade paperbacks and created a legion of fans. Viehl’s newest novel Shadowlight, begins her newest series – the Kyndred – a spin-off of her Darkyn novels.
I had some problems with Shadowlight. The story was slow to get started and lurched from one scene to the next without much continuity, making it difficult to follow who was doing what. I just couldn't find much to hold on to. After the first 100 pages, I realized that I still didn’t care very much about any of the characters. The basic premise of the story was interesting enough, but in the end, when I finished the novel I was simply unable to buy in to the story or its characters. There may be other readers who will enjoy Shadowlight, (Viehl has a lot of fans) but I just couldn't get into it.
I had some problems with Shadowlight. The story was slow to get started and lurched from one scene to the next without much continuity, making it difficult to follow who was doing what. I just couldn't find much to hold on to. After the first 100 pages, I realized that I still didn’t care very much about any of the characters. The basic premise of the story was interesting enough, but in the end, when I finished the novel I was simply unable to buy in to the story or its characters. There may be other readers who will enjoy Shadowlight, (Viehl has a lot of fans) but I just couldn't get into it.
May 29, 2011
This book was good, but being the first book in the series there were couples in here which I didn't remember and I have a few of the Darkyn books so I was looking. Also the beginning was a little confusing and then throwing in a character who mentions the heroine's old love's name but with no explanation, I don't know what the author was trying to do with that. Maybe this wasn't edited correctly or it will be explained later, I couldn't figure it out. I'm planning on reading book #2, but I think I'll put it on my "when I get to it list". I'll finish up her Darkyn books first.
February 26, 2012
I didn't know really what to expect with a Kyndred novel. Oh, I knew that Viehl's writing and plotting is stellar, but still...
I loved the Darkyn series like a fat kid loves cake, but wasn't sure if that love would translate to the Kyndred. But this book put to rest my fears.
As fans of Darkyn discovered, the Kyndred are adults who were experimented on either in utero or as children and later manifested amazing powers. They are being hunted --- by bad guys who want to harvest the myriad powers, by the Darkyn who have learned that the Kyndred are a key to their continued survival, and by other Kyndred to create a network and help each other hide.
Jessa Bellamy can read people's deepest darkest secrets simply by touching them. Anything they wish to keep hidden is revealed once she comes into contact and enters a plane she calls 'shadowlight'. This secret ability has helped her build a formidable business and reputation as the foremost employment vetting agency in the South. But her success has brought her to the attention of a ruthless multi-billionaire who is one of those hunting the Kyndred for the purpose of using their DNA to developing a serum in his biological research company. Before they can take her though, she is swooped up by a mysterious stranger and taken into hiding.
Gaven Matthias is the leader of the small band who has kidnapped her for her own safety. He is attractive, magnetic and very enigmatic. He is also a mystery that Jessa needs to unravel before she can truly trust him.
The first set piece of the book, the part where we first meet Jessa under another identity is a great set up. It is light, hopeful and optimistic. There is no hint of the horror that is to come. It made for riveting reading.
But after that point the book splinters a bit. It introduces more characters, re-introduces us to old friends (Hi Alex, Sam and Lucan!), gives us smallish hints of everyone's motives and thrusts us immediately into the heat of the story. While I did enjoy the non-stop action, I kinda wished we could have spent more time with just Jessa and Matthias.
On the whole I pretty much enjoyed all the Kyndred we got to meet and I was fascinated by Matthias' backstory. What I wasn't too thrilled by was the main bad guy. Although in actuality the bad guy in this book would have been better characterized as the Mini-Boss (as they are called in gamer terms).
Our intrepid heroes don't get to confront the Big Bad just yet. That feels like it is being saved for a later book. As it was, I simply wasn't impressed with the Mini-Boss. I thought his ascension to what he became was too easy. And it felt like he just lurched around doing terrible things. He was described as much more menacing that he actually felt as I was reading it.
I also thought the Big Bad's control over all things media felt a little too old skool. In a world where everyone has a video camera on their phones and videos get uploaded on various places in seconds, you simply can't control the message all the time. Especially when the events in question all take place in public spaces with multiple witnesses. I also incessantly worried about Jessa's employees. Their boss disappears in a manner that puts her business and reputation in jeopardy. And they are left swinging in the wind. The author took some care to introduce them and their backstory and the importance of Jessa to their lives and then...nothing. What happened to them?
And as much as I like Sam and Lucan, their presence felt a bit superfluous. They really didn't contribute much to the events. Instead they seemed to be positioned mostly as observers to events and to act as a bridge between the Darkyn and the Kyndred. I kept waiting for them to be revealed to Jessa, Matthias and Co., who up to this point knew that something called the "Dark Kyn" existed but really didn't know who or what they were. But maybe LV is building up to something better? I hope so. And it was nice to have them in the book at any rate. Felt almost as if I was still reading a Darkyn book.
All in all this was a great book. I was surprised to realize that I simply flew through it and had finished it so quickly. I am glad I had the other next ready to go because I was immediately ready to start on it.
I loved the Darkyn series like a fat kid loves cake, but wasn't sure if that love would translate to the Kyndred. But this book put to rest my fears.
As fans of Darkyn discovered, the Kyndred are adults who were experimented on either in utero or as children and later manifested amazing powers. They are being hunted --- by bad guys who want to harvest the myriad powers, by the Darkyn who have learned that the Kyndred are a key to their continued survival, and by other Kyndred to create a network and help each other hide.
Jessa Bellamy can read people's deepest darkest secrets simply by touching them. Anything they wish to keep hidden is revealed once she comes into contact and enters a plane she calls 'shadowlight'. This secret ability has helped her build a formidable business and reputation as the foremost employment vetting agency in the South. But her success has brought her to the attention of a ruthless multi-billionaire who is one of those hunting the Kyndred for the purpose of using their DNA to developing a serum in his biological research company. Before they can take her though, she is swooped up by a mysterious stranger and taken into hiding.
Gaven Matthias is the leader of the small band who has kidnapped her for her own safety. He is attractive, magnetic and very enigmatic. He is also a mystery that Jessa needs to unravel before she can truly trust him.
The first set piece of the book, the part where we first meet Jessa under another identity is a great set up. It is light, hopeful and optimistic. There is no hint of the horror that is to come. It made for riveting reading.
But after that point the book splinters a bit. It introduces more characters, re-introduces us to old friends (Hi Alex, Sam and Lucan!), gives us smallish hints of everyone's motives and thrusts us immediately into the heat of the story. While I did enjoy the non-stop action, I kinda wished we could have spent more time with just Jessa and Matthias.
On the whole I pretty much enjoyed all the Kyndred we got to meet and I was fascinated by Matthias' backstory. What I wasn't too thrilled by was the main bad guy. Although in actuality the bad guy in this book would have been better characterized as the Mini-Boss (as they are called in gamer terms).
Our intrepid heroes don't get to confront the Big Bad just yet. That feels like it is being saved for a later book. As it was, I simply wasn't impressed with the Mini-Boss. I thought his ascension to what he became was too easy. And it felt like he just lurched around doing terrible things. He was described as much more menacing that he actually felt as I was reading it.
I also thought the Big Bad's control over all things media felt a little too old skool. In a world where everyone has a video camera on their phones and videos get uploaded on various places in seconds, you simply can't control the message all the time. Especially when the events in question all take place in public spaces with multiple witnesses. I also incessantly worried about Jessa's employees. Their boss disappears in a manner that puts her business and reputation in jeopardy. And they are left swinging in the wind. The author took some care to introduce them and their backstory and the importance of Jessa to their lives and then...nothing. What happened to them?
And as much as I like Sam and Lucan, their presence felt a bit superfluous. They really didn't contribute much to the events. Instead they seemed to be positioned mostly as observers to events and to act as a bridge between the Darkyn and the Kyndred. I kept waiting for them to be revealed to Jessa, Matthias and Co., who up to this point knew that something called the "Dark Kyn" existed but really didn't know who or what they were. But maybe LV is building up to something better? I hope so. And it was nice to have them in the book at any rate. Felt almost as if I was still reading a Darkyn book.
All in all this was a great book. I was surprised to realize that I simply flew through it and had finished it so quickly. I am glad I had the other next ready to go because I was immediately ready to start on it.
September 16, 2009
I have been lucky enough to be graced with a an ARC of Lynn Viehl’s latest work, Shadowlight, first book in her new series about the Kyndred and sequel of sorts to her successful Darkyn series, and I’d like to share my experience here.
