Review: 3 1/2 stars  A very good read!
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 03 31, 2012
Krystoff is a hunter of vampires.  Not all vampires, only the renegades who are a threat to humankind.  But his job is getting harder lately.  Something is going on, there's an evil lurking in the shadows, and he needs to figure out what it is before it's too late for the human race.Alexandra is tormented by dark creatures who want something from her and they will stop at nothing to get it.  Even with her magical defenses firmly in place, she is finding it more and more difficult to keep herself safe.  Until she meets Krystoff and she is inexplicably drawn to him despite the fact that he is one of the creatures she has been guarding herself against.  When the two meet, their hearts collide but so do their stubborn, independent minds.  If they are going to keep the world safe, they need to learn to work together first.Shades of Night by R.G. Porter is a refreshing tale of old school vampires.  In Krystoff and Alexandra's world, vampires can shape shift, fly and even turn into mist when necessary.  They are sexy and strong and know how to handle a sword.  The Fae are magical, mystical beings who hold knowledge that must be kept secret at all costs.  That means aligning themselves with certain vampires if necessary.When I first began Shades of Night, I was instantly hooked.  The story was exciting and the characters strong and powerful.  I was sure that I was reading a five star book.  As the book continued, I found that I was not able to hold that thought.  There was a lull in the book when the dialogue seemed to become circular and the characters kept beating their heads against the same walls.  In an effort to make Alexandra a strong, independent and powerful character, R. G. Porter sometimes made her seem unapproachable and even pigheaded when it came to Krystoff.  His love and attraction took him over almost from the first moment, but there never seemed to be a strong connection between him and Alexandra. She never seemed to have the depth of emotion that he did.  I never really felt that they were destined to be.The ending of the book clinched my need to give the book a lower rating. The final climax was a bit anticlimactic.  The characters seemed to be in little more peril than they had been in other confrontations.  I read this expecting there to be more to it and then suddenly, I was on the last page without a clear picture of what exactly was accomplished and where the characters are left in regards to the dangers around them.I believe that Shades of Night is a good start to what I hope is a series.  The writing is gripping and for the most part flows naturally.  The plot is designed to make a sequel a distinct possibility.  I would be curious to read the next book to see if some of these issues are dealt with in a more concise way.  I thank the author for a review copy and I give the book three and a half stars.