I was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy of this title for review, and it was worth staying up to finish it as quickly as I did. I try to not put spoilers in my review, and the description for this book gives the outline. I will focus instead of what makes this an excellent story, just like all of Evangeline Anderson's previous stories:
1. Storyline: Those who are familiar with the previous Brides of the Kindred books will know that the Kindred are an alien race, who arrived above Earth, initially to protect the planet from an invading species called the Scourge. There are several different types of Kindred as a result of them being 'genetic traders'. This book introduces a new type: the Dark Kindred. Coupled with the hero being a Dark Kindred is the fact that he has chosen to block his emotions in order to live on a world where emotions and feelings are forbidden. His reasons for doing so will tear at your heartstrings, so either have tissues or chocolate to hand, because you will need it. The heroine is the sort of person whom any female of short stature will love, not least because she is gutsy and stands up for those who can't protect themselves, working to protect vulnerable children. For previous readers who wondered how Ms Anderson would replace the Scourge as the enemies of Earth and the Kindred, don't worry, because she has come up with a brilliant idea, which will really tax both humans and Kindred, not just in this book, but in future books, of which I hope there are many.
2. Emotion: This book has it in spades. There are the reasons for Six suppressing his emotions in the first place. There is the gutsy determination of the heroine both the help those needing her when still on Earth, and then to help Six overcome the reasons for suppressing his emotions. Then there are secondary characters. Look out for the 'old Kindred'. That will be another reason to reach for the tissues.
3. Cliff-hanger: All books need a good cliff-hanger, perhaps more so when it is a series like this. Ms Anderson does not disappoint, with a new sub-species of Kindred, and a twist that is, unfortunately, all too believable, given human nature.
Overall, this book was well worth waiting for, and a fantastic addition to an already brilliant series. It is well deserving of a five star score. I can't wait for the next instalment.