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For centuries Mira has been a nightwalker—an unstoppable enforcer for a mysterious organization that manipulates earth-shaking events from the darkest shadows. But elemental mastery over fire sets her apart from others of her night-prowling breed . . . and may be all that prevents her doom.
The foe she now faces is human: the vampire hunter called Danaus, who has already destroyed so many undead. For Mira, the time has come to hunt . . . or be hunted.
One
His name was Danaus. And what I remember most were his eyes. I saw them first by lamplight; a flicker of dark cobalt as he paused a distance from me. His eyes were the color sapphires were meant to be, a grim sparkle of pigment. I stared at those eyes, willing time to slow down as I slipped into those still, stygian depths. But it wasn't the waters of the Styx I swam in, but a cool lagoon of Lethe where I bathed in a moment of oblivion.
He stopped on the deserted street outside the edge of a pale pool of light thrown down by a wrought-iron lamp, his eyes darting up and down the empty expanse. He drew in a deep breath. I think he could sense me watching from some perch but could not peg my exact location. His right hand flexed once at his side, and to my surprise he stepped forward into the light, his night vision momentarily destroyed; taunting me with the bait he dangled before my eyes.
I slowly ran my tongue over my teeth. Not only was he impressive to look at, but there was a confidence about him that begged my attention. I was half tempted to step away from the shadow of the chimney and allow the moon to outline my slim form. But I hadn't survived for more than six centuries by making careless mistakes. Balanced on the ridgepole of the three-story house across from him, I watched as he continued down the street. His black leather duster flared as he walked, snapping at his heels like a chained wolf forced to follow its master.
The truth was, I had watched him for more than a month. He'd blown into my territory like a cold wind and wasted no time destroying my kind. In the past weeks he had killed nearly half adozen of my brethren. Almost all had been fledglings, with less than a century to cut their teeth upon, but it was still more than any other had dared.
And these killings had not been spineless daylight stakings. He hunted each nightwalker under the caress of moonlight. I had even watched some of these battles from a hidden perch and barely kept from applauding when he knelt, bloody, over each of his prey, cutting out the heart. He was speed and cunning. And the nightwalkers were bloated on their own inflated sense of power. I was the Keeper of this domain, entrusted with protecting our secret; not protecting those who could not protect themselves.
After weeks of watching my would-be prey, I thought it was time for formal introductions. I knew who he was. More than just another Nosferatu hunter. Something wonderfully more, with a vibrant power all his own. I wanted a taste of that power before he died.
And he knew of me. In their final seconds some of the weak ones had mewled my name, hoping my identity would buy them a last second reprieve. It hadn't. I sped silently along the rooftops, leaping over the gaps and landing with the sure-footed grace of a cat. Slipping past him and down two more blocks to the outer edge of the historic district, I stopped at an abandoned home with a widow's walk and worn red brick that would serve as a nice meeting place. Its single turret and dark windows gazed out toward the river like a silent soldier.
The night air was warm and thick despite the fact that we hadn't had any rain for more than two weeks, leaving the brown lawns struggling from yet another rough summer. Even the crickets seemed to put forth only a halfhearted effort with their chirping, burdened by the oppressive heat. The light breeze that blew in from the sea carried with it more moisture, thickening the air until it carried a weight all its own. I had come to Savannah more than a century ago, seeking anonymity, an escape from the world that had consumed me for nearly five hundred years. I loved Savannah's grace and history, the ghosts that seemed to haunt every shadowy corner and rambling house. Yet I could do without her oppressive summers. I'd spent too many years in cooler climes.
The abandoned house was half hidden behind enormous oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, as if guarded by a pair of grand dames swathed in antique lace. The front of the property was lined with a tall, spike iron fence ending in a pair of stone pillars that flanked the path up to the house. I sat on the top of the left pillar with my legs crossed, waiting for him. The subtle throb of my powers tumbled from my body. I wanted him to follow the trail until he came to me, like the pied piper trilling his merry tune for the children of Hamelin.