For those who haven’t read the Darkyn novels, there is enough information here to make the story totally understandable without having to read the Darkyn books. Personally, I’d recommend to do it, especially for the vampire genere fans, because they are great, but I’m sure that once you have finished Shadowlight, you won’t need further goading and you’ll make that trip to the bookshop to find them.
From the Darkyn books, we have a couple of well loved characters: fomer Kyn hitman, Lucan and his life companion Samantha Brown, a detective in the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. Their interactions are always fun to read, as much as the small appearance of Dr. Alex Keller, another well loved character of the Kyn fans.
Then, we have a set of whole new characters. I must admit that I wasn’t exactly hooked with Jessa, I suppose I identified her with Jema Shaw, a character from the previous series that didn’t do it for me either. Matthias, on the other hand, presents a lot of interesting possibilities, and I’d love him meeting Dr. Keller, for example. I liked Rowan a lot, but despite the little he is seen on the book, it's Drew whose story I’d like to see in future Kyndred books.
Many questions that arose in the last books of the Kyn series are left unanswered in this first book, and considering that this is a whole new series, it’s understandable. However, since they share the same universe, and the Kyndred are the result of a botched experiment carried out by the Kyn archenemies, the Brethren, I expect that the some of these questions are tied up in the upcoming books.
There is a new villain in this book (and presumably, in the new series), a corporation who seems hell bent in exploiting the genetic improvements that resulted of the experiments of the Brethren. We don’t know yet if they are aware of these experiments, if they were part of them, or if they stumbled upon the Brethren experiments by chance. There are tantalizing hints of a new twist in this universe, with the mysterious link to Matthias/Tanicus and Genaro’s family, Matthias’ tattoo and ancient origin, and how it ties up with what we already know of the Darkyn and Kyndred origins. All this will hook new and old readers alike, in my opinion.
Shadowlight is an interesting new step forward into this fascinating universe that Lynn Viehl has crafted for us. You’ll find here engaging new characters, old classic ones that don’t disappoint, a plot with enough twists to keep you turning pages well into the night, and lots of questions that will keep you coming back for more Kyndred books. There is a good dose of romance, but it’s well done, and the sex is well balanced and adds to the plot, not at all like in Some Authors that Will Remain Nameless. I’ll give four starts out of five, because the active villain, Lawson, was really annoying and cartoonish at times, too over the top for me. However, don’t miss Shadowlight. Go and preorder. Now.
For those who haven’t read the Darkyn novels, there is enough information here to make the story totally understandable without having to read the Darkyn books. Personally, I’d recommend to do it, especially for the vampire genere fans, because they are great, but I’m sure that once you have finished Shadowlight, you won’t need further goading and you’ll make that trip to the bookshop to find them.
From the Darkyn books, we have a couple of well loved characters: fomer Kyn hitman, Lucan and his life companion Samantha Brown, a detective in the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. Their interactions are always fun to read, as much as the small appearance of Dr. Alex Keller, another well loved character of the Kyn fans.
Then, we have a set of whole new characters. I must admit that I wasn’t exactly hooked with Jessa, I suppose I identified her with Jema Shaw, a character from the previous series that didn’t do it for me either. Matthias, on the other hand, presents a lot of interesting possibilities, and I’d love him meeting Dr. Keller, for example. I liked Rowan a lot, but despite the little he is seen on the book, it's Drew whose story I’d like to see in future Kyndred books.
Many questions that arose in the last books of the Kyn series are left unanswered in this first book, and considering that this is a whole new series, it’s understandable. However, since they share the same universe, and the Kyndred are the result of a botched experiment carried out by the Kyn archenemies, the Brethren, I expect that the some of these questions are tied up in the upcoming books.
There is a new villain in this book (and presumably, in the new series), a corporation who seems hell bent in exploiting the genetic improvements that resulted of the experiments of the Brethren. We don’t know yet if they are aware of these experiments, if they were part of them, or if they stumbled upon the Brethren experiments by chance. There are tantalizing hints of a new twist in this universe, with the mysterious link to Matthias/Tanicus and Genaro’s family, Matthias’ tattoo and ancient origin, and how it ties up with what we already know of the Darkyn and Kyndred origins. All this will hook new and old readers alike, in my opinion.
Shadowlight is an interesting new step forward into this fascinating universe that Lynn Viehl has crafted for us. You’ll find here engaging new characters, old classic ones that don’t disappoint, a plot with enough twists to keep you turning pages well into the night, and lots of questions that will keep you coming back for more Kyndred books. There is a good dose of romance, but it’s well done, and the sex is well balanced and adds to the plot, not at all like in Some Authors that Will Remain Nameless. I’ll give four starts out of five, because the active villain, Lawson, was really annoying and cartoonish at times, too over the top for me. However, don’t miss Shadowlight. Go and preorder. Now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2010
4.5 stars:Great spin off to the Darkyn vampire series
Years ago scientists experimented on orphans, resulting in those kids growing up to be different--with unique powers. They are known as the Kyndred. As adults, a few of them formed a secret group, so they could talk to others of their kind. But that's when they found out the scientists were not gone--the GenHance scientists want to kill them and harvest their powers. Jessa Bellamy is one of those Kyndred in hiding. When Gavin Matthias saves her from an attack, can she believe what he is saying or is he working with GenHance?
The first time I read this book I found it good, but a little confusing. It was my first book by this author and I had not yet read the Darkyn series. I went back and read the Darkyn series (you can see my review of If Angels Burn if you are interested). Now, I just reread Shadowlight in preparation for book two Dreamveil. After reading the books in the correct order, I have to say that Shadowlight really is a great book--highly original with a fast moving, intricate plotline. It's an entertaining mix of action, mystery, suspense and romance.
The author did a good job with world building and character development. The highly original plotlines were especially well done. I haven't read as intricate of a storyline in a while--loved the surprises that she snuck in. As you are reading, if you come across something that doesn't seem relevant, do *not* scan it. It will all tie together and make sense by the end--and you will be surprised at what you find out. I liked the relationship between Jessa and Gavin, however I would have liked them to come together earlier. But if this is like her other series, perhaps this is just the starting point and maybe we'll see a lot more of them in future books in the series. I love that we see more of Samantha and Lucan in this series (they were characters from the Darkyn series). They are one of my favorite couples--a homicide dectective paried with a former vampire (ie, Darkyn) assassin. Sam was a Kyndred who converted to a Darkyn mate.
This book will appeal to fans of urban fantasy and paranormal romance who like a lot of mystery, suspense and action.
Years ago scientists experimented on orphans, resulting in those kids growing up to be different--with unique powers. They are known as the Kyndred. As adults, a few of them formed a secret group, so they could talk to others of their kind. But that's when they found out the scientists were not gone--the GenHance scientists want to kill them and harvest their powers. Jessa Bellamy is one of those Kyndred in hiding. When Gavin Matthias saves her from an attack, can she believe what he is saying or is he working with GenHance?
The first time I read this book I found it good, but a little confusing. It was my first book by this author and I had not yet read the Darkyn series. I went back and read the Darkyn series (you can see my review of If Angels Burn if you are interested). Now, I just reread Shadowlight in preparation for book two Dreamveil. After reading the books in the correct order, I have to say that Shadowlight really is a great book--highly original with a fast moving, intricate plotline. It's an entertaining mix of action, mystery, suspense and romance.
The author did a good job with world building and character development. The highly original plotlines were especially well done. I haven't read as intricate of a storyline in a while--loved the surprises that she snuck in. As you are reading, if you come across something that doesn't seem relevant, do *not* scan it. It will all tie together and make sense by the end--and you will be surprised at what you find out. I liked the relationship between Jessa and Gavin, however I would have liked them to come together earlier. But if this is like her other series, perhaps this is just the starting point and maybe we'll see a lot more of them in future books in the series. I love that we see more of Samantha and Lucan in this series (they were characters from the Darkyn series). They are one of my favorite couples--a homicide dectective paried with a former vampire (ie, Darkyn) assassin. Sam was a Kyndred who converted to a Darkyn mate.
This book will appeal to fans of urban fantasy and paranormal romance who like a lot of mystery, suspense and action.
October 8, 2010
Alright. Even though this book is marketed as the first of a series that is separate from the Darkyn, I believe that is false advertising. Those who have not followed the Darkyn series will be quite confused, especially when Alexandra, Samantha, Michael, and Lucan, appear without warning.
