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Shadowlight (Kyndred #1)

3.79 of 5 stars 3.79 · rating details · 1,056 ratings · 104 reviews

With just one touch, Jessa Bellamy can see anyone’s darkest secrets, thanks to whoever tampered with her genes. What she doesn’t know is that a biotech company has discovered her talent and intends to kill her and harvest her priceless DNA...

Gaven Matthias is forced to abduct Jessa himself so he can protect her, but Jessa has a hard time believing the one man whose secrets...more

Paperback, 336 pages

Published October 6th 2009 by Onyx (first published October 1st 2009)

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Feb 12, 2010 Zeek rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites-all-time, favorites-pnr, favorites-uf, favorite-author, vamps, kindle

Seamlessly transitioning into the next arch of her Darkyn universe, Lynn Viehl starts off her Novels of the Kyndred series with a sharp, sexy entry that focuses on genetically altered children known as the Kyndred. Unbeknownst to the Darkyn- templar knights cum vampires, introduced in her first seven book series- twenty odd years ago, a shadow group experimented with children who are neither human, nor Kyn (vampire). Orphans nobody wanted, the children are secretly adopted out and few of them ar...more Seamlessly transitioning into the next arch of her Darkyn universe, Lynn Viehl starts off her Novels of the Kyndred series with a sharp, sexy entry that focuses on genetically altered children known as the Kyndred. Unbeknownst to the Darkyn- templar knights cum vampires, introduced in her first seven book series- twenty odd years ago, a shadow group experimented with children who are neither human, nor Kyn (vampire). Orphans nobody wanted, the children are secretly adopted out and few of them are aware of what they truly are because their powers are only fully activated after they die.

Shadowlight centers around Jessa Bellemy and a mysterious man we later discover is a prototype of the Kyndred- a creature far older than the Darkyn themselves. Gaven Matthias has made it his business to collect and protect the Kyndred ever since he awoke from a deep freeze he labored under for thousands of years. When Jonah Genaro, ceo of GenHance, a leading biotech company, targets Jessa, Matthias snatches her before his arch nemesis can capture her first.

Jessa has no clue who she is anymore, let alone what she is. She only knows that since she survived a tragic accident, she has a special gift that frightens her- one that enables her to read the dark shadows of a human soul. When a gorgeous man rescues her from an apparent attack, having only herself to trust for so long, she's wary of the enigmatic stranger.

Because she doesn't know who to trust, she's determined to escape him- and the odd attraction she feels toward him. So she focuses on getting away from the underground fortress she's imprisoned in, while topside her world is turned upside down by the man who would stop at nothing to get his hands on her- and her gift.

When she finally realizes that Matthias is who he says he is, and that her very life is threatened by GenHance, they two team up- along with the motley crew of Kyndred Matthias has collected to aid him. But first they must stop a misogynist monster- and a former employee of GenHance- who blames Jessa for his recent troubles.

Meanwhile Jonah Genaro quietly works behind the scenes to advance his own designs- one that started two thousand years ago at the end of the Roman Empire and I suspect will not end till the Kyndred come into their own.

Viehl takes the best elements of her Darkyn novels, pares them down, and spins her world into a whole new direction. Smart and darkly sensual, Shadowlight begins Viehls's new series with action, suspense and a dash of mystery and moves the Kyndred closer to the paranormal romance genre and a tad farther from the Urban Fantasy that marked the Darkyn series. (A smart move, because her sexy tortured heroes cry out for a happily-ever-after every time!) Her way of hooking a reader with tantalizing peeks into the ancient world and tying them to modern menaces is what sets her novels apart and makes them stand out from the rest of the pack. I simply couldn't put Shadowlight down once I started!(less)

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Nov 12, 2009 new_user rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance

I got my Lynn Viehl fix! I miss the fangs, I admit. Where the hunger, the primal instincts, of my vampires and werewolves? Waxing poetic, LOL.

I liked the scenes starring GenHance, the shady genetics corp, à la science and lab thrillers like Paycheck , if it were good, with monsters. What can I say, I'm a science nerd.

Readers of Viehl's Darkyn series will be happy to see edible ex-assassin and vampire lord Lucan, fan favorite, and his mate, ex-homicide detective, Samantha. I loved the hunting sc...more

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Mar 13, 2012 Chad Sayban rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: below-average

This decade has seen the rise of the vampire novel, thanks in no small part to the colossal success of Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series. One of the more popular novelists in the supernatural romance/thriller genre has been Lynn Viehl. Her Darkyn series has produced several trips to the New York Times bestseller list for trade paperbacks and created a legion of fans. Viehl’s newest novel Shadowlight, begins her newest series – the Kyndred – a spin-off of her Darkyn novels.

I had some problems wit...more

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May 03, 2013 L.M. Justus rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal

The writing in this book is solid, and I can see how the story would appeal to many people, however I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed. At the end of the previous book, the last in the Darkyn series, a really interesting element was revealed about one of the characters. I thought, "Cool!" and I ran off to reserve Shadowlight from the library. I realize the two series are related, yet separate, but the character I was interested in reading more about wasn't even in this book.

