Review: Great follow up...
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 11, 2013
The first book in this series, Darkness Haunts, was my first venture into the genre. Almost in spite of myself, I enjoyed reading it and wondered if the second book would be as interesting. Turns out, the second book is better than the first.  Susan Illene really comes through. Her characters are three-dimensional, no matter how unusual or inhuman they may be.  Melena, the heroine, is a tough gal, but she's not hard as nails or some ridiculously super-powered Buffy The Vampire Hunter type. She makes mistakes, she has a vulnerable side, she's feisty...in fact, she's just like a real woman. Her love affair with Lucas, the mega-cute but bloodthirsty fellow we met in Book 1, continues to sizzle. He's another intriguing character. Hard to figure out his motives. Is he a very, very bad guy who is simply in love? Or is he up to something? Or is he just a good guy who does bad things?  Mostly, I don't care...he's just completely hot and I want more of him whatever he's plotting. Or not plotting!The setting is unusual. I love that the book takes place in Alaska. It's unusual and interesting and gives an added layer of reality to the book, as opposed to some generic non-place.  I really enjoyed this blending of reality and fantasy. It's seamless and for long periods of time, suspension of disbelief is complete.  You are just in this world of sups and they are no more or less real than the guy walking his dog outside your door.  (Think about that for a minute, by the way).One reviewer is offended by the sex scenes. I found them well-written and not gratuitous. Why would anyone be derailed by a redblooded young woman behaving like a redblooded young woman?Great plotting, some real chills, interesting and unique characters, a spicy romance, sexy (and tantalizingly sinister) love interest, and an engrossing mystery. Definitely worth stars. Enjoy.