Regarding the book itself, it was quite disjointed, with too many threads left open. I didn't connect to Matthias (and I guessed who and what he was about a quarter into the book), and I really didn't like Jessa, who felt like a one-dimensional snooty cardboard cut-out. The chemistry between Matthias and Jessa was nonexistent and the attraction was tacked-on (with the requisite lust at first sight and instant "mine" syndrome). The concept of the series, that the Kyndred exist outside the Darkyn world and have made attempts to unite and work together, is very intriguing, but this was a disappointing beginning to the series and a weak execution of the concept. The secondary characters, however, were delightful, and only the ending made me pick up the sequel, Dreamveil, which was a bit more engaging and redeemed the series somewhat.
Regarding the book itself, it was quite disjointed, with too many threads left open. I didn't connect to Matthias (and I guessed who and what he was about a quarter into the book), and I really didn't like Jessa, who felt like a one-dimensional snooty cardboard cut-out. The chemistry between Matthias and Jessa was nonexistent and the attraction was tacked-on (with the requisite lust at first sight and instant "mine" syndrome). The concept of the series, that the Kyndred exist outside the Darkyn world and have made attempts to unite and work together, is very intriguing, but this was a disappointing beginning to the series and a weak execution of the concept. The secondary characters, however, were delightful, and only the ending made me pick up the sequel, Dreamveil, which was a bit more engaging and redeemed the series somewhat.
September 29, 2011
Ummm...not sure what to say here. I didn't really start to really enjoy the book until I was about 70 - 75% complete with it. There are so many story lines and characters in this book, it was confusing as heck to keep it all straight. It does all start to pull together towards the end and I am guessing since this is the first book in the series that the bulk of the background information to the entire series is in this book. Therefore, I am going to go ahead and give the next book a try, but, if it is anything like the first book, I won't hesitate to put it down. I think it would have been better to start the series light and build up on background information in preceding books. It was lacking in interaction between the "main" characters. I didn't feel a true connection with them, their story was too scattered between other characters POVs. My favorite part of the entire book came at the very end and it wasn't something I saw coming, probably cause I was confused the entire book.
ETA: Apparently, this book would have made a lot more sense if I read the Darkyn series first. Wish I would have paid attention to that. Probably would have enjoyed the book a bit more.
ETA: Apparently, this book would have made a lot more sense if I read the Darkyn series first. Wish I would have paid attention to that. Probably would have enjoyed the book a bit more.
October 12, 2009
So far this book has not scored high reader reviews, and having read it, I understand why.
First let me say that I enjoyed the Darkyn series. It's been a few months since I last read the series, so perhaps that played a factor in my lack of enthusiasm with this book.
I found myself often confused, not understanding who was what or who, and who knew about who. Yeah.
I also found the characters maybe not so much underdeveloped as just, disconnected. I couldn't find any link to really care much about them. I wasn't sucked into their world, their delemma, their lives. I don't know how they felt about anything, with the excepting of Rowan, and the book wasn't about her. The plot, in its simplist form, had promise, but was full of holes. If the pages weren't numbered, I would have sworn some had fallen out somewhere. Pretty much the book excelled at mediocraty with occasional hints of interest. I wasn't praying for it to be over but I wasn't upset to be finished.
Next!
First let me say that I enjoyed the Darkyn series. It's been a few months since I last read the series, so perhaps that played a factor in my lack of enthusiasm with this book.
I found myself often confused, not understanding who was what or who, and who knew about who. Yeah.
I also found the characters maybe not so much underdeveloped as just, disconnected. I couldn't find any link to really care much about them. I wasn't sucked into their world, their delemma, their lives. I don't know how they felt about anything, with the excepting of Rowan, and the book wasn't about her. The plot, in its simplist form, had promise, but was full of holes. If the pages weren't numbered, I would have sworn some had fallen out somewhere. Pretty much the book excelled at mediocraty with occasional hints of interest. I wasn't praying for it to be over but I wasn't upset to be finished.
Next!
May 25, 2010
I've given this book the bad-science tag for its appalling European geography. A day trip from Northern Italy to Berlin? And why would you go to Berlin anyway to buy a cuckoo clock if you're pretty much sitting on top of Switzerland? And the Battle of the Teutoberg Forest (which is pretty much on a line of latitude with Amsterdam) seems to happen surprisingly near the Italian Alps, given how quickly Tanicus manages to make his way there in the flashbacks.
Equally, the romance plotline was underdeveloped (as often happens in Viehl's stuff) in favour of the Samantha/Lucan and GenHance scenes, and I felt that the book would have been improved by greater exploration of Gaven Matthias's personality in particular. On the other hand, as I'm now used to this from Viehl, it didn't detract from my enjoyment as it might otherwise have done, so in the end, i've given it five stars for being so compelling.
Equally, the romance plotline was underdeveloped (as often happens in Viehl's stuff) in favour of the Samantha/Lucan and GenHance scenes, and I felt that the book would have been improved by greater exploration of Gaven Matthias's personality in particular. On the other hand, as I'm now used to this from Viehl, it didn't detract from my enjoyment as it might otherwise have done, so in the end, i've given it five stars for being so compelling.
March 27, 2012
I really enjoyed the Darkyn series (5 stars for all) but this spinoff wasn't up to par. It was very hard to get into and jumps back and forth in time (ancient Rome, 1998 and 2008) with different, seemingly unrelated characters and newspaper clippings that totally came out of left field. Over half way through, it started making sense and got interesting but the main characters Matthias and Jessa were both really unlikeable. You learn nothing about Matthias until the very end and Jessa has a major attitude problem. I enjoyed the return of Samantha, Lucan and Alexandra which sort of tied it to the Darkyn. The ending was a little forced and way too convenient.
I own the next two books in the series so I will definitely read them but it probably won't be anytime soon.
I own the next two books in the series so I will definitely read them but it probably won't be anytime soon.
October 19, 2009
I really couldn't finish the book and I rarely have that problem. The characters were one dimensional and I could not connect with them on any level. the only bright part of the book that I did read was a scene between Lucan and Sam two characters from the Darkyn series.
June 2, 2015
Not bad but since I had not read any of her Darkyn series I found the first half hard to get into. It got better towards the later half and ended well.
November 21, 2022
2.5 Stars
I'm going to round up with this one because there were parts of this story that I did like. But ultimately this was a little hard to follow as a lot of the world building feels like it was done in the author's other series that this, apparently, is a spin off of. I was unaware that it was a spin off until I had already started the book and I found myself lost a fair bit with what the differences between Kyndred and Darkyn are and how all of that works.
The romance in this story honestly isn't very well done. There's very little development or even conversation ever between Matthias and Jessa. Their entire connection relies on this draw between them. I found myself never really believing the connection or accepting that Jessa would so suddenly about face and be over her concerns as to why Matthias had grabbed her.
The action of the story is basically the best bit of it. I found what's going on and why the Kyn are being hunted to be the most interesting part of it all. I feel like I need to go read the other series though to really follow what's going on as those characters are also making an appearance in this series.
I'm going to round up with this one because there were parts of this story that I did like. But ultimately this was a little hard to follow as a lot of the world building feels like it was done in the author's other series that this, apparently, is a spin off of. I was unaware that it was a spin off until I had already started the book and I found myself lost a fair bit with what the differences between Kyndred and Darkyn are and how all of that works.
The romance in this story honestly isn't very well done. There's very little development or even conversation ever between Matthias and Jessa. Their entire connection relies on this draw between them. I found myself never really believing the connection or accepting that Jessa would so suddenly about face and be over her concerns as to why Matthias had grabbed her.
The action of the story is basically the best bit of it. I found what's going on and why the Kyn are being hunted to be the most interesting part of it all. I feel like I need to go read the other series though to really follow what's going on as those characters are also making an appearance in this series.
October 19, 2009
Jessa Bellamy is at it again, that is according to her employee’s and after finding out yet another secret she is not saying anything of how she does it, because she is carrying her own secret known as shadowlight and she is not willing to give up her secret for anything.
Jessa is one of those gifted - and her skill is in her hands, with one touch she is able to see the darkest secret of anyone. This comes in handy in her professional life as a background checker of people who are hired into all type of high end companies. Jessa however is not unknown to the powers that be and these fall into two groups.
Firstly their is Jonah Genaro operating under the guise of his company GenHance Corporation – he has made it his life long mission to build something the world has never seen or will ever see again. To build this however he needs a few special attribute and one Ms.Jessa Bellamy is just another step to making his creation a more real thing.
Secondly there is Gaven Matthias and his band of merry men – who will do anything or as close as possible to protect these gifted people from falling into Jonah's hands and ultimately preventing him from carrying out his dastardly deed.
Gaven gets to Jessa first and in doing so sets of a chain reaction that see Jonah having to up his anti and see Gaven having to take extreme measure to ensure Jessa is kept safe and secure while they figure out how to get her away from the action so to speak.