Danaus stopped when he reached the edge of the property to my left and stared at me. Yes, it was brazen, and maybe even a little overconfident on my part, but I didn't want him to grow too sure of himself. He would have to work for his blood tonight.
With a slow smile, I rolled off the pillar, disappearing behind the spike fence and into the deeper shadows of the overgrown yard. I cut through the air as if I were made of the night, disappearing through an open window on the second floor at the back of the house.
Waiting in a former bedroom, I listened. Anticipation coiled in my stomach, my body tingling with the thrill of the hunt, so rarely had I the chance to pit myself against something that could actually destroy me. I'd killed my share of human hunters, but they hadn't been a real challenge, waving their silver crosses about and praying to a god they had abandoned until that moment of final judgment. After so many long centuries, there were too few ways in which to feel that rush, to dance along the razor's edge and remember, even if only for a breath, what it had meant to be alive. Danaus would help me remember.
Nightwalker. Copyright © by Jocelynn Drake. Reprinted by permission of HarperCollins Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Available now wherever books are sold.Anonymous
Posted October 1, 2008
Not sure why I procrastinated in reading this book but boy was I sorry. I was totally missing out because this book is outstanding! Mira is a six-century nightwalker (vampire) who has the gift of conjuring and controlling fire with her mind. She is being hunted by creatures of a parallel world, called the Naturi. They believe she is an important element in opening the gate between the worlds. Incidentally, she is also being tracked by the vampire-hunter Danaus. Danaus and Mira are mortal enemies and begrudgingly team-up to try and defeat the Naturi before it¿s too late. This book doesn¿t have a moment to waste and has one exciting adventure after another. I am biting my nails in anticipation for the next installment Dayhunter. My favorite authors and books are Kim Harrison-Rachel Morgan series, Jenna Black-Morgan Kingsley series what an innovative concept, Ilona Andrews- Kate Daniels series this character is tough tough tough, Caitlin Kittredge- love her Noctune City series, Rachel Caine- Weather Warden series, Larissa Ione- Demonica series, Richelle Mead- Georgina Kinkaid series and Dark Swan Series, Audra and Stella Price- Eververse series, Yasmine Galenorn- Sisters of the Moon series, Vicki Pettersson- Zodiac series Jackie Keller- Hell on Earth series, T.A. Pratt- Marla Mason series Mark Henry- Happy Hour of the Damned
10 out of 11 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 13, 2009
I bought this book because of its cover. I work in a bookstore, and I am into a lot of different types. This book is good for lovers of the paranormal and for the new comers who only want to read them because of "Twilight" by Stephanie Meyer. The main character is a chick who can kick butt and takes names but isn't overly powerful. I am too lazy to follow links to recommend books. Some other authors you may enjoy are Kim Harrison (strongly recommended), Charlaine Harris (funny and light) The author of "Witchling" and "Changling" (can't remember her name.
9 out of 10 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 2, 2008
I picked this book up because Kim Harrison, who I love, recommended this book as a new author. I am always looking for good books, especialy vampire. I probably have over 200 books that are vampire series either I own, have read, lent out (you get my point). I know a good story when I read it and this isn't it. It starts out ok, but really, the main characture's name Danuas? I get that these evil creatures want to take over and I get that the main female lead is the only person that can save us, and I wanted to really like it, I tried super hard to like it and I just could NOT. It is just all over the place. Do the two main charactures in the story hate each other?? I thought she was revolting to him? Didn't he kill 4 vampire because...well I am not sure why. If the really old vampires are so smart and strong, how did they not know these naturi had a get out of jail card? And that is just the start to some of the major plot flaws I saw. If you are going to write about vampires, you better make sure they are either strong and beautiful or flawed and yearning for their soul. The author might have wanted to read a Laurel K Hamilton book and see how you can write vampire, or even old Anne Rice. The Vampire Lestat still holds true even after all this time. You might not agree with my review or you might agree with it, but save your $9.00 and buy another book.
