Sadash, Prince of the Ottoman Empire, Vampire for over three hundred years, has followed, protected, and desired Alana since he first caught her scent in Istanbul when she was a child. Her vivid human emotions, the thrall of her sweet blood call to him. It is time.

Forget everything you ever thought you knew about love and romance. This book is not about Carpathians, or Barnabas Collins. Alana, Valeria, Sadash, and the supporting characters are all driven by their desires. They make no apologies, and expect none. Life is. Undeath is. Yet, throughout the seduction of senses which Ms. Calvani weaves is the sense that love is deeper, darker and truer than we usually dare explore.

While I was surprised, and occasionally uncomfortable while reading this book, I have to say that Ms. Calvani's writing in this genre is exceptional. She draws on and expands vampire lore; never flinching from the horror, yet soothing with remnants of humanity in her characters. Do I want to confront this within myself? No. Yet I am forced, by the clarity of her vision, to acknowledge that darkness abides within me as well...and in acknowledging and confronting myself, I become its mistress rather than its slave.

Not a light read....but an intensely thought provoking and seductive tale.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly Sensual

Reviewer: Renee L'Amour
April 20, 2003