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Darkyn #6

Twilight Fall

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Immortal Darkyn Lord Valentin Jaus and landscape artist Liling Harper are two lost souls. Brought together by fate, bound together by passion, Valentin and Liling find solace in each other's arms. But the ties that bind them are deeper-and more dangerous-than either of them can possibly imagine.

336 pages, ebook

First published July 1, 2008

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1529 people want to read

About the author

Lynn Viehl

54 books986 followers
Also see S.L. Viehl, Gena Hale, Jessica Hall. Rebecca Kelly.

She writes mostly novels in a variety of genres and under several pseudonyms. Among them are science fiction (as S. L. Viehl), romantic fiction (as Lynn Viehl, Gena Hale, and Jessica Hall), and Christian fiction (as Rebecca Kelly). She has described herself as primarily a writer of romance: no matter what genre she is working in, an element of romance will always be present.

In what spare time remains she enjoys quilting, reading, cooking, painting, and knitting. She currently lives with her family in Florida.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
Profile Image for TinaNoir.
1,882 reviews336 followers
August 3, 2008
This is the sixth book in the Darkyn series.

At first glance, one would think that Liling Harper was just a quiet, unassuming gardener. She loves her flowers and plants, she loves soothing the patients at the nursing home where she works and she has a secret crush on the owner of the facility, Valentin Jaus.

Valentin visits the care facility to visit Luisa Lopez. A special patient there who is of importance to Alex Keller. While there Valentin runs into Liling and becomes intrigued by her. Unbeknownst to the both of them, Valentin's interest in Liling sets of a chain of events that reveals Liling to be something more than just a simple gardener.

The two of them are forced to together during an assassination attempt on Liling. As they work to survive, the give in to a growing attraction. Jaus learns that he can love someone other and Jema Shaw.

Meanwhile John Keller has uncovered some information about the Brethren. He learns that they have facilities where they were conducting experiments on children and then placing them with adoptive families. Alex has very little memory of her life before she and John were adopted by the Kellers. But John believes they had been in one of the facilities.

I really, really enjoy this this book and this series for several reasons:

1) The author had a plan when she sat down to write it. Now, I don't know this 100% for sure, but six books in and it simply does not feel like the author is just throwing things in to fit the plot. Anyone who reads series, knows what I am talking about. You're bumping along, reading the series and when you get to book four,five,six and you're like 'But...but...wait. Where did that come from? Who is this person?'. I never get that feeling in this series. Six books later, she is still building on stuff revealed in the first and second books.

In the back of my mind I wondered why Alex, Sam, Nic, Jema and now Liling were able to be turned into Darkyn so easily when it had been clearly stated that no Humans had been turned to Darkyn for hundreds of years. Now suddenly these women in the course of months have been turned? Also, each woman had a supernormal talent before they were Darkyn. Reading paranormal romances sometimes inures you to the fantastic. Your suspension of disbelief is such that you automatically think "okay, this is possible in the context of this world." So I had completely glossed over that aspect of these characters. But those ability were important clues about these seemingly disparate women. Alex's "speedy fingers", Sam's ability to read blood, Nic's ability to find things and Liling's control of fire, are all important. When I got to this part it completely blew my mind and a lot of things started to tumble together. So yeah, this author had a plan.


2) Rich in detail and plot. Like all the other Darkyn books, this one is not door stopper big. It comes in at about 300 pages. But while you are reading, you feel like you've just read a 500 page book. So much story, so much plot, so much information is put into this one book. And she manages to pack plot without sacrificing character. In just a few words we catch up with old characters and still get a sense of what they are about. Nic and Gabriel are still traveling Europe and not necessarily wanting to be around Darkyn right now. Jayr is thriving in her role as suzerain. John Keller is an outright, absolute mess. Alex and Michael are still the heart and center of it all. Jaus was still suffering from his loss of Jema to Thierry and so on.

