"Demetrius"
By: Marie Johnston
Clever storyline and graphic love scenes abound in the book. The first half is setting the scene for the "changing of the guard" within the Vampire race. The Old Guard (Vampire Council) found themselves fearful of declining strength and power so decided to try and integrate "dark magic" and demons into their fold. Folly to think they could control the demons they summoned to bond with their offspring. The demons were more than willing to "comply" knowing that once they had unlimited access to the mortal world, they could have free reign to control all super's and humans.
Demetrius (an offspring of a prominent Vampire Council family) took issue with suspicious activities and, along with a few others, banished the Old Council and is still in the process of investigating dark happenings with in the vampire structure. He is trying to create a governing body (Trispecies Synod) that includes shifters, vampires and hybrids to maintain a peaceful coexistence and combine guardian responsibilities. Along comes Callista , also an offspring of one Old guard family, who is seeking assistance from Demetrius to determine if her father has been possessed by a demon. Having no where else to turn, she makes the sacrifice to work with the one person she thinks is responsible for her family's loss of wealth and position. Her mother disappeared when she was 8 years old and she has spent the last 16 + years trying to please and help her father survive with little or no status or income. She blames Demetrius.
On their initial meeting there was immediate attraction (of course) for Demetrius and Callista but unknown events in the past create a barrier for them to pursue what looks to be a "true mate" situation. You see, Callista's mother bound her to a demon when she was just a child and with only a few weeks until her 25th birthday the are on a short countdown to loosing each other and possibly allowing a portal into the mortal realm for the demons.
I bought into the book immediately. Enjoying the Alpha male role of Demetrius and the almost naive role of Callista, I knew that fireworks were coming in both the "control" department and the "sex" department. Although it seemed like Callista was somewhat subservient to her father in the beginning, she is no ones fool. She takes up the mantle and proves to be a worthy addition to the new guard and her new mate.
Just an alert...the graphic sex scenes are more than mere fireworks, they are more like a hydrogen bomb exploded. If that's not your style then just skip about 4-5 chapters and you will still be good to go for the rest of the story. I am excited to read the next installment on Roark (Demetrius' good friend and vampire guard). I always look forward to seeing a unemotional, stalwart alpha male get taken to his knees by some sassy female! Don't know if that's what will happen but I can dream. Ha. I think this book has great merit even without the love scenes. I like the story and know that more of the New Guard antics are on the horizon!
Jeanie G.
Getting 4 "bonding" sheep