I hadn't read this author before, so when I received an ARC version of this novel, I was very leery. Not only was it listed as fantasy, which for the most part seems hokey and lame to me (just how many rings and swords are missing in the world) but more importantly, it was a second volume of a series. I usually stay away from series I can’t read from the beginning, because it usually leads to a bad reading experience. However, my fears were ungrounded and this is simply a wonderful book. I have no idea how the other ones are, but if they are even close to this one in regards to the quality story telling, you are in for a real treat.

Simplifying greatly, as this novel opens, Khiershon Cree has a problem.

“He was hanging spreadeagled from thick chains embedded in the cave walls, his feet barely touching the ground, his manacled writs flung wide to either side of his sagging head. His bare chest was a riot of star-shaped burns that glistened with each shallow breath he took. His black leather britches were torn at one thigh, ripped along one cuff.”

If being barely alive thanks to the attentions of the Amazeen isn’t enough, he is a Reaper. He is the most wanted man in the universe as well as being a skilled assassin. Within his body, lurks a parasite that provides him extraordinary strength as well as healing abilities. In exchange, because of the parasite, he is part humanoid and part something that closely resembles a werewolf. The parasite, at times, demands of him that he must feed and during those times known as the “Transition” he is almost a mindless beast capable of incredible violence.

The Amazeen were torturing him and planning to kill him because after being forced to do their bidding, they fear his as well as his son’s existence. Unfortunately, for them, the warriors guarding the prisoner ingested Hemlock for some reason and had not managed to kill him first. His parasite allowed him to hang on, barely existing, for Dr. Caitlin Kelly and the crew of the United Space Alliance Medevac Ship, The Orion to find him.

Despite dire warnings of doom from the last guard as she died, Dr. Kelly orders the prisoner to be cut down and brought aboard ship. All that come in contact with him, seem to be strangely attracted to him and this is just one of the puzzles the crew must unravel as they struggle to keep their patient alive. Slowly, the pieces begin to fit and the crew begins to understand who, or more importantly, what he is. Dr. Kelly is strongly attracted to Cree and he is as well to her, and their budding romance serves as a backdrop and motivation to save his life beyond the normal doctor/patient relationship. She helps him hide when the Amnazeen come looking for him but soon discovers that while she is deeply and surprisingly in love with Cree, he is something completely beyond her experience.

At the same time, while Cree is a skilled assassin and warrior in his own right, the Amazeen are a powerful enemy. With possible links to the ancient race of Amazons on Earth, they believe the only good Reaper is a dead Reaper. The chase continues across star systems and planets as the Amazeen seek to find and destroy Cree and his bloodsons.

Combining romance, science fiction, fantasy and other elements, this novel was simply a great read. The characters are complex and engaging with great writing as well as some humorous interjections and social commentary. This novel was extraordinary and simply a pleasure to read from start to finish. This is one novel, even if you are not a fan of fantasy, well worth the investment. Enjoy!

Book Facts:

DarkWind (Book II of the WindDemon Trilogy)
By Charlotte Boyett-Compo
2001 Release (according to my copy)
RFI West
ISBN # 158697-220-0
ARC

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This is another entry on my part in Sleeper54’s challenge at: http://www.epinions.com/content_3600982148





Recommended: Yes