Some things are not meant to happen and Jessa has been through enough in her life to accept Gaven’s word and she places herself on a collision course with the enemy and not even Gaven or his merry band of followers may be able to help her this time.
First thank you Ms. Lynn for coming back so quickly with a new series. After Darkyn series ended I thought what could fill this gap and yes – SHADOWLIGHT does it for me.
This is the first book in “The Kyndred series” and it is a little more than I expected but also a little less as well. We are introduced to two opposing element in this book and if you have ever read any of Lynn’s work the first book is always wordy and SHADOWLIGHT is no exception – there is alot of back detail as well as thought process’s and devilishly conniving plans.
Highlights
With the scenes jumping between the characters I only actually caught up to speed about a third into the book as everything is written in little scenes that seems to pull together about a third in and from there it was all good.
The characters are all attitude – even the good guys are so off and I was loving them. They had an aggressiveness to them that feels like killed or be killed – and these people had no hang ups about taking the law into their own hands.
I love the unsaid and as much as I was used to the “hide and seek” sort of plot from Ms. Viehl – I felt it was well played in SHADOWLIGHT.
A pretty decent set of characters filtered through this book and they all had their uses – love them or hate them, they all served a purpose.
I like a book where every available opportunity is used and at no point did I think “the author could have done that or use this” every moment was an event.
One of the big highlights of the book was the introduction of Lucan and Samantha as support cast – if you have not meet them before – as soon as you hit their scenes there is an immediate change in the air – because Lucan was just that, a force of nature and he was letting Samantha know he is her lord and master.
Right from the outset the name “KYNDRED’ brings up shades of DARKYN and I was pleased Ms. Lyn nipped the connection right in the bud', so as a reader – I knew they had some connection, however as this is a series I am expecting to learn more about the link in future books.
Lowlights
With Urban Fantasy there is always a head honcho – and in SHADOWLIGHT he is definitely the head bad guy. I was hoping to see some one strong enough to take him on – but I was not seeing Gaven as a forceful talent in SHADOWLIGHT to take on this particular baddy. I look forward to who Ms. Lynn will have step up to the plate to deal with Jonah Genaro
As much as I liked this book – I was not feeling the connection between Gaven and Jessa, they argued too much, they were two distrustful of each other and had too much secrets between them – funnily these are the things that I love about the book but not within their relationship.
Bottom Line
As an opening book I am pleased to have read SHADOWLIGHT, it is a fast paced book that mixes the past and the present nicely to give a captivating hunt and chase scenario with everyone having their own agenda – even when you think the team player should be working towards the same goal.
This book can stand alone and proudly, however readers of Ms. Lynn’s previous works will be ahead of the game as her style comes across really strong, her female characters are really the spine of the book and the more meatier portions of the book will take some slogging through.
I found SHADOWLIGHT a treat to read and am already looking forward to the next one in the series.
Jessa is one of those gifted - and her skill is in her hands, with one touch she is able to see the darkest secret of anyone. This comes in handy in her professional life as a background checker of people who are hired into all type of high end companies. Jessa however is not unknown to the powers that be and these fall into two groups.
Firstly their is Jonah Genaro operating under the guise of his company GenHance Corporation – he has made it his life long mission to build something the world has never seen or will ever see again. To build this however he needs a few special attribute and one Ms.Jessa Bellamy is just another step to making his creation a more real thing.
Secondly there is Gaven Matthias and his band of merry men – who will do anything or as close as possible to protect these gifted people from falling into Jonah's hands and ultimately preventing him from carrying out his dastardly deed.
Gaven gets to Jessa first and in doing so sets of a chain reaction that see Jonah having to up his anti and see Gaven having to take extreme measure to ensure Jessa is kept safe and secure while they figure out how to get her away from the action so to speak.
Some things are not meant to happen and Jessa has been through enough in her life to accept Gaven’s word and she places herself on a collision course with the enemy and not even Gaven or his merry band of followers may be able to help her this time.
First thank you Ms. Lynn for coming back so quickly with a new series. After Darkyn series ended I thought what could fill this gap and yes – SHADOWLIGHT does it for me.
This is the first book in “The Kyndred series” and it is a little more than I expected but also a little less as well. We are introduced to two opposing element in this book and if you have ever read any of Lynn’s work the first book is always wordy and SHADOWLIGHT is no exception – there is alot of back detail as well as thought process’s and devilishly conniving plans.
Highlights
With the scenes jumping between the characters I only actually caught up to speed about a third into the book as everything is written in little scenes that seems to pull together about a third in and from there it was all good.
The characters are all attitude – even the good guys are so off and I was loving them. They had an aggressiveness to them that feels like killed or be killed – and these people had no hang ups about taking the law into their own hands.
I love the unsaid and as much as I was used to the “hide and seek” sort of plot from Ms. Viehl – I felt it was well played in SHADOWLIGHT.
A pretty decent set of characters filtered through this book and they all had their uses – love them or hate them, they all served a purpose.
I like a book where every available opportunity is used and at no point did I think “the author could have done that or use this” every moment was an event.
One of the big highlights of the book was the introduction of Lucan and Samantha as support cast – if you have not meet them before – as soon as you hit their scenes there is an immediate change in the air – because Lucan was just that, a force of nature and he was letting Samantha know he is her lord and master.
“I’m a jerk,” she said into his shirt.
“You are distraught.” He lifted her face, urging her to look at him. “I will allow you
to go, Samantha, but not alone.”
“He can’t do anything to me.” She sounded so tired, even to her own ears. “He’s
only human.”
“Fangs do not make the monster, my love.” Lucan tucked her head under his
chin. “But while I am your lord and master, which will be until eternity comes to an end, I
will not let you face such nightmares alone. Now stop sniveling. You promised me, no
more weeping.”
Shawdowlight © Lynn Viehl
Right from the outset the name “KYNDRED’ brings up shades of DARKYN and I was pleased Ms. Lyn nipped the connection right in the bud', so as a reader – I knew they had some connection, however as this is a series I am expecting to learn more about the link in future books.
Lowlights
With Urban Fantasy there is always a head honcho – and in SHADOWLIGHT he is definitely the head bad guy. I was hoping to see some one strong enough to take him on – but I was not seeing Gaven as a forceful talent in SHADOWLIGHT to take on this particular baddy. I look forward to who Ms. Lynn will have step up to the plate to deal with Jonah Genaro
As much as I liked this book – I was not feeling the connection between Gaven and Jessa, they argued too much, they were two distrustful of each other and had too much secrets between them – funnily these are the things that I love about the book but not within their relationship.
Bottom Line
As an opening book I am pleased to have read SHADOWLIGHT, it is a fast paced book that mixes the past and the present nicely to give a captivating hunt and chase scenario with everyone having their own agenda – even when you think the team player should be working towards the same goal.
This book can stand alone and proudly, however readers of Ms. Lynn’s previous works will be ahead of the game as her style comes across really strong, her female characters are really the spine of the book and the more meatier portions of the book will take some slogging through.
I found SHADOWLIGHT a treat to read and am already looking forward to the next one in the series.
August 31, 2017
1.5 I didn't enjoy this much. It was okay but the storyline felt a bit loose. It didn't help that one of the main characters was raised in a society that kept him a bit separate? segregated? from emotions? Didn't really feel much.
May 14, 2018
Did not finish. Maybe I was too tired when I started reading, but there were way too many characters thrown at me from right off the bat.
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
September 7, 2021
Really good reading
June 25, 2024
This is apparently a spin-off series.
I highly recommend reading Darkyn, the series it spins off from.
Otherwise, you'd be like me and have no idea what in the total Earth is/was happening.
I highly recommend reading Darkyn, the series it spins off from.
Otherwise, you'd be like me and have no idea what in the total Earth is/was happening.
September 20, 2013
IHRE GABE MACHT SIE ZUR GEJAGTEN
der Klappentext:
Jessa Bellamy besitzt die ungewöhnliche Fähigkeit mit nur einer Berührung die dunkelsten Geheimnisse eines Menschen in Erfahrung bringen zu können. Sie nutzt ihre Gabe, um Firmenkunden bei der Personalauswahl zu beraten, doch sie weiß nicht, dass sie in Wahrheit zu den Kyndred gehört.
Diese sind Menschen mit übernatürlichen Gaben, die als Kinder Opfer von Genmanipulationen wurden.
Jonah Genaro, der Chef der Biotech- Firma GenHance, hat es auf die Kyndred abgesehen und plant, mit ihren Genen eine menschlie Wunderwaffe zu entwickeln. Doch ehe Genaro Jessas DNA rauben kann, wird sie von dem geheimnisvollen Gaven Matthias entführt, der behauptet, sie vor Genaro schützen zu wollen.