3) Diversity of characters. At first I wasn't so thrilled with Liling. She seemed to passive, too sweet, too boring. I groaned with dismay. I didn't want Jaus to settle for some little dab of a girl. But then three chapters later and Liling was revealed. Not the little dab. And, like Alex, she had a problematic brother. Liling, her brother, her brother's traveling companion (now that was a revelation!) are all great additions to the Darkyn character pantheon. It is nice to see such a cross section of character and types. Alex and John are biracial, Liling is Asian, in Evermore we had a gay Darkyn couple.

4) Sexy. Each successive book has gotten a little more sexy. Jayr and Mac Byrne in Evermore were hot. But Lililng and Jaus are simply smokin'! There is a nice little like D/s going on with Jaus and Lili. I get the impression that Jaus had these Dom tendencies all along but was seriously suppressing them for Jema. Now Lili is all "make me submit" and Jaus' is all "hells yeah!" makes for some nice hot passages.

And finally, like Dark Need, this book ends on a humdinger of a cliff hanger. So of course I am biting my nails waiting fo the next (and last *sob*) book of the series.

I highly recommend!
Profile Image for Zeek.
920 reviews149 followers
April 5, 2010
I started and finished (in one night!) Viehl's Darkyn novel Twilight Fall and TOTALLY enjoyed it! I was only going to read a chapter or two before bed, but once I started, I couldn't put it down.

If you've been reading Viehl's Darkyn series from the beginning, then you already know the hero of Twilight Fall's back story. In Private Demon (Darkyn Series Book 2), Valentine very nearly killed what he thought was the love of his life, Jema Shaw. Not only did he inadvertently begin the process of Jema's change to the Darkyn side, (pun intended), he ran her through with a sword while fighting the love of HER life, Thierry Durand (Private Demon), fellow Darkyn to Valentine. In retribution Thierry severed Valentine's arm and though Alex, bond-wife of the top Darkyn leader of America, Micheal Cyprien (If Angel's Burn, Book 1), was able to reattach the severed limb, his arm has been useless ever since.

In Twilight Fall, Valentine the Darkyn Leader of Chicago (Suzerien in Viehl's world) meets our heroine Liling while visiting Alex's friend Louisa who is recovering at his private rehab. Liling also visits Louisa, bringing her fresh flowers every day from the Rehab's gardens which she tends with a deft hand. (An almost supernatural deft hand.)

When a high profile incident happens at the hospital, a photog sneaks in to get pictures. But Valintine and the Darkyn's influence is strong and, not wanting to draw attention toward his private world, he suppresses the incident in the papers. A throw-away pict of Liling in her garden makes it to print instead of the scandal and the seemingly innocent picture is about to rock everyone's world, including Valentine's!

I thought Evermore (the previous entry in the Darkyn Series) was going to be my favorite. Maybe it still is, (I can't quite decided which one I like better), but this one is a scorcher!

Whereas Evermore is the most romantic, this one is the most erotic, imo. Valintin is very Dom in the bedroom- even better, Lilling didn't even want to fight it. But Val is very vulnerable outside of it. Seems difficult to imagine, but it totally worked for me. Granted, it won't work for some people who don't like Alpha men in the romance genre, but I believe Viehl handles (and addresses) his desire for dominance and her need to submit perfectly.

Viehl also began tying up some major plot points to the series in Twilight Fall. Which ups the likability of this novel as far as I'm concerned.

Viehl's has said that the next entry will be the last. Although I'm so going to be jonesing for more Darkyn after it's all said and done- I believe ending it soon may be a good thing, because pointing us in the direction of the end certainly made this novel a keeper!
Profile Image for Cid Tyer.
140 reviews12 followers
May 28, 2010
The Setting — still America, but this time you’re bounced around between several different places as the plot thickened. Most of them are already locations and established, except the Florida Everglades. ~__^

The Characters — are what I seem to love about these books. I looked back on my previous posts and saw how much I wrote in this section. Oh well! Jaus has been one of my favorite characters, probably because of his tragic encounters earlier. What I thought was the established mold he would follow – he did not. At first it bothered me, but then I sat back and looked at him as a character and I could see how it all fit. The heroine, petite Chinese Liling, is much like the other female characters before her – but different. She is depicted as very powerful, but quiet and self-sacrificing, which were wonderful to read. Her twin was an interesting character with the climax of the story I would love to see again. John Keller, as always, was annoying but I think he finally got his just reward, well, he at least had his mind made up for him by the end of the book. I liked how the other characters grew or became more of their own through this book even though several of them were not featured prominently or much. I adore Rain and Farlae, for instance, and really liked that they were in the story as well.

