In the interest of full disclosure, Regan Summers is a fellow author and friend. That said, even if I didn't know her, I still would have immensely enjoyed Falling from the Light.
The story picks up on the heels of Summers' previous book in the Night Runner series, Running in the Dark. Having barely survived the incidents in South America, Sydney, Malcolm, and their slapdash team of humans and vampires head to Arizona. There they hope to not only to root out the source of the drug killing off vampires, but also to make a final stand against the dark forces that have been hunting Syd and Mal since we first met them in Don't Bite the Messenger. With enemies at their doorstep, the pair face their greatest challenge in the hopes of freeing themselves from both their pasts.
Falling from the Light is far more than a run-of-the-mill vampire story. Yes, vampires are the central "species" of the plot, but Summers does a masterful job of detailing their world of politics and honor. There is a constant undercurrent of tension with every scene that truly ramps up the excitement. Watching a party through Syd's eyes, we experience the murderous plots hidden behind painted-on smiles. There is as much posturing and puffing as there is direct action, and the dance between the two gives the reader a wonderful roller coaster ride till the very end.
For those that are fans of romance, Falling from the Light offers just enough of the "sexy stuff" to heat up the pages. For readers who prefer booms to bedroom eyes, there is plenty of action and excitement outside of the boudoir to keep them engaged.
Falling from the Light is, for the moment, the final book in the Night Runner series and does an admirable job of wrapping everything up. While not everything is tied with a bow, Summers nails down the major plot points between the two main characters. Syd and Mal have learned to grow individually as well as a couple and it's been a joy to watch them figure out how to deal with a relationship that is truly deserving of the phrase, "it's complicated".
Of the two, Syd has certainly changed the most over the three books. By the time the final chapter ends, she has replaced most of the broken bits and sharp edges with a strength and confidence that is borne out of love rather than spite. She is also calculating with her moves instead of acting on instinct. This change is drawn out nicely over the series and comes to a wonderful head in the climactic scenes of this last book.
I also have a soft spot for Malcolm who has been caught between Scylla and Charybdis for most of the series. His service to his Master has often conflicted with his desire to be with Syd, but in Falling from the Light, we see Mal truly go above and beyond to protect the ones he loves. Malcolm breaks the mold of "traditional vampires", showing far more heart and compassion than many of his human counterparts. For me, this is an element that truly makes this character shine.
Falling from the Light also hosts a number of well-drawn, personable side characters. You can't help but enjoy scene-stealer Mickey who treats every experience with wide-eyed wonder and enthusiasm. Malcolm's dynamic vampire duo, Thurston and Soraya, also mix well, adding the flavor of their unique personalities that greatly spice up the plot.
Summers has a fluid, effortless voice in Syd that makes it deceptively easy to turn pages well into the early morning. She combines action and romance exceptionally well and works hard to build the tension for the storm we've all known was coming. When that storm finally arrives, it does so in brutal, epic scenes. The pacing is fast, keeping the reader strapped to the rocket-ride till the very last sentence of the final page.
Overall, Falling from the Light wraps up what has been a very enjoyable series. While I hope to see more of Syd and Mal in the future, if this is truly where we leave them, we at least leave on a satisfying, action-filled note.