5 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 16, 2009
I picked this and the second book up in the bookstore based on the blurb on the back. I regret it! All I could keep thinking was that the entire race of Drake's vampires was horrible and should be destroyed. It was hard to root for the heroine when her race wasn't worth saving. The book numerous times showed and talked about the torture and cruelty of vampires. That they would create more, those they called "chum", just for the fun of torturing them in every way possible before killing them. Why would anyone think this race was worth saving? I love vampire books, but hated both of these. I kept hoping I would like them, but they are going into the trash. They aren't even worth donating or giving away. Don't waste your time on these unless you enjoy rooting for sadists with no redeeming qualities.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 5, 2008
I couldn't put this book down and read it in one sitting. Mira is a Nightwalker (Vampire) and Danaus is a Vampire Hunter. Mira is also a Firestarter, she can rule fire. Danaus is hunting Mira and Mira is hunting Danaus, Danaus has already killed many vampires. However Mira and Danaus must join together to stop the Naturi (Fae) from returning to our world, some of them are still here, but want to bring back the entire race of Naturi and the naturi want nothing more than to rid the enitre earth of humans and vampires. In her past Mira had been kidnapped by the naturi, but she was rescued and she doesn't remember what happened to her. Then there is Rowe, an evil naturi, he is hunting Mira and he will stop at nothing to get Mira for his own evil intent. Lots of action and world building in this book. I am looking forward to the sequel.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 19, 2008
With a heroine that could give Buffy a run for her money, Nightwalker is non-stop action from beginning to end. Mira is unique among vampires since she can kill by fire. She's tried to live a fairly quiet existence while maintaining order in her realm, but she's soon drawn in to a war when an enemy she thought dead comes back. While fighting to rid the world of the Naturi, Mira comes across a vampire hunter who's vowed to destroy her. However, Danaus has secrets of his own. And until the Naturi are destroyed, these two enemies will have to work together. This is an exciting urban fantasy with just a bit of sexual tension thrown in to the mix. All the characters are strong and the chaos they find themselves in keeps you on the edge of your seat. The ending leaves you panting for more. I can't wait for a sequel.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted November 18, 2008
I Also Recommend:
This is a fast pace story, fill with actions. After I started reading, I couldn't put it down. I was within only a couple hours that I finished reading the book and now I want more! It feels like the the real war has just about to begin!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 30, 2008
Loved reading this B&N Paranormal book club pick. There is so much more to discover about Mira & Danaus. I for one can't wait to continue. I Recommend it to all who love the Paranormal.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted April 25, 2013
Read this book. Totaly different. It's a mystery, action packed, romance. All in all,
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted April 23, 2013
Loved the story. I just bought the rest in the series. Shorter books but they have very good interweaving plots. Very enjoyable!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted April 23, 2013
A great beginning to a series!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Blondeness032
Posted April 21, 2013
The author has spun an interesting, if sometimes confusing tale of the paranormal. There is plenty of action and plot twists as the story progresses. I enjoyed it.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 28, 2013
Hay yal!!This was the best book EVER!!!!!!!! I love the way the athor made the charecters seam alive and like peopel you might see on the street ;-)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 26, 2013
Go to rap res 3
1 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 18, 2013
I have read the whole series and highly recommend it to others who enjoy the paranormal.
dunn2perfection
Posted May 17, 2013
I enjoyed the book very much. The characters were well written and the storyline moved at a good pace. I am considering reading the next book in the series.
Issues - the main character is always covered in blood and it got a bit monotonous. Another minor issue was the book cover. I read the book in spite of the cover's first impression. The main character depicted in the book is sexy, voluptuous, powerful. The character on the cover is trashy.
Anonymous
Posted May 14, 2013
Great book
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Posted February 26, 2013
Heyy
0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 3, 2013
So what do I do ?
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 26, 2013
Need a se.xy pu.ssy? Go to Love me hard first result
0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Overview
For centuries Mira has been a nightwalker—an unstoppable enforcer for a mysterious organization that manipulates earth-shaking events from the darkest shadows. But elemental mastery over fire sets her apart from others of her night-prowling breed . . . and may be all that prevents her doom.
The foe she now faces is human: the vampire hunter called Danaus, who has already destroyed so many undead. For Mira, the time has come to hunt . . . or be ...