The Plot — is getting complex and yet more complicated! These books create layer upon layer of story and situation. Not only is there the story of Jaus and Liling going on, but also a rescue, the investigation into the orphans, what the heck is wrong with John, what’s going on with Luisa, and what are the Bretheren up to? Part of the story contained in Twilight Fall is that of the orphans and what the Bretheren do with DNA. The dark and twisted truths uncovered are what is setting the foundation for the Kyndred series, I know, but it’s fascinating and I know I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
Profile Image for Ladiibbug.
1,580 reviews85 followers
February 3, 2009
#6 Darkyn (vampire) series

Valentin Jaus (head of the Chicago vampires), who in a previous book lost an arm and his woman in a duel (swords) with a rival, meets a young woman who catches his attention. Liling is a gardener at the nursing home where Luisa is recovering.

Valentin and Liling both have secrets, which are uncovered as they travel together.

Another solid book in this series. I would have liked it if more of the other Darkyn groups had been included, but it was still an exciting adventure.

It was awesome to see Jayr and a few of her Darkyn group in this book - what an eccentric collection of Florida vamps!

Last I heard, #7 Stay The Night will be the end of the Darkyn series :-(.
Profile Image for Jenny Delandro.
1,914 reviews17 followers
December 26, 2011
TBR 181

Liling is japanese and has a twin brother

she can remove pain (or give it)

her brother can control water...

Each story sheds a bit more light on the life of the Kyn and how they fight the Brethan
and what gifts the Kyndred are becoming.

Liking this series the more I read
Profile Image for Yodamom.
2,200 reviews216 followers
February 2, 2011
2.5- To be fair I jumped into the middle of this series. I had issues with the way this way written, 1) the female character keep going into her head, where there were all these rooms with stained glass and doors ? I could not tell when she was with us or not. 2) she jumped into lust/bed with our uber sexy alpha male, first chance, no build up at all3) I did not care for the dominating part, it felt belittling 4) he would slip into these rooms ? with her or not it was hard to tell... i was confused 5) He fell for her too easy, he was supposed to be damaged from a lost love, too easy 6) the actual story what little there was was so weak, it was almost a side note.
Well I could go on, I just did not like the book, not my style of reading material.
Profile Image for Cindy.
939 reviews19 followers
August 7, 2009
Another good read. This introduces new characters while incorporating old friends and enemies. Valentin is the hero, a character I have liked since his original introduction. Liling is the heroine, a lady who only wants to be with her flowers but is on the run from the Brethren who want her back or dead. Neither of them are aware of the others' differences and history with the Brethren - but the enemy of my enemies and all that...

Series should be read in order.

Darkyn
1. If Angels Burn (2005)
2. Private Demon (2005)
3. Dark Need (2006)
4. Night Lost (2007)
5. Evermore (2008)
6. Twilight Fall (2008)
7. Stay the Night (2009)
Profile Image for Gypsie Holley.
Author 5 books24 followers
July 28, 2008
Wow! The ending was fantastic with how it was left with John, of all people! Not giving no spoilers here. Brought in some elemental characters with Jaus's mate Liling. Would like to see more story with Kayan and Melanie. With introductions of new characters I would hope that Veihl need not end her series. There is so much she can do with it and not get boring.