Also, whil...more

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Mar 05, 2012 Anna rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

Shadowlight starts off as one of those books with a ridiculously huge cast of characters, each with their own seemingly unrelated plotline. The frequent shifts quickly grew confusing, especially because not only do we shift characters and location, but there are often shifts in time as well, which isn't always evident until later. Basically, this meant I spent the first half of the book telling myself to be patient, because surely it would all come together at the end. Final verdict? Well, it so...more Shadowlight starts off as one of those books with a ridiculously huge cast of characters, each with their own seemingly unrelated plotline. The frequent shifts quickly grew confusing, especially because not only do we shift characters and location, but there are often shifts in time as well, which isn't always evident until later. Basically, this meant I spent the first half of the book telling myself to be patient, because surely it would all come together at the end. Final verdict? Well, it sort of does, but not without a bunch of coincidences to help glue it into one story. There was no "ah, of course!" moment where everything pieced together naturally.

In fact, I lost track of how many times I thought "well isn't that a coincidence" or "my, how convenient." A pair of Darkyn (recurring characters from the previous series) show up hunting Genaro, presumably because they need to have discovered Jessa and the other Kyndred for book 2. A whole hive of hornets just happens to be by the roadside in the right spot to all descend on the guy pulled to the side of the road. Mattias just happens to be the one person Jessa can touch without constantly triggering her talent (this is never explained; hopefully it's explored a bit more in future volumes). Yup, this is one of those books where if you took out all the crazy random happenstance, nothing would actually have happened and the whole plot would topple over like a Jenga tower. (Does that reference make me old?)

I did enjoy some of the characters, and kudos to Viehl for giving us a fairly broad range. Sadly, I found Jessa's earliest incarnation to be the most interesting, as she became less sympathetic after her reinvention of herself, and I didn't feel like I got to know Mattias at all. He was too busy trying to be mysterious to develop much of a personality. The secondary characters drew me in, though, and since book 2 centres around Rowan, who I found to be far more interesting than the protagonists, I might have to look up to see where it goes.

Considering my feelings for the two main characters, it should come as no surprise to find the romance fell flat for me. Part of this is due to the fact that other than a "lust at first sight" that both Mattias and Jessa are determined to overcome in the beginning, their entire relationship seems to be based on the dreams they've had of each other. It's implied these are shared dreams, although if I understand the rules of the world, each of the kyndred gets only one power, and neither of them are dreamwalkers, so that they'd fall madly in love with each other after their dream encounters led to a wall-banging reaction.

Ok, romance fail aside, I think a lot of these issues will be easy to overlook for people who are more familiar with the world this book is set in, and those who have enjoyed Viehl's Darkyn books will want to give this one a whirl. If you've been thinking about checking this book out and you haven't read the other series, though, I highly recommend you start over there.(less)

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Sep 29, 2011 Lindsay rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Ummm...not sure what to say here. I didn't really start to really enjoy the book until I was about 70 - 75% complete with it. There are so many story lines and characters in this book, it was confusing as heck to keep it all straight. It does all start to pull together towards the end and I am guessing since this is the first book in the series that the bulk of the background information to the entire series is in this book. Therefore, I am going to go ahead and give the next book a try, but, if...more

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Nov 26, 2009 Darcy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2009

I wasn't sure what to think of this book. I really like the Darkyn series and thought it was the same. It took me until the end of the book to realize while it was in the same universe it was a little different. I like the new concept and am looking forward to see what happens.

The going back and forth with times and people at the beginning of the book very much confused me. It wasn't until I was over half way in that I realized what was going on and had to go back to read to really understand wh...more

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Sep 15, 2009 Miap45 rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I have been lucky enough to be graced with a an ARC of Lynn Viehl’s latest work, Shadowlight, first book in her new series about the Kyndred and sequel of sorts to her successful Darkyn series, and I’d like to share my experience here.

For those who haven’t read the Darkyn novels, there is enough information here to make the story totally understandable without having to read the Darkyn books. Personally, I’d recommend to do it, especially for the vampire genere fans, because they are great, but...more I have been lucky enough to be graced with a an ARC of Lynn Viehl’s latest work, Shadowlight, first book in her new series about the Kyndred and sequel of sorts to her successful Darkyn series, and I’d like to share my experience here.

For those who haven’t read the Darkyn novels, there is enough information here to make the story totally understandable without having to read the Darkyn books. Personally, I’d recommend to do it, especially for the vampire genere fans, because they are great, but I’m sure that once you have finished Shadowlight, you won’t need further goading and you’ll make that trip to the bookshop to find them.

From the Darkyn books, we have a couple of well loved characters: fomer Kyn hitman, Lucan and his life companion Samantha Brown, a detective in the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. Their interactions are always fun to read, as much as the small appearance of Dr. Alex Keller, another well loved character of the Kyn fans.

