Nineteen years ago when the Talroqi invaded, the Shadows, canine-creatures of Mallachrom, took all of the children before the devastation began. These children, raised by the Shadows, became known as the Taken. The Taken grew to have unusual powers and remained away from those of the cities. But now reports are coming in that the Taken are to blame for the unrest eating into Mallachrom. Joras Day does not believe this, and neither does Rhianni.

With Rhianni arrives on Mallachrom and meets her childhood friend, Petroc, old feelings surface. But the Shadows stand in their way-for Rhianni is the key to overcoming the black sickness that is striving to conquer Mallachrom. She will be the answer to the planets survival or its final death.

This was a wonderful story. The plotting rich, the characters unforgettable. It is one of those books where you keep on reading into the night, having to know what will happen-and then sighing with sadness when you read the last word and there is no more. This is the first book I have ever read by Michelle Levigne, but I can assure you it won't be the last.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Barbara Hodges
February 5, 2006