Best Quotes from Book:

"Ignorance is not an excuse." Martha, a nurse

"He is a walking slot machine minus the cherries." ---Alexandra
Profile Image for Gardavson.
1,137 reviews12 followers
May 1, 2009
4 1/2 stars. First, as usual, the characters are great, the plot regarding them is good and thry work well together. That said, Wow. All of a sudden in this book, it is all coming together. Things you didn't know were linked, are meshing to create an intricate plot. I am really impressed. So much has been working, since the first book, in the background without any hints or innuendos that anything was connected to create an even bigger plotline. In this book you begin to see that the author has been setting up something much larger. I can't wait to get the next book to see how this pans out.
Profile Image for Christel.
343 reviews19 followers
March 28, 2009
Another book in the Darkyn Series. This one took me some time to read because to me it just started out SLOW!! But when it speeded up it went fast.

This series though needs to be read in order. If I had picked up this one first I would have been totally lost in what the heck is going on. That is one thing I really like about this series is the way one book flows into the other. Next Robin of Locksley!
706 reviews16 followers
November 17, 2016
I enjoyed reading this book in the darkyn series. A must read. Valentin and Liling story. Valentin can't use his arm any more and Liling has the power to heal that arm to help him move it again since he likes using swords. The bad guys are after them. The others find clues about the church and what they were doing to children.
Profile Image for Louisa.
8,754 reviews98 followers
July 29, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this book, it wasn't my favourite what with the dominance stuff, but great to read!

*First read April 2011*
Great book, great series, just love it!
Profile Image for Megzy.
1,193 reviews70 followers
March 23, 2016
3.5 stars

I was very glad for Val to get his book. The plot just opens up wide in this book! Action packed, interesting!
153 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2023
3.5 Stars. I'm giving the stars for the strong heroine.
I read this book a long time ago, I'm writing this review by memory in some parts. One of the things that annoyed me immensely, is that 1/3 or more of the book is about the other couple that had their own book. There is another book from other author that I don't remember the title, the main couple was just featured in 40 a 45% of the book, why bother making them to be the main couple if they had not enough pages for them.
I didn't warm to Valentin, I certainly dislike and despise him, but I'm not certain if I hate him or not for the way he treated and felt towards the heroine that was a poor second or third class substitute of his beloved Jema. And I certainly don't pity him, I feel compassion for Liling for the hard life she had and for the bastard H that she had that did not return her feelings, because his love is omly for the OW.
The poor but strong Liling loved him so much and gave everything to him risking her own life, he did not return in the same way, Hell he didn't even went through to the fire wall to see if Liling need rescuing, if were Jema, he would go through the wall to try to save her, he would go to hell.
He just made Liling his mate because he can't have Jema, and Liling was a slave to his sexual power.
I don't like the way he treated her in bed, I always hate when the H put their penis in the heroine mouth making them swallow and gag, it is not comfortable, cutting off the oxygen, hardly able to breath, it's is demeaning and debasing to the heroine when they do that and they do not return the favor, pleasure to two lovers that cared about each other should be give and take and shared the pleasure not just taking in this case, he did many times to her, sticking his junkie on her mouth and did not return because he didn't care for her and wasn't interested in my opinion. I bet if were Jema he would love to do oral on her multiple of times and would not try to stick his junkie on her, but hell, it is only a second class substitute heroine that I bet he didn't even love. He never said to Liling that he loved her, she did many times that she loved him. While all his thoughts and dreams is how much he loved Jema.
Even at the end when he woke up dreaming again about Jema he didn't even know that Liling wasn't in the bed and when he went out to look for her, he didn't try to risk his life to save her. Until the very end he still dreaming about Jema and how he will always love her and Liling wasn't even in the dream, in the dreams he always lose Jema to the OM. One of his previous dreams, in there Liling was saying that he need to let Jema go to have her, he denied that he want Liling, he stated that he didn't want her, only want Jema. Tell me how am I supposed to believe that he will love and shared Liling in the future? She wasn't his choice, it was the only left to him, plus she gave all her love to him and be a sexual slave to his selfish cravings, he just felt lust for Liling, he is a taker never a giver to Liling, the only person he will always give is Jema. He should have Jema and Liling should have a H worth of her brave and strong character.
715 reviews2 followers
July 23, 2024
***MINOR SPOILERS ***

This book is part of the Darkyn series. It can be read as a standalone but the characters of other books are featured as if you might be familiar with them. In one scene, Michael and Alexandria, the main characters of the first book in the series (If Angels Burn) have sex. This was likely a nice follow up to their book if you read it but felt thrown in for someone who had not. There were also many references to the book that featured Jema and Thierry (Private Demon). These references were needed as it is part of Valentin’s back story.