Gegen ihren Willen fühlt sich Jessa zu dem charismatischen Kämpfer hingezogen, der seinerseits von der kühlen Schönheit fasziniert ist. Doch trotz der starken Gefühle, die Gaven in ihr auslöst, weiß Jesse nicht, ob sie ihm wirklich trauen kann - er ist doch der erste Mensch, desse Geheimnisse ihr verborgen bleiben ...
zu den Charakteren:
Jessa ist ein wenig durcheinander und kann sich selbst nicht trauen. Ihr Leben wird durch die Gabe bestimmt und wir lernen hier eine Frau kennen die bewusst durchs Leben geht und so gut es geht jeder Berührung aus dem Weg zu gehen.
Dies stelle ich mir sehr schwer vor und kann deshalb gut nachvollziehen, dass sie oftmals anders handelt als "OttoNormalVerbraucher" es tun würde. Es macht Sie zu einem interessanten Charakter und man fühlt hierdurch ihre Zweifeln und Gefühlsschwankungen mit...
Gaven ist ein großer, blonder Krieger der im Gegensatz zu seinem Äußeren ein sehr gefühlvoller, nachdenklicher Typ ist. Dieser Widerspruch setzt mir etwas nach, da er so gar nichts gezeigt hat, was ihn zu diesem Krieger macht. Als Entführer ist er sehr untypisch, wirkt weich und zahm . Fast schon zu weich, da er immer das Knick einzieht sobald sich eine Konfrontation nähert. Ohne seine Freunde die für Ihn die Kohle aus dem Feuer holen (so wie es mir schien) wäre er gar nichts!
Mich konnte er nicht überzeugen ...
Rowan ist der tollste und vielseitigste Charakter in diesem Buch. Ihre Vergangenheit hat sie in soweit geprägt das sie misstrauisch ihr Gegenüber beäugt, aber durch ihren eigenen Humor dem Leser eine Symphatie entgegen bringt, dem man wohl schwer widerstehen kann. Ihre heimliche Liebe zu Gaven machte mir dieses Buch etwas schwermütig da sehr früh fest stand, das ihr dieser Herzenswunsch nicht erfüllt wird. Den schon vor langer Zeit sah sie, das Gaven & Jessa füreinander bestimmt sind ...
meine Meinung:
sehr verwirrend starten wir hier in ein Buch, das uns in jedem Kapitel erstmal einen Rückspann in eine andere, vergangene Zeit bringt. Dieser historische Einblick hat mich sehr verwirrt, da die Protagonisten hier anders heißen und ich so mit der Zuordnung meine Probleme hatte.
Außerdem hat Jessa einmal mehr eine Namensänderung durchzogen, was anfangs auch nicht gleich aus der Geschichte heraus klar wurde!
Da ich die DaKyn - Reihe nicht gelesen haben, war es für ein einmaliges Erlebnis hier in beide Formen des Wandels zu finden. Wir haben hier die DaKyn, die Nachtschwärmer die sich von Blut ernähren, und die Knydred, auch ein uraltes Volk allerdings doch eher menschlicher Natur die sich nicht von Blut ernähren müssen.
Was ich gar nicht verstanden habe und mich nun am meisten gestört hat, ist die Tatsache das im Klappentext steht, das wir es hier mit einer Form der Genmanipulation zu tun haben, aber Gaven aus dem römischen Reich stammt. Wie kann das sein?
Ein bisschen hatte ich immer wieder Bilder von Wolferin vor mir, ich denke diese Form von Genmanipulation trifft es ganz gut um sich hier ein Bild zu machen!
Ansonsten ist die Geschichte sehr vielseitig und actionreich. Wir haben hier in einer Trillermanier eine Entführungsserie und besonderen Art.
Auch die Verfolgungsjagd ist sehr detailliert und spannend dargestellt, obwohl mir die Form der Genänderung bei Lawson etwas zu viel des Guten war.
Fazit:
Ein actiongeladener Thriller der Genforschung.
Ich denke mit dem Wissen der Bücher aus der Darkyn - Reihe hätte es mir besser gefallen und ich hätte vielleicht tiefer in die Geschichte finden können.
Trotzdem ein schöner Auftakt für alle Darkyn & Takyn Fan´s
der Klappentext:
Jessa Bellamy besitzt die ungewöhnliche Fähigkeit mit nur einer Berührung die dunkelsten Geheimnisse eines Menschen in Erfahrung bringen zu können. Sie nutzt ihre Gabe, um Firmenkunden bei der Personalauswahl zu beraten, doch sie weiß nicht, dass sie in Wahrheit zu den Kyndred gehört.
Diese sind Menschen mit übernatürlichen Gaben, die als Kinder Opfer von Genmanipulationen wurden.
Jonah Genaro, der Chef der Biotech- Firma GenHance, hat es auf die Kyndred abgesehen und plant, mit ihren Genen eine menschlie Wunderwaffe zu entwickeln. Doch ehe Genaro Jessas DNA rauben kann, wird sie von dem geheimnisvollen Gaven Matthias entführt, der behauptet, sie vor Genaro schützen zu wollen.
Gegen ihren Willen fühlt sich Jessa zu dem charismatischen Kämpfer hingezogen, der seinerseits von der kühlen Schönheit fasziniert ist. Doch trotz der starken Gefühle, die Gaven in ihr auslöst, weiß Jesse nicht, ob sie ihm wirklich trauen kann - er ist doch der erste Mensch, desse Geheimnisse ihr verborgen bleiben ...
zu den Charakteren:
Jessa ist ein wenig durcheinander und kann sich selbst nicht trauen. Ihr Leben wird durch die Gabe bestimmt und wir lernen hier eine Frau kennen die bewusst durchs Leben geht und so gut es geht jeder Berührung aus dem Weg zu gehen.
Dies stelle ich mir sehr schwer vor und kann deshalb gut nachvollziehen, dass sie oftmals anders handelt als "OttoNormalVerbraucher" es tun würde. Es macht Sie zu einem interessanten Charakter und man fühlt hierdurch ihre Zweifeln und Gefühlsschwankungen mit...
Gaven ist ein großer, blonder Krieger der im Gegensatz zu seinem Äußeren ein sehr gefühlvoller, nachdenklicher Typ ist. Dieser Widerspruch setzt mir etwas nach, da er so gar nichts gezeigt hat, was ihn zu diesem Krieger macht. Als Entführer ist er sehr untypisch, wirkt weich und zahm . Fast schon zu weich, da er immer das Knick einzieht sobald sich eine Konfrontation nähert. Ohne seine Freunde die für Ihn die Kohle aus dem Feuer holen (so wie es mir schien) wäre er gar nichts!
Mich konnte er nicht überzeugen ...
Rowan ist der tollste und vielseitigste Charakter in diesem Buch. Ihre Vergangenheit hat sie in soweit geprägt das sie misstrauisch ihr Gegenüber beäugt, aber durch ihren eigenen Humor dem Leser eine Symphatie entgegen bringt, dem man wohl schwer widerstehen kann. Ihre heimliche Liebe zu Gaven machte mir dieses Buch etwas schwermütig da sehr früh fest stand, das ihr dieser Herzenswunsch nicht erfüllt wird. Den schon vor langer Zeit sah sie, das Gaven & Jessa füreinander bestimmt sind ...
meine Meinung:
sehr verwirrend starten wir hier in ein Buch, das uns in jedem Kapitel erstmal einen Rückspann in eine andere, vergangene Zeit bringt. Dieser historische Einblick hat mich sehr verwirrt, da die Protagonisten hier anders heißen und ich so mit der Zuordnung meine Probleme hatte.
Außerdem hat Jessa einmal mehr eine Namensänderung durchzogen, was anfangs auch nicht gleich aus der Geschichte heraus klar wurde!
Da ich die DaKyn - Reihe nicht gelesen haben, war es für ein einmaliges Erlebnis hier in beide Formen des Wandels zu finden. Wir haben hier die DaKyn, die Nachtschwärmer die sich von Blut ernähren, und die Knydred, auch ein uraltes Volk allerdings doch eher menschlicher Natur die sich nicht von Blut ernähren müssen.
Was ich gar nicht verstanden habe und mich nun am meisten gestört hat, ist die Tatsache das im Klappentext steht, das wir es hier mit einer Form der Genmanipulation zu tun haben, aber Gaven aus dem römischen Reich stammt. Wie kann das sein?
