Review: Riveting follow-up to The Night series
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 18, 2013
In this follow-up book in The Night series we are treated to Lukas's story, a Night Walker made by accident by Calisto Terana in Night Walker. Lukas has been living with the guilt over his behavior when he was newly made and has been looking for information into how to end his existence because he believes he is a monster not worthy of living. Since making this decision he has been working as an archaeologist for he is determined to learn all there is to know about the Night Walkers. This journey of discovery takes him to the heart of the Yucatan jungle and the origins of the Night Walkers.His assistant in the jungle is Gretchen. A smart woman who is more interested in solving puzzles than settling down with a family and a white picket fence, Gretchen is intrigued by Lukas's behavior, especially his determination to work through day and night to find answers.  She finds the reclusive archaeologist handsome and despite all her efforts has come to care for him a great deal.When trouble starts brewing within the jungle, Lukas makes the decision to send Gretchen to the US to keep her safe for he couldn't bear for her to be harmed. Although he has put many walls into place to keep emotional entanglements from his life he realizes that Gretchen, with her intelligence and loyalty, has broken through some of them. However, Gretchen is determined to decipher the meaning of their findings, regardless what Lukas has decided.And so their adventures and romance begins.I enjoyed this book thoroughly. Packed-full of Night Walker history and facts, Lisa Kessler's writing is both engaging and entertaining. I was riveted to the story, its characters and the events that took place throughout. I felt that each event and fact revealed was placed just right to provide the most impact. The details provided and the events that transpired throughout the story flowed seamlessly, never making me feel overwhelmed or confused even when additional facts and new characters were introduced.Lukas and Gretchen were both complex characters with real emotions and struggles and their development and romance was a treat to read. I enjoyed how Kessler brought them together and built their relationship from acquaintances to lovers in a way that was believable to me. I appreciated the fact that they both had their hesitations and took the time to weigh the pros and cons of a relationship with each other. Of course I was elated when they finally decided to get on with it, but it was nice to see them all flustered about the feelings they had for each other.Needless to say that their chemistry was very, very HOT! Just that first kiss between them was amazing - the anticipation alone made it all the more enjoyable. However, what I enjoyed the most were their interactions. With honest and emotion-filled dialogue, lust-filled looks and matter of fact exchanges, the connection between Lukas and Gretchen was easy to recognize.This installment brings the return of previous characters and the addition of new ones as well. Calisto and Kate from Night Walker play an integral part of the story as well as Kane and Rita from Night Thief. The new additions to the cast added nicely to the story and were interesting to get to know.Night Demon is the second book in The Night series but it can be read as a stand alone too since the author does a wonderful job of giving the reader enough backstory to understand the world and the characters that were introduced in previous titles. This book was a great follow-up in the series and I can't wait to read more. Yes, I am hoping for another book with one of the other Gods' story. I won't be finicky about it either - I'll be happy with either Issa's or Colin's story. No pressure Lisa, no pressure at all!I received this book from Entangled Publishing in exchange of my honest opinion.