Liling is an elemental and is on the run. She works at a rehabilitation center and has made friends with many patients and staff. One patient in particular is under the care of the head Darkyn (vampire) in Chicago. Valentin. Liling has fantasies about him that include a master/slave relationship or bondage. Throughout the book, the theme of bondage or being a submissive continues.

The Darkyn are enemies of the Brethren. When Liling comes to the attention of the Brethren, Valentin unknowingly steps in to rescue her by offering her a ride to Atlanta on his private plane. Liling is also being pursued by Kyan, a water elemental who wants to kill her.

When they are flying to Atlanta, Liling accidentally spills hot liquid on Valentin. He goes into the bedroom to change. While he is changing, Liling enters the room without knocking. He asks her to go back to her seat and she enters the bedroom anyway. When she sees a terrible scar that he has, she kisses it without permission. I did not care for the presumptuous behavior that she displayed in this scene. It also seemed a bit out of character for her to be so forward, though healing others is a large part of her character so maybe she is more assertive in those matters. Later, she sends him healing energy without him knowing. She has done this with many people. While most people would be grateful for healing even if it was done without permission, there is a grey area involved in doing so.

The Darkyn are able to compel humans to do their bidding and have no compunction about doing so. Although Liling is an elemental, she is also a human and is subject to this compulsion. I did not care for the disrespect and disregard inherent in the use of this ability which is solely at the discretion of the individual Darkyn. There were no limits placed by the Darkyn about that behavior that were mentioned, which shows a general and specific feeling of superiority. At one point, Valentin’s suzerain (boss) says, “She was only a human female” about someone. The implication is that she was lesser.

There are a few scenes that take place in visions/alternative realms/hallucinations that needed more explanation.

I do not plan to continue the series.
Profile Image for Kelly Russell.
789 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2019
I'm home now, not sitting on the beach in Costa Rica, so the finish dates are now further apart...damn work! These reviews seem very repetitive, as each installment is great. The main characters, hold a continuing part in all the books, the 'common thread'. The new characters are magically woven into the story, like they were always part of it. Suspense, intrigue, romance and a little pinch of sex. Awesome series, thank-you
Profile Image for Jen.
710 reviews5 followers
April 19, 2011
WOW Defiantly going to have to get myself a German to English, and a French to English Dictionary for these books - I goggled a few of the names, but there is a lot of it. At least Adrian Phoenix gave us a glossary in her Song Maker series :)

I did like this book though - it was cute. I was little shocked about Valentin's "other side" When he was in the second book (look up title later) with Theiry and Jema, he seemed really sweet and kind and caring - in this book, he is very dominate - I have never been a big fan of the whole "master and servant" in the bedroom area - but that's the way Valentin and Liling liked it -

This book had a LOT going on at once though - Liling met Luisa (remember Alex's friend from the first book that was badly burned and beat up - after 3 years, she is doing a LOT better, but still working on her graphs and theory - Oh and Valentin Jaus owns the nursing home that she is staying in )

So Valentin met Liling while visiting with Luisa - it wasn't until Liling accidently got her picture in the paper that she paniced about someone finding her and she had to leave town in a hurry - She ran to Luisa's room to say good bye and Valentin showed up. luckily they were both headed to Atlanta - so Liling was able to hitch a ride on Valentin's Plane :)

Only problem was someone killed Valentin's pilot, and they had to do a crash landing ...


Alex's brother John is going through a difficult time. In the last book he called Alex and told her he had discovered a place the Brethen were holding as a breeding place. Alex and Michael flew out to meet John, and checked out this so called breeding ground - but there wasn't anything there to indicate anything concrete about what happened there.