Ein bisschen hatte ich immer wieder Bilder von Wolferin vor mir, ich denke diese Form von Genmanipulation trifft es ganz gut um sich hier ein Bild zu machen!
Ansonsten ist die Geschichte sehr vielseitig und actionreich. Wir haben hier in einer Trillermanier eine Entführungsserie und besonderen Art.
Auch die Verfolgungsjagd ist sehr detailliert und spannend dargestellt, obwohl mir die Form der Genänderung bei Lawson etwas zu viel des Guten war.
Fazit:
Ein actiongeladener Thriller der Genforschung.
Ich denke mit dem Wissen der Bücher aus der Darkyn - Reihe hätte es mir besser gefallen und ich hätte vielleicht tiefer in die Geschichte finden können.
Trotzdem ein schöner Auftakt für alle Darkyn & Takyn Fan´s
September 22, 2009
Jessa runs her own firm doing background checks for large companies. She is successful because when she touches someone, she can see their darkest, deepest most evil secret. When this happens she goes into shadowlight. When she emerges back to reality, she is back in sunlight. Because of this she is alone in the world. Never dates because as soon as she touches, she knows something she doesn't want to know about the person. When she discovers someone who committed a crime by using her talent, she places an anonymous call to the FBI. She has done this for several years and although has gone unnoticed by the feds, another group has become suspicious.
The Kyndreds, just like Jessa, each have a special power - some can change into different people, others can control the weather. While they use their gifts for the greater good, GenHance corporation has found a way to abuse their power. Scientists there under Jonah Genaro and his assistant Bradford Lawson have found if you harvest Kyndred cells, a serum can be made to make someone into a super human. Although only in the testing stages, the corporation kidnaps these Kyndred and while taking their cells, kills them.
The Kyndreds have decided to fight back. They know this corporation is after Jessa and when they learn she is to have a business meeting with Lawson, Gaven Matthias makes a plan to take her first.
Jessa is terrified of Matthias. He tells her he is the good guy and he takes her to safety somewhere deep under the city but all she wants is out. She is held as his captive along and lives underground with Matthias' co-Kyndred Rowan. Although they don't harm Jessa and continually tell her they are just like her, she doesn't trust them.
Meanwhile Lawson wants revenge and he turns into a indestructible monster. If Matthias lets Jessa go, he knows she will be immediately hunted down by Lawson yet it kills him to see the hurt and distrust in her eyes. He knows she is destined to be his mate, but that will never happen if she can't let go of the fear and start to trust him.
While Shadowlight definitely kept my interest throughout the book, I had a little trouble connecting with Jessa. She has been special her entire life. She can see every one's darkest secrets so she obviously knows she has a supernatural talent. She even finds others online with similar talents and they form an anonymous online friendship that they obviously keep under tight wraps.
After Matthias bursts in and saves her from Lawford, she does not trust him at all. Yes, she had no idea Lawford was a bad guy but she can't even admit to Matthias she has a special gift, even when he tells her exactly what her gift is. For days she lives with Matthias and Rowan and is never once threatened, yet never trusts them. Always looking for a way out no matter how many times they tell her she will be killed if she goes above ground. Even when Matthias teaches her about vampires, she doesn't believe vampires exist. Well, why not? She has a supernatural talent so it is not that far of a reach to believe other supernatural species exist.
Speaking of vampires, one thing I really enjoyed about this book was Lucan. I believe he is the hero in Lynn Viehl's Darkest Night book. His mate, Samantha, is a homicide detective and she is called to duty when Lawford starts on his killing spree. They have a secondary story line going on, presumably a carryover from the Darkest Night. I love that she shows them already mated but still having problems. Samantha is a new vampire and must learn to hunt. When Lucan gets angry, which happens a lot around the smart mouthed Samantha, things start breaking- lights, windows, bathroom sinks. It was a really fun supporting storyline.
I liked the premise of this book. The other Kyndred, Rowan and Drew who you later meet have a lot of spunk and Rowan is the next heroine to be featured. I already have a feeling I will like her much better.
The Kyndreds, just like Jessa, each have a special power - some can change into different people, others can control the weather. While they use their gifts for the greater good, GenHance corporation has found a way to abuse their power. Scientists there under Jonah Genaro and his assistant Bradford Lawson have found if you harvest Kyndred cells, a serum can be made to make someone into a super human. Although only in the testing stages, the corporation kidnaps these Kyndred and while taking their cells, kills them.
The Kyndreds have decided to fight back. They know this corporation is after Jessa and when they learn she is to have a business meeting with Lawson, Gaven Matthias makes a plan to take her first.
Jessa is terrified of Matthias. He tells her he is the good guy and he takes her to safety somewhere deep under the city but all she wants is out. She is held as his captive along and lives underground with Matthias' co-Kyndred Rowan. Although they don't harm Jessa and continually tell her they are just like her, she doesn't trust them.
Meanwhile Lawson wants revenge and he turns into a indestructible monster. If Matthias lets Jessa go, he knows she will be immediately hunted down by Lawson yet it kills him to see the hurt and distrust in her eyes. He knows she is destined to be his mate, but that will never happen if she can't let go of the fear and start to trust him.
While Shadowlight definitely kept my interest throughout the book, I had a little trouble connecting with Jessa. She has been special her entire life. She can see every one's darkest secrets so she obviously knows she has a supernatural talent. She even finds others online with similar talents and they form an anonymous online friendship that they obviously keep under tight wraps.
After Matthias bursts in and saves her from Lawford, she does not trust him at all. Yes, she had no idea Lawford was a bad guy but she can't even admit to Matthias she has a special gift, even when he tells her exactly what her gift is. For days she lives with Matthias and Rowan and is never once threatened, yet never trusts them. Always looking for a way out no matter how many times they tell her she will be killed if she goes above ground. Even when Matthias teaches her about vampires, she doesn't believe vampires exist. Well, why not? She has a supernatural talent so it is not that far of a reach to believe other supernatural species exist.
Speaking of vampires, one thing I really enjoyed about this book was Lucan. I believe he is the hero in Lynn Viehl's Darkest Night book. His mate, Samantha, is a homicide detective and she is called to duty when Lawford starts on his killing spree. They have a secondary story line going on, presumably a carryover from the Darkest Night. I love that she shows them already mated but still having problems. Samantha is a new vampire and must learn to hunt. When Lucan gets angry, which happens a lot around the smart mouthed Samantha, things start breaking- lights, windows, bathroom sinks. It was a really fun supporting storyline.
I liked the premise of this book. The other Kyndred, Rowan and Drew who you later meet have a lot of spunk and Rowan is the next heroine to be featured. I already have a feeling I will like her much better.
September 18, 2009
How in the hell did I get through life thus far without ever having read Lynn Viehl’s work? For now, after having read Shadowlight, I fear that I won’t be able to do without it. Joely Sue Burkhart was not kidding when she warned me that Lynn’s books were like crack.
Shadowlight being no different. I haven’t had the privilege of acquiring her Darkyn books-since I don’t know that any of our local bookstores carry them in my country- but I just had to order If Angels Burn about half way through Shadowlight. I feared I may have gone through withdrawal symptoms without it and I’m so happy it arrived a few days ago so I don’t have to wait!
Let me just say that I never felt lost reading Shadowlight and, as a new series should, it stands on its own two feet quite nicely. Though I imagine there’s an extra kick of nostalgia if you’ve had some previous experience with the Darkyn characters who make a cameo in Shadowlight.
I literally begrudged every minute I was kept away from this book and I would have been finished a hell of a lot sooner if I hadn’t been having such a rough week. Which is a topic for another day, but Shadowlight definitely helped take the edge off in my time of need. I loved the way Lynn inter-weaved the Darkyn and Takyn threads so seamlessly. Her characters are so numerous and all so intriguing that I find it incredibly hard to pick a favorite.
Jessa, the heroine, is saddled with an ability known as the Shadowlight which gives her the ability to see into the darkness of any person she touches heart and into events that leave them ashamed or guilt ridden. It, along with a very tragic moment in her past, alienates her from her peers and co-workers at Pheonix Inc. who are beginning to notice the pains she takes not to touch any of them. Even in her vulnerable moments, Jessa’s a perfectly capable and smart heroine and never goes beyond her means nor seems useless when the goings get tough. And for all that, she’s incredibly lonely.
And Gaven Matthias, our delectable hero, sees it. But then, there’s not much he doesn't see about Jessa when he’s committed himself to taking her. He is the real enigma in the story, and even though we’re given hints and small clues, I didn’t figure him out until Lynn smacked us upside the head with his ability and backstory.
I felt gleefully clever when I figured out one of the plot twists before it was revealed though. And I shan’t share here what it pertained to.
