Genre: Paranormal, Horror, Romance
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
Kilian Kildare is a soldier, fighting the witches and vampires who twist the gift of magic into something dark. However tragedy after tragedy have left him struggling—he’s been turned into a vampire, ostracized, and left to grieve alone. An offer to join an elite Army unit should be the answer to prayers he no longer dares to say. Instead, the move brings new dangers, and new pain.
A demon has slipped its leash, killed its summoner, and now hides within a host. The only barrier between the demon and a world unprepared for its pure veil magic is the fragile flesh of a man Kilian had once cared for. The demon is seeking a way to either kill or corrupt Stephen to escape, and Kilian finds himself guarding a man he’d rather save. When Stephen and the Army end up on opposite sides, Kilian has to choose between them, a decision made nearly impossible because he’s not sure which side is actually protecting the world, and which may bring about destruction.
The Review
It’s been a long time since I read a Lyn Gala novel – I really enjoyed it.
Kilian Kildare gave up his life to be sired by Silas, a thousand-year-old vampire
Kilian proved himself to be a rare Judas vampire. He had his reasons for choosing to become one. Silas contracted him to the Army paranormal, consisting of humans and other species. Kilian found himself not liked amongst the soldiers and he was in danger of being disposed at any time.
In the midst of battles against witches, especially ones with extreme power, Kilian had lost control and several times returned without his team. It caused him to become isolated amongst the soldiers, because of the hatred the others had for him.
He requests a transfer and is approached by another base leader. He’s put in a position where he really has no choice – no matter what he chooses, death is inevitable. He’s tricked by a new witch, Mia, and is forced to become a protector.
He is shocked to find out the person he’s to protect is Stephen Nguyen. He knew Stephen and his parents when he was younger, and even babysat for him. As his human life fell apart, Kilian went into the Army at fourteen, never to see his family or Stephen again.
Stephen has a strange story to tell. His ADHD contributed to Stephen being an overly active child. He’s now partially under the control of a demon, due to a witch’s spell that was never finished. Sometimes Stephen is in control, but sometimes the demon is. The demon can already can cause great chaos, but if it’s ever able to take over completely, Stephan will die.
Kilian and Stephen are in a ring spell together, which means they can’t be more that fifteen feet apart at any time. As they open themselves to each other, Stephen becomes a temptation for Kilian. He’s not very happy about being in the Army situation, but Kilian tries to stay loyal to the Army regardless. When he starts to become ill, he and Stephen go on the run to seek help.
Gala has crafted a very interesting novel that harkens back to Judas Iscariot and the three thieves that brought a curse upon themselves when they stole god-power. Judas vampires suffer at any reference to god, and it’s fascinating how the interact with the church. For me, it’s a great twist on the vampire tale.
Both Kilian and Stephen are opposites, but they make a strong couple. The story about their young lives and upbringing are warm and heartbreaking. They want and need love in their own ways. Also, both suffer from the lost love of family.
The novel really delves into Christianity, Catholic guilt, hypocrisy and the misunderstanding of the difference between vampires, witches and demons. I loved how a piece of wood from Christ’s cross was woven into the story. And magic, spells and power are frequently used in the novel.
There’s also a wide variety of other paranormal elements in the story: Eris power, Nikish zombies, the undead, werewolves, the supernatural, witches, demons and vampires.
This novel is an incredible read, fast paced with action, suspense, heart and steamy heat. I was thoroughly entertained!
The Reviewer
Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California. Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018. My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen. New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.
I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors.
My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012. She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series. Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book!
As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb piques my interest I will read the book.
My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing. I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading.
I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews. One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group. Joining her site was such an eye opener. I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.
But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.