The book really shaded a lot of information about the Brethrens and hopefully the next book picks up on the story . We found out a really BIG SURPRISE on the last page, last paragraph, last sentence! WOW!

I'm off to start on Stay the night - the final book that I have to this series (I'm not sure how many there will be, but now that I’m this far into it, I can't stop now)
Next book is about Robin of Locksley :) DEFINATLY going to be watching Robin hood soon :)
Profile Image for Tasha.
77 reviews
February 7, 2012
The sixth installment of Lynn Viehl's Darkyn series stars--my personal favorite--Valentine Jaus. In Twilight Fall, Jaus continues to struggle with unrequited feelings for Jema Shaw, the sygkenis of Thierry Durand, whose story was recounted in the second book of the series, Private Demon. During a visit to a nursing home, he comes across the institution's gardener, Liling Harper, whom, unbeknownst to Jaus, is in hiding from the Brethren. Not only are we able to follow Liling and Jaus's journey to following in love and the dangers that they come across along the way, we continue to see recurring appearances of well loved characters (Alexandra, Cyprien, Phillipe etc).

As much as I wanted to like this novel, I'm afraid I have to give it 3.5 stars at best. The romance between Liling and Jaus was missing something. I'm not quite sure what it is but I could not get into their romance. Jaus, as previously mentioned, has been one of my favorites ever since he first made his appearance earlier in the series. However, Liling was dull at best and completely forgettable at worst. She spent most of the story in her head and it was, at times, a bit difficult to determine if what was taking place was currently happening or if it was a dream.

I loved the amount of action that Viehl packs into these books and I also appreciate hearing from previously seen characters which is definitely lacking in other PNRs. I'm sad that I'm almost at the end of the series (Stay the Night is the seventh and final book) but I'm glad to know that Viehl knows when to wrap it up and not continue for the sake of continuing. Although I don't care for one half of the couple in this book, I would definitely reread all of them and I do consider this series a must read.
Profile Image for Theresa.
4,086 reviews14 followers
December 1, 2014
This is Valentin and Jema’s romance story. First, I like the different way Valentin and Jema meet: through him offering her a plane ride, then having to survive after a crash.

Alex’s research into the physiology of the Darkyn’s curse/disease, along with the history of the Brethren’s plans, is becoming amazingly complicated. I love it. As we gain more details of what the Brethren have been up too, it just is horribly amazing. It reminds me of some other historic groups (i.e.: Nazis). I’ve got a few ideas about how this may go.

Kyan’s ability is cool, though scary. But Melanie and Kyan? Just seems odd to me. I have to keep an eye on that one. I hope he was able to shield her somehow when they leave at the end.

Jayr & Byrne’s jardin are the main group involved in leading the rescue. I especially like the team of Farlae and Rain.

Quick Thoughts: 1)The beginning thing with Diane and Daniel Lingquist while interesting in its own right, felt kind of odd with the main story. Though it does introduce how Jema and Valentin meet.

2)It seems like all the paranormal romance stories have to ‘jump onto the bandwagon’ since ‘Fifty Shades’ came out and have their couple have dominant/submissive sex. That’s okay sometimes, but A) it doesn’t always fit the type of story, B) it’s odd to suddenly have one member of the ‘group/team’ of men in a series to have a style of sex and C) it’s becoming too common and monotonous.

3)We have Kyan; water, Jema: fire. And I think, Melanie is air. If the three worked together they could take over the world. But what about earth?

Fave scenes: John waiting at the docks, the plane crash, Farlae and Rain showing Jayr their combined abilities and the final battle between Jema and Kyan.

Profile Image for Javes.
63 reviews13 followers
January 20, 2015
It was alright. I liked the book but it felt rushed, like it was released before it was actually finished. It was a very good premise, but the relationship, the drama with the twins, the twist with Melanie, were all good elements if the characters had made better emotional connections. Show us how Jaus & Lilian connected and not through dreams unless it was over a period of time. Show an emotional connection between Kyan & Melanie. Make readers believe that they cared a little bit about each other, you can't just say it.