If I absolutely had to pick a favorite though, it would be Rowan. She stole the show, or rather, the book. From the very first line she speaks to the very first time we get a glimpse of “whats her deal”, Rowan fascinated me. Every scene she was in left me wanting more. Not only because of her smart ass remarks but because you could really empathize with her. Even with her bitterness. Especially with her bitterness.
Lynn wastes no time on miniscual details in Shadowlight. Fast paced and tightly plotted, there was enough action, romance, and supernatural in here to hit all three of my reading sweet spots. Definitely one of the best books I’ve read all year and a Keeper!
Please do yourself a favor and pick yourself up a copy of Shadowlight, to be released on October 6th, 2009. Or better yet, pre-order if the economy hasn’t been too harsh on you. And if it has, this would serve as a fantastic escape read.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to immerse myself in If Angels Burn-book 1 of the Darkyn series.
Shadowlight being no different. I haven’t had the privilege of acquiring her Darkyn books-since I don’t know that any of our local bookstores carry them in my country- but I just had to order If Angels Burn about half way through Shadowlight. I feared I may have gone through withdrawal symptoms without it and I’m so happy it arrived a few days ago so I don’t have to wait!
Let me just say that I never felt lost reading Shadowlight and, as a new series should, it stands on its own two feet quite nicely. Though I imagine there’s an extra kick of nostalgia if you’ve had some previous experience with the Darkyn characters who make a cameo in Shadowlight.
I literally begrudged every minute I was kept away from this book and I would have been finished a hell of a lot sooner if I hadn’t been having such a rough week. Which is a topic for another day, but Shadowlight definitely helped take the edge off in my time of need. I loved the way Lynn inter-weaved the Darkyn and Takyn threads so seamlessly. Her characters are so numerous and all so intriguing that I find it incredibly hard to pick a favorite.
Jessa, the heroine, is saddled with an ability known as the Shadowlight which gives her the ability to see into the darkness of any person she touches heart and into events that leave them ashamed or guilt ridden. It, along with a very tragic moment in her past, alienates her from her peers and co-workers at Pheonix Inc. who are beginning to notice the pains she takes not to touch any of them. Even in her vulnerable moments, Jessa’s a perfectly capable and smart heroine and never goes beyond her means nor seems useless when the goings get tough. And for all that, she’s incredibly lonely.
And Gaven Matthias, our delectable hero, sees it. But then, there’s not much he doesn't see about Jessa when he’s committed himself to taking her. He is the real enigma in the story, and even though we’re given hints and small clues, I didn’t figure him out until Lynn smacked us upside the head with his ability and backstory.
I felt gleefully clever when I figured out one of the plot twists before it was revealed though. And I shan’t share here what it pertained to.
If I absolutely had to pick a favorite though, it would be Rowan. She stole the show, or rather, the book. From the very first line she speaks to the very first time we get a glimpse of “whats her deal”, Rowan fascinated me. Every scene she was in left me wanting more. Not only because of her smart ass remarks but because you could really empathize with her. Even with her bitterness. Especially with her bitterness.
Lynn wastes no time on miniscual details in Shadowlight. Fast paced and tightly plotted, there was enough action, romance, and supernatural in here to hit all three of my reading sweet spots. Definitely one of the best books I’ve read all year and a Keeper!
Please do yourself a favor and pick yourself up a copy of Shadowlight, to be released on October 6th, 2009. Or better yet, pre-order if the economy hasn’t been too harsh on you. And if it has, this would serve as a fantastic escape read.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to immerse myself in If Angels Burn-book 1 of the Darkyn series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2015
"Shadowlight" by Lynn Viehl. Book 1 in the Kyndred series.
I liked this first story in this new series of the Kyndred. The main characters are Jessa and Gaven Matthias (who is known as Gaven, Matthias, or Matt throughout the book).
So I thought this book was going to pick up where the last Darkyn series book left off because that series ended with the Darkyn deciding that they had to find all the Kyndred out in the world before the Brethern used them to make an army to fight the Darkyn. Kyndred are humans who have been genetically modified with Darkyn DNA to because superhuman with more strength, agility and can possess different types of supernatural powers. Well....it's not exactly what I thought it would be but the book was very good nonetheless. It has a different focus, in so much that the main characters are the Kyndred instead of the Darkyn and the storyline is centered around how the Kyndred have been/are surviving. The crossover in the series happens when we get to see characters from the Darkyn series show up. In this particular book, Lucan and Sam are part of the story and Alexandra also has a cameo appearance.
This book starts with the introduction of Jessa, a woman who has the power of seeing a person's secrets when she touches them. She's the owner of a company that does background checks on potential employees for various companies and because of her powers, she's very good at her job. When a biotech company called GenHance wants to hire her, it's a great opportunity to expand her company. The problem is, they don't really want to hire her; they want to kidnap her! But something even stranger happens when GenHance tries to kidnap her....she gets kidnapped by a man named Gaven Matthias instead! Matthias claims that he's trying to protect her from GenHance but to do so, he's keeping her prisoner in an unknown location.
Gaven Matthias is trying to protect as many Kyndred as he and his friends kind find. When he rescues Jessa, she denies that she's Kyndred. And she doesn't believe that he's Kyndred either. Now GenHance is after them both and a monster has been created that wants revenge on Jessa. Matthias will do everything he can to protect her.
As always in my reviews, I try not to give away too much of the storyline because I don't want to spoil it for you. Overall, I liked this book but there were one or two things that I had issues with....one being the switching of the main hero's name. First Gaven, then Matthias, then Matt and possilbly one more name that I can't recall. The author seems to have a 'thing' calling her heros by their last names (this happens in the Darkyn series too) and it's not a "Hi, call me *insert last name*", the character gives their full name and then they are just referred to with their last name by the heroine and other characters. There were some storyline issues I had as well (ie: explanations) but I won't go into those as they will spoil the plot of the book.
Anyway, that's just my opinion. Like I said, I liked this book and I will be continuing to read this series. NOTE: At the time of this review, all four books in this series have already been written so I will be reading all of them back-to-back. I really liked the secondary characters in this book and can't wait to read their stories as well.
I liked this first story in this new series of the Kyndred. The main characters are Jessa and Gaven Matthias (who is known as Gaven, Matthias, or Matt throughout the book).
So I thought this book was going to pick up where the last Darkyn series book left off because that series ended with the Darkyn deciding that they had to find all the Kyndred out in the world before the Brethern used them to make an army to fight the Darkyn. Kyndred are humans who have been genetically modified with Darkyn DNA to because superhuman with more strength, agility and can possess different types of supernatural powers. Well....it's not exactly what I thought it would be but the book was very good nonetheless. It has a different focus, in so much that the main characters are the Kyndred instead of the Darkyn and the storyline is centered around how the Kyndred have been/are surviving. The crossover in the series happens when we get to see characters from the Darkyn series show up. In this particular book, Lucan and Sam are part of the story and Alexandra also has a cameo appearance.
This book starts with the introduction of Jessa, a woman who has the power of seeing a person's secrets when she touches them. She's the owner of a company that does background checks on potential employees for various companies and because of her powers, she's very good at her job. When a biotech company called GenHance wants to hire her, it's a great opportunity to expand her company. The problem is, they don't really want to hire her; they want to kidnap her! But something even stranger happens when GenHance tries to kidnap her....she gets kidnapped by a man named Gaven Matthias instead! Matthias claims that he's trying to protect her from GenHance but to do so, he's keeping her prisoner in an unknown location.
Gaven Matthias is trying to protect as many Kyndred as he and his friends kind find. When he rescues Jessa, she denies that she's Kyndred. And she doesn't believe that he's Kyndred either. Now GenHance is after them both and a monster has been created that wants revenge on Jessa. Matthias will do everything he can to protect her.
As always in my reviews, I try not to give away too much of the storyline because I don't want to spoil it for you. Overall, I liked this book but there were one or two things that I had issues with....one being the switching of the main hero's name. First Gaven, then Matthias, then Matt and possilbly one more name that I can't recall. The author seems to have a 'thing' calling her heros by their last names (this happens in the Darkyn series too) and it's not a "Hi, call me *insert last name*", the character gives their full name and then they are just referred to with their last name by the heroine and other characters. There were some storyline issues I had as well (ie: explanations) but I won't go into those as they will spoil the plot of the book.
Anyway, that's just my opinion. Like I said, I liked this book and I will be continuing to read this series. NOTE: At the time of this review, all four books in this series have already been written so I will be reading all of them back-to-back. I really liked the secondary characters in this book and can't wait to read their stories as well.
