More of the same
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The Nightwalkers series by Jacquelyn Frank is interesting in its variety of 'things that go bump in the night', the nightwalkers. These include Demons (not evil demons but creatures that have affinity with wind, fire or mind), lycanthropes, shadowdwellers and vampires. 'Damien', the fourth in the series, features the Prince of the Vampires, someone who has walked rather by himself over the last 900-odd years but who finds himself working with the other Nightwalkers against the ex-demon Ruth who has appeared in the previous books.
When Damien rescues Syreena from Ruth he finds himself instantly drawn to her and they begin to explore if they have any future together. Vampire Lore believes that relationships with other nightwalkers is utterly taboo, Damien has his position as Prince of the Vampires to consider, along with the feelings of his lieutenant, Jasmine. However when some writings in the Library of Nightwalker books are studied it seems like there might be something significant to learn about relationships between Vampires and Lycanthropes. Can Damien and Syreena truly find happiness together? What changes might happen to each of them as they spend time together? How can Ruth's growing powers be countered?
This book felt rather like a repeat of all the others. Although initially Damien was portrayed as a rather traditional Vampire - cool, world-weary, etc - he soon morphed into the traditional male character that has appeared in all the previous books. Syreena, too, wasn't entirely convincing as a character. Even the plot elements were rehashed from previous books, including a rescue scene where two beings end up breaking a long-held taboo because of their feelings. The concept of the taboo between Vampires and Lycanthropes was pretty much the same as in the previous book, Elijah, when Siena (Syreena's sister) and Elijah (a demon) had to face this, and in this book it didn't particularly feel resolved. The fight against Ruth was also disappointing as it didn't move on particularly and was a minor part of the story anyway. The focus on Jasmine for significant chunks of plot was slightly puzzling, unless she's to get a book of her own in future, and the jumping about of point of view between Syreena and Damien in some chapter sections was confusing at times.
Those who enjoy this series will like this book as it is so similar to the others. Jacquelyn Frank's writing style is good and, despite the fact that little actually goes on, the book doesn't ever really drag. However the similarity with previous books and the lack of underlying plot and consistent characterisation mean that this story, for this reader at least, was rather disappointing.
Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book © Helen Hancox 2008
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