Jaus and Liling's romance seemed rushed. Besides speaking to each other 2 or 3 times, there was no relationship. I also didn't like the resolution. I get they were all brainwashed, misled, by you know who, but really? Melanie did't show any conflicting feelings whatsoever for Kyan, she duped him then tried to assassinate him. Then she wants to lessen his pain because what she saw between the twins was oh so humbling and made her realize what, she loved him?

No loose ends were tied up. I was very surprised to see this was the end. I literally checked, went back, and checked again. No explaining to all the vamps in the house, and the late to the party Jauus, who just witnessed Viehl's "The Last Airbender" scene.

Last but not least, it doesn't take a rocket scientist or a surgeon, "the burned Kyn were just being incapacitated and taken", "these orphans have been genetically mutated". Even before this bit of whacked evidence, I knew what was coming several books ago and I'm not a surgeon, nor have I lived for centuries. I hate when writers make brilliant characters dumb, just to further a plot.
Profile Image for Heather Dalgarno.
190 reviews2 followers
July 25, 2011
"Twilight Fall" is the 6th book in Lynn Viehl's tales of the Darkyn - sexy, tormented, knights templar turned vampires looking for love.



This installment marks the return of Valentin Jaus, first introduced in "Private Demon", the second book in the series. In "Private Demon" Valentin looses the love of his life (and his sword arm) to another Darkyn lord. In "Twilight Fall" Val, shockingly, finds another women who just happens to have a tormented past, a host of secrets, and mystical abilities of her own......



While Viehl is still following her tried and trusted formula of one Darkyn lord finding a soul mate per book, these are still very entertaining. This owes much to the ongoing plot arc involving the origin hero and heroine - Alexandra and Michael (introduced in the first book "If Angels Burn"). This installment starts to offer some explanation for the miraculous coincidence of each Darkyn lord finding a soul-mate who happens to survive the transition to becoming Kyn herself, despite the fact this hasn't happened for centuries. I'm not sure I'm convinced by the route Viehl is taking on this, but I'm intrigued enough to keep going with this series.



Fairly predictable, but nevertheless hot, action-filled and entertaining.
Profile Image for Lisa Lap.
370 reviews17 followers
July 14, 2008
This series is slowly growing on me the more the world Lynn Viehl has created is revealed. I really liked the characters in this book although there were several things "brushed over" which seems to be a reoccuring theme throughout all the books. I'm sure it's to keep us reading but it's also annoying because some things are unnecessary or could be easily resolved with a simple explanation.

I think more needed to be said about Liling and her twin, even though they talked at the end it wasn't satifactory in my opinion just because it tied in too well with what is happening with John and Alexandra. I mean the Brethren abducting children and experimenting on them makes sense and is so scarily reminiscent of the concetration camps during WWII. Creepy and yet explains a lot about the women that have been able to safely convert to Darkyn in the series.

I really like Valentin and his need to protect. He is still so old world and I love his elegance and his lonliness reached out in such a real way. I'm glad he found someone to appreciate what he can offer.

Overall, it was a good book but not on par with JR Ward or Kenyon in the paranormal vampy world.
Profile Image for Jensownzoo.
320 reviews28 followers
November 17, 2012
I liked this book. The only reason it didn't receive 4 stars is that while the romance seemed to proceed at a fairly natural pace throughout much of the story, I didn't buy the "pledged to you forever and ever eternal love" at the end. I suppose it had to happen as that seems to be the formula for these books, but it would have been nice to see it continue on as an "I-dig-you you-dig-me, let's see where this goes" kinda thing. Given that the characters tend to make cameos all over the novels, the progression could have been commented upon in a subsequent novel.

