Midnight Awakening

Loss of husband at least left her a son to love and live for until four months ago. A terrible drug known as Crimson, a tool of the Rogues has left her with nothing. Her mourning drives Elise Chase out of the upper class Darkhaven community and into the poor end of Boston. Using the gift to hear people’s thoughts, she has taken on the mantle of avenger by turning killer to the minions who serve the Rogues. This has come at a terrible price since the same gift is also a curse. Unable to control hearing the thoughts of others leaves her open to the barrage of hateful seething thoughts around her.

The most fearsome of the Breed Order, Tegan has experienced loss and been tempered into an icy efficient killer. He saves Elise from Rogues one night and can hardly recognize the once fragile woman. It is clear to him that she needs the buffer of the Darkhavens or the knowledge to command and direct her talent. Though little touches this warrior, finds himself thawing under the presence of the breedmate who has experienced so much pain.

There is a mystery to be solved. Elise’s latest vigilantism and subsequent interception of a package that was to reach the leader of the Rogues is clearly important. But why?

MIDNIGHT AWAKENING is the third installment and a strong addition to the Midnight Breed series. Tegan is a character who intrigued from the first book with a manner that bordered on cruel. Here we learn the extent of his grief and are glad to see him healed by love.

It was remarkably fun to read of one of the females picking up the fight against the enemy. Usually, the women are hidden away in the Order’s compound or in the Darkhavens. Readers who have been following the series will remember Elise from the previous book but she is no longer the delicate little female that we remember her. Tragedy has given her motivation to act and one is impressed that she can stand up to even the warrior who is considered the most frightening and heathen in their society.

In respect to her late husband and their relationship she has not taken a Breed male’s blood, a very sensual act. This essentially condemns her to the aging and eventual death of a normal human. She stands by her convictions in a believable way, but likewise is smart enough to know that if she dies, she can no longer be part of the fight against the Rogues.

Both hero and heroine must come to terms with their painful pasts. With this understanding and the increasing attraction between them, their eventual coming together is made richer for their hard fought happy ending. There are of course obstacles, both emotional and social, as well as dangers to surmount. And therein lies the tale.

The ending was a bit too pat but the unexpected twists made this book particularly exciting of a read. Pick up a copy of MIDNIGHT AWAKENING and enjoy it anytime.

March 2008