I am on to the second "full" book of the Dark Hunter series. I can see why the list requires to read "The Beginning" online before this one, as "The Beginning" does make you more aware of how the Dark Hunters came to be and some about Acheron. Still not sure where "Dragonswan" is going to be a prerequisite for this book, but only 1/3 into it as of yet.
So, now that I can see there is going to be a lot of terminology and characters coming into this series, I went out today and bought the "Dark Hunter Companion" so I can keep of with the lingo and the characters easier. I am going to try to read it as I go along and skim parts I have not gotten to, so we will see how that goes. So far, I think it will be a great resource and is written humorously enough to be enjoyable. As always, I will post a follow up when I complete my read, Until then...
I finished reading "Night Pleasures" last night. I enjoyed this one one star better than the first book of this Dark Hunter adventure.
First, let me approach the reading sequence referral. I do recommend you reading "The Beginning" short story online at the following link: http://www.dailyinquisitor.com//hunter/release.htm before reading this book. Some things about Acheron and the Dark Hunter's souls will make a bit more sense if reading the short story first.
As far as the recommendation to read Dragonswan before this one... the verdict is still out on that one. Not sure that is a necessity at this point, unless I am missing something there. Maybe if only to make you aware that there are different types of "hunters"? Like I said, maybe I missed something there.
Ok, now let's talk about the book. This is Kyrian's story. Remember Kyrian from "Fantasy Lover"? Kyrian was Julian's only true friend and they fought together against the Romans as Spartans. Julian makes reference in "Fantasy Lover" that he has thought Kyrian dead because of Julian's abandonment to the army, as Julian was always watching Kyrian's back as well as the other way around.
Well, Kyrian shows up here and he is now a Dark-Hunter. To become a Dark-Hunter, upon death you claim you want vengeance upon someone and Artemis trades your soul and you must work for her fighting the Daimons in order to allow you to perform one last act of vengeance. Of course, you will have to read on to find out how Kyrian became a Dark-Hunter and what his act of vengeance was.
I found there was a lot more action in this book and a lot more introduction to other "hunter" characters as well as theories that were quite interesting and exciting. I , of course, as to not imply spoilers, will not get into it too much here, but there is some neat stuff out there.
Also, the setting of these books being in New Orleans , makes it that much better, since I was raised in Louisiana and can relate to many of the things in reference to the area.
As you know there is always a woman to be found in the books and Amanda is the heroine here. Amanda is Selena's sister from "Fantasy Lover". Remember Grace's best friend , Selena? You will get a peek at Grace and Julian's life also.
In summation, I really enjoyed this book as it introduced and explained the actual Dark-Hunters and started bringing them to life (well, technically they are not alive, but you know what I mean *grin*), as well as offered some closure for Julian as to his guilt for what happened to Kyrian.
Yes, there are still hot pages of sex and the torture of it all, but an equal mix of all the action and Dark-Hunter mystique to keep your interest. I am only in the beginning of my Dark-Hunter quest, and expect each book to get better and better.
I did go invest in the "Dark-Hunter Companion" book yesterday and it has helped with some of the terminology and wordage. I am afraid to read too far into the Companion book , as I don't want to know too much. It gives a wonderful breakdown of the Gods (Julian) and the Dark-Hunters , telling their bios ect. Great stuff, but don't read ahead, you may find out too much. It explains the weapons and what they do, which was good, because I have looked up several of those as well as other words... day surfer?? Yeah, it's in there, and not a good thing.
So, hope you are convinced to start reading the series. If you are interested in the reading order that was suggested to me to include the order to read the books as well as the anthologies and short stories, just send me a note and I will be glad to share. Until next time... “I think of life as a good book. The further you get into it, the more it begins to make sense.”
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