But, that being said, the novel took a bit of a science-fiction-y twist with the reveal about the recent human-to-darkyn transformations. Which, given that the author also writes scifi and has always had a strong science thread winding through these novels via Alexandra Keller, was not entirely unexpected. Unfortunately, since I had accidentally read the first Kyndred novel, I knew exactly what that twist was beforehand so it didn't particularly add to the enjoyment of the book.
Profile Image for Tania.
828 reviews5 followers
December 11, 2015
"Twilight Fall" by Lynn Viehl. Book 6 in the Darkyn series.

I really liked this book. Very well written. It didn't have as dark a feeling as all the other books but it's just as good.

Valentin Jaus (he is referred to as either his first name or last name throughout the book) is a character that was introduced in the beginning of the series and in the second book, "Private Demon", he has his heart broken. I'm so happy that in this book he gets a happily ever after with a woman named Liling.

The storyline explores what the Brethern have been doing to orphaned children. The main focus is the romantic relationship between Valentin and Liling and the special powers that Liling possesses. I really can't say to much without giving the whole storyline away because each subplot is intertwined with the other. It's really well done. A lot of revelations in this book. Liling and Valentin make a perfect couple. Their needs fit together beautifully.

A stunning "dah dah dah" moment at the end keeps you wanting to read the next book to see what happens. I can't wait to start the next book.
Profile Image for Alicia.
Author 1 book4 followers
September 22, 2013
This one contains critical info about the overall series arc, but I didn't love the relationship development between the heroine and hero, nor did I think their character development was nearly as good as that in some of the other books. And this is with the hero having been a major character in a previous installment. The enthusiastic dominant/submissive sexual theme made for a nice change to the occasional creepy roofie/rapey thing that has happened a lot in this series.
The heroine is introduced well and has a cool power, but doesn't have the assertiveness of my favorite female characters. The hero has nothing new going on since the last time we saw him. The heroine's brother and the obvious agent he meets were a waste of reading time.
On the upside, the orphanage/malaria/medical aspects are really interesting and Alex continues to be a compelling series lead character. I really want to find out what happens next.
Profile Image for Elke.
1,881 reviews43 followers
May 25, 2016
Even with the sixth novel in this series, the author manages to keep the plot original and surprising. While the fast-paced story is comparatively tough in the erotic scenes as well as in the action sequences, the author manages to keep the tension high and the reader glued to the pages. While we have the obligatory, but really hot finding-a-lifemate story, more of the dark secrets of the Brethren society are revealed and the fight between Brethren and Darkyn continues.

What I love about the Darkyn series is the original and complex background story, while the romance part is not the only focus as with so many other publications in this genre. While those inevitably get boring after the umpteenth vampire-meets-lifemate variation, the Darkyn novels still fascinate and entertain on a high level.
Profile Image for Mandy Beyers.
Author 5 books86 followers
February 19, 2010
As Darkyn Valentin Jaus continues to mourn the loss of the woman he spent thirty years desiring, he finds himself thrown into circumstances where he must save the life of a human woman who is running from something. He quickly discovers that the killer who attacks him was actually after Liling Harper, and that she has some secrets to hide. For Liling, the draw she feels for Jaus competes with her desire to die rather than be caught by the man after her again.

This book adds a new twist to the Darkyn world as we discover that the Brethren have been experimenting as well as exterminating and that there are more inhuman or superhuman characters as well. Characters from previous books are back, and more of John and Alex's background is revealed as we get more pieces of the mystery behind who can survive the change from mortal to immortal.
Profile Image for Lucia.
430 reviews
December 20, 2014
3.5 stars

I go back to this series when in need of a dose of good ol' gritty urban fantasy. The continuing storyline through out this series is coming to a satisfactory close. I'm curious to see how the fight between the Templars turned vampires (but still protector of men) verses the evil Brethren priests disguised as Catholics will end. It's been a good story.

This book is not a good stand alone as it continues where book #2 left off and also includes references from books 1-5, but those familiar with the characters, will be excited to find this story is about Jaus recovering from his broken heart and amputated arm. We get to see a less formal and less well mannered side to our favorite uptight Austrian ex-Templar vampire and he gets to fall in love with a very sweet women with a past troubled enough to rival his own who can also kick ass when needed. Yay for Jaus!
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