September 12, 2016
Shadowlight starts off as one of those books with a ridiculously huge cast of characters, each with their own seemingly unrelated plotline. The frequent shifts quickly grew confusing, especially because not only do we shift characters and location, but there are often shifts in time as well, which isn't always evident until later. Basically, this meant I spent the first half of the book telling myself to be patient, because surely it would all come together at the end. Final verdict? Well, it sort of does, but not without a bunch of coincidences to help glue it into one story. There was no "ah, of course!" moment where everything pieced together naturally.
In fact, I lost track of how many times I thought "well isn't that a coincidence" or "my, how convenient." A pair of Darkyn (recurring characters from the previous series) show up hunting Genaro, presumably because they need to have discovered Jessa and the other Kyndred for book 2. A whole hive of hornets just happens to be by the roadside in the right spot to all descend on the guy pulled to the side of the road. Mattias just happens to be the one person Jessa can touch without constantly triggering her talent (this is never explained; hopefully it's explored a bit more in future volumes). Yup, this is one of those books where if you took out all the crazy random happenstance, nothing would actually have happened and the whole plot would topple over like a Jenga tower. (Does that reference make me old?)
I did enjoy some of the characters, and kudos to Viehl for giving us a fairly broad range. Sadly, I found Jessa's earliest incarnation to be the most interesting, as she became less sympathetic after her reinvention of herself, and I didn't feel like I got to know Mattias at all. He was too busy trying to be mysterious to develop much of a personality. The secondary characters drew me in, though, and since book 2 centres around Rowan, who I found to be far more interesting than the protagonists, I might have to look up to see where it goes.
Considering my feelings for the two main characters, it should come as no surprise to find the romance fell flat for me. Part of this is due to the fact that other than a "lust at first sight" that both Mattias and Jessa are determined to overcome in the beginning, their entire relationship seems to be based on the dreams they've had of each other. It's implied these are shared dreams, although if I understand the rules of the world, each of the kyndred gets only one power, and neither of them are dreamwalkers, so that they'd fall madly in love with each other after their dream encounters led to a wall-banging reaction.
Ok, romance fail aside, I think a lot of these issues will be easy to overlook for people who are more familiar with the world this book is set in, and those who have enjoyed Viehl's Darkyn books will want to give this one a whirl. If you've been thinking about checking this book out and you haven't read the other series, though, I highly recommend you start over there.
In fact, I lost track of how many times I thought "well isn't that a coincidence" or "my, how convenient." A pair of Darkyn (recurring characters from the previous series) show up hunting Genaro, presumably because they need to have discovered Jessa and the other Kyndred for book 2. A whole hive of hornets just happens to be by the roadside in the right spot to all descend on the guy pulled to the side of the road. Mattias just happens to be the one person Jessa can touch without constantly triggering her talent (this is never explained; hopefully it's explored a bit more in future volumes). Yup, this is one of those books where if you took out all the crazy random happenstance, nothing would actually have happened and the whole plot would topple over like a Jenga tower. (Does that reference make me old?)
I did enjoy some of the characters, and kudos to Viehl for giving us a fairly broad range. Sadly, I found Jessa's earliest incarnation to be the most interesting, as she became less sympathetic after her reinvention of herself, and I didn't feel like I got to know Mattias at all. He was too busy trying to be mysterious to develop much of a personality. The secondary characters drew me in, though, and since book 2 centres around Rowan, who I found to be far more interesting than the protagonists, I might have to look up to see where it goes.
Considering my feelings for the two main characters, it should come as no surprise to find the romance fell flat for me. Part of this is due to the fact that other than a "lust at first sight" that both Mattias and Jessa are determined to overcome in the beginning, their entire relationship seems to be based on the dreams they've had of each other. It's implied these are shared dreams, although if I understand the rules of the world, each of the kyndred gets only one power, and neither of them are dreamwalkers, so that they'd fall madly in love with each other after their dream encounters led to a wall-banging reaction.
Ok, romance fail aside, I think a lot of these issues will be easy to overlook for people who are more familiar with the world this book is set in, and those who have enjoyed Viehl's Darkyn books will want to give this one a whirl. If you've been thinking about checking this book out and you haven't read the other series, though, I highly recommend you start over there.
January 26, 2015
This series is about the Kyndred, or as they call themselves the Takyn. Basically they are the same as Alex, Sam and the others that were escaped Brethren experiments. Only these don’t know about the Darkyn and have secretly banded online for mutual protection. Because of course someone’s after them, only in this case it’s not the Brethren, but psycho, mega-billionaire Jonah Genaro who wants their special DNA for his company Genhance.
While essentially in the same world as the “Darkyn’, this takes a different direction. The first few chapters give us several seemingly disconnected group situations and times that at first I had a hard time placing it in the Darklyn world. But then Sam and Lucan showed up giving me a reference.
Jess Bellamy’s story is the first. She’s the leader of the group and also the owner of Phoenix Inc. in Atlanta. They do background checks for other company’s new employees to which Jess’ ability comes in very handy. Her childhood story is both fascinating and sad. Once I was able to connect her past with her present, she began to really get interesting. Even though she has a very kind generous heart, she’s very paranoid and doesn’t trust very easily, which is her main conflict with Gaven.
Gaven is the head of a group finding and rescuing Kindryn from Genhance, which means he should be more professional in his relationships with his rescues. But he’s a Peeking Tom pervert and his assumption that Jess is going to be his doesn’t make sense other than his being another insensitive male. But he is the perfect match for her and easily keeps up with her both mentally, physically and logistically. When we do learn his history, we see the beginnings of another of Ms. Viel’s complicated storylines and his talent was kept so secret that when he does use it, the impact is powerful. But the spark between the two could have been stronger.
There are several secondary’s on both sides. Jess has her employees and the Takyn group which are only known online. While Gaven has Rowan and Drew who work with him in the rescues. Of all I like Rowan the best (and not just because she’s in the next book). She’s very quirky and leaves us with an unexpected twist. Then there’s also Jonah’s associate Lawson whose abusive personality just gets worse after his accident, but his end is very satisfactory.
I love the underground complex though why it’s located there is never fully realized and I hope they can get back there some day. It’s described so well, is such an emotional part of Jess and is used a main location for most of this story, it’d be a shame just to abandon it.
Quick Thoughts: 1)The two different groups (Jess’s and Lucan’s) keep missing each other and they both try to alternately run, hide, investigate and fight the problems. Hopefully in one of the future books they get together.
Fave Scenes: Rowan’s pool game, Sam’s conversation with Alex, penny’s in the fountain and Riodan’s escape
While essentially in the same world as the “Darkyn’, this takes a different direction. The first few chapters give us several seemingly disconnected group situations and times that at first I had a hard time placing it in the Darklyn world. But then Sam and Lucan showed up giving me a reference.
Jess Bellamy’s story is the first. She’s the leader of the group and also the owner of Phoenix Inc. in Atlanta. They do background checks for other company’s new employees to which Jess’ ability comes in very handy. Her childhood story is both fascinating and sad. Once I was able to connect her past with her present, she began to really get interesting. Even though she has a very kind generous heart, she’s very paranoid and doesn’t trust very easily, which is her main conflict with Gaven.
Gaven is the head of a group finding and rescuing Kindryn from Genhance, which means he should be more professional in his relationships with his rescues. But he’s a Peeking Tom pervert and his assumption that Jess is going to be his doesn’t make sense other than his being another insensitive male. But he is the perfect match for her and easily keeps up with her both mentally, physically and logistically. When we do learn his history, we see the beginnings of another of Ms. Viel’s complicated storylines and his talent was kept so secret that when he does use it, the impact is powerful. But the spark between the two could have been stronger.
There are several secondary’s on both sides. Jess has her employees and the Takyn group which are only known online. While Gaven has Rowan and Drew who work with him in the rescues. Of all I like Rowan the best (and not just because she’s in the next book). She’s very quirky and leaves us with an unexpected twist. Then there’s also Jonah’s associate Lawson whose abusive personality just gets worse after his accident, but his end is very satisfactory.
I love the underground complex though why it’s located there is never fully realized and I hope they can get back there some day. It’s described so well, is such an emotional part of Jess and is used a main location for most of this story, it’d be a shame just to abandon it.
Quick Thoughts: 1)The two different groups (Jess’s and Lucan’s) keep missing each other and they both try to alternately run, hide, investigate and fight the problems. Hopefully in one of the future books they get together.
Fave Scenes: Rowan’s pool game, Sam’s conversation with Alex, penny’s in the fountain and Riodan’s escape
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