Only at book four...wow, it is going to be quite a journey. I say book four, but I also have read two anthologies and a short story online in contribution to my Dark-Hunter excursion. Oh, and the Dark Hunter Companion book as I go along. So, now here I am , beginning my journey into another Dark-Hunters past and possible future. The particular Dark-Hunter would be Zarek. Oh my!!! I thought Talon was a troubled being in his swamp, but the things we might find out here.
We were introduced to Zarek in "Night Embrace" (book 3), when he was summoned from Alaska where he was living in exile , because he could not behave and follow rules. He is called to assist in New Orleans with Talon and Acheron as well as the others for Mardi Gras duty, remember? Well, we learned how crazy he was, but also that there was something more in him, something he did not show, but Acheron could feel ,as not to be able to kill him, eventhough, Artemis wishes it done. He even trades a whole day as sex slave to Artemis, so he can deal with him and not have her kill him. Yes, this is all in book 3, so I can only imagine what a whole book dedicated to him will entail. Well, here I go...
Man, book 4 of the Dark Hunter series got my rating up to five stars. I really enjoyed this one , they seem to "keep getting better".
First off, as usual, I like to let you guys know about the importance of the reading order of the stories. As you know, I read "Phantom Lover", anthology in the book "Midnight Pleasures" before reading book 4, as it was recommended.
I do agree that it is a good idea to read the anthology first, as you learn about the Skoti and the Oneroi, the Dream-Hunters, in that story and all they are capable of. These concepts are a big part of the latter part of the book.
Now, let's talk about the book. This is the story of Zarek of Moesia. Zarek was introduced in book 3 at Mardi Gras in NOLA, as he was called in for reinforcement. He was born a Roman slave, but I will let you read more about that in the book, sad story, these poor Dark-Hunters have in their mortal lives.
The fate of his life is in balance in the beginning of this book, as he is sure Artemis has ordered his death for his inability to "follow the rules". Of course, he doesn't really give a damn *grin*, so is Zarek.
He is on his way back to Alaska via helicopter, Acheron is "bound by oath" to spend his two weeks he promised Artemis in her temple in exchange for Talon's soul, I believe, but anyhow, he cannot leave Artemis' temple or he will die. Acheron threatens Artemis to allow Zarek to be "judged" as to whether he is truly a Rogue Dark-Hunter and beyond the capabilities to protect human life , rather than hunted down by Thanatos (her special little project, I will not go into as to not give away spoilers).
She allows it, and they go speak with Astrid, a justice nymph, whose job is to decide if Dark-Hunters are innocent or guilty. She is the sister to the Fates and daughter of Themis (goddess of Justice). Astrid has never found a Dark-Hunter innocent in all of her judging. Artemis thinks she is one up on Acheron, but Acheron (as usual) has some insight into this situation and hopes his insight will prove him right.
So, Zarek makes it back to Alaska ,with some excitement and Zarekness I might add. He is battling with the demons inside him, warding off the Blood Rite Squires, Thanatos, and trying to get his his life back together. Poor Zarek.
After an attempt on his life, he finds himself in a warm bed, in a warm cabin, alongside a beautiful woman , kind of "goddess" like. Hmmm, wonder who this is *grin*. So, Astrid must begin her "judging" and let the games begin. She is made "blind" during her jobs, as to be impartial to her subjects and only has Sasha (a Were-Hunter in disguise , right...) to aid her with mental telepathy and sight if she touches the wolf. Astrid knows which buttons to push with Zarek, to see if he is in fact worthy of life or not.
Of course Zarek wants to be out of there, but her powers have caused a blizzard to be hanging around, thus he is stuck for a little bit. You know though, this is Zarek and a blizzard won't hold this man. Hence, you will read of the many challenges Astrid is faced with keeping him there so she can judge him fairly.
In the meantime, you will be introduced to a few new Dark-Hunters in this book, as well as Simi takes a bigger part here. If you read "The Beginning" online, you know a little about Simi already. She stays with Acheron at all times in the form of a tattoo on his body. She can take whatever form of tattoo she chooses and can place herself wherever she wants on his body until Acheron beckons her off. I really like her, she is a fun character, but would barbeque you in a second if you mess with Acheron.
All in all, you will find out what happens to poor Zarek, and other characters whose lives are on the line here. You get a better bond with little Simi and get to meet some new goddesses, as well as Dark-Hunters, a new Were-Hunter, learn some more about the Dream-Hunters and their capabilities. There is a lot more action and maybe not as many steamy pages as the first three books, but you bet your leather dark hunter britches, there are some here. Enjoy reading this one, and get ready for the next one!! Until next time... "Dying's easy. It's living that's hard."- Zarek
No comments:
Post a Comment