Then, we have a set of whole new characters. I must admit that I wasn’t exactly hooked with Jessa, I suppose I identified her with Jema Shaw, a character from the previous series that didn’t do it for me either. Matthias, on the other hand, presents a lot of interesting possibilities, and I’d love him meeting Dr. Keller, for example. I liked Rowan a lot, but despite the little he is seen on the book, it's Drew whose story I’d like to see in future Kyndred books.

Many questions that arose in the last books of the Kyn series are left unanswered in this first book, and considering that this is a whole new series, it’s understandable. However, since they share the same universe, and the Kyndred are the result of a botched experiment carried out by the Kyn archenemies, the Brethren, I expect that the some of these questions are tied up in the upcoming books.

There is a new villain in this book (and presumably, in the new series), a corporation who seems hell bent in exploiting the genetic improvements that resulted of the experiments of the Brethren. We don’t know yet if they are aware of these experiments, if they were part of them, or if they stumbled upon the Brethren experiments by chance. There are tantalizing hints of a new twist in this universe, with the mysterious link to Matthias/Tanicus and Genaro’s family, Matthias’ tattoo and ancient origin, and how it ties up with what we already know of the Darkyn and Kyndred origins. All this will hook new and old readers alike, in my opinion.

Shadowlight is an interesting new step forward into this fascinating universe that Lynn Viehl has crafted for us. You’ll find here engaging new characters, old classic ones that don’t disappoint, a plot with enough twists to keep you turning pages well into the night, and lots of questions that will keep you coming back for more Kyndred books. There is a good dose of romance, but it’s well done, and the sex is well balanced and adds to the plot, not at all like in Some Authors that Will Remain Nameless. I’ll give four starts out of five, because the active villain, Lawson, was really annoying and cartoonish at times, too over the top for me. However, don’t miss Shadowlight. Go and preorder. Now.

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Nov 08, 2009 Melindeeloo rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance

Great new characters and a few familiar faces get Viehl's Kyndred off to a great start!

Shadowlight starts by introducing Min, who having just lost her adoptive father is embarking on a new life and starting a new job, her limited talent of foresight hasn't twinged but she has the future all mapped out. Min seemed like such a sweet and promising character, that when something really bad happens to her - she only senses when good things are going to happen - that I was so bummed, that I put the b...more Great new characters and a few familiar faces get Viehl's Kyndred off to a great start!

Shadowlight starts by introducing Min, who having just lost her adoptive father is embarking on a new life and starting a new job, her limited talent of foresight hasn't twinged but she has the future all mapped out. Min seemed like such a sweet and promising character, that when something really bad happens to her - she only senses when good things are going to happen - that I was so bummed, that I put the book down. But since Shadowlight was highly recommended to me by a friend, I went and hunted down reviews looking for spoilers which set my mind at ease, and I am so glad that I picked this back up.

All of the other new characters that Viehl has created - Mathias, Jessa, and Rowan - are well fleshed and very interesting, the romance is minimal with the courtship happening in the leading ladies dreams but I still liked the starring pair and having read the Darkyn books I didn't expect the romance to be the main focus of the story. I also liked the way that Viehl slowly doles out the knowledge about Mathias - who is just a bit off from normal in his speech patterns and familiarity with life in the USA - holding off on clueing us into his talents and his origins and I really liked not knowing whether the agenda for Mathias and crew made them friend or foe to the Kyndred. I was also happy to see the evil gene splicing company GenHance - out to harvest the Kyndred for their DNA - taking over as the villains of the story, I liked them so much better than the evil religious zealots of the Darkyn books.

Shadowlight still a bit of the darkness that used to make me squirm with Viehl's Darkyns, one of the GenHance minions is violently insane, but still this first novel of the Kyndred is my favorite of Viehl's stories so far. Even with Shadowlight being a spin-off of Viehl's Darkyn series, Viehl hasn't left her Darkyn behind - yes Alex still puts in an appearance, and Sam and Lucan are brought in as well with Sam having to finally fully accept what being Darkyn means to her and to Lucan. And since, according to Alex, the Kyndred are the future of the Darkyn, I am sure that we'll be seeing more of the Darkyn as the series continues with the woman of everyman's dreams, Rowan, in Dreamveil out in 2010.
Dreamveil: A Novel of the Kyndred (KYNDRED NOVEL) (less)

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Nov 22, 2009 Cindy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Good read, a 4.5 if you've read the Darkyn books first rather than a 4. It was interesting seeing a plot without the Brotherhood although the author has found a suitably evil entity to take its place. The new Kyndred characters are fascinating with their own series of special abilities and murky pasts. The hero, Matthias, predates the Darkyn by centuries [something Alexandra will find fascinating when she finally learns it:] and can call storms. The heroine, Jessa, can see your deepest, darkest...more

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Jun 06, 2011 BamaGal rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: pnr-uf

Although it wasn't necessary to have read the Darkyn series before this one, I'm really glad I had. There were so many references and characters either in or alluded to in this book, that it was helpful to have already known them. I can see why people who hadn't read the Darkyn series might be a bit confused, or thought they were a bit left out of what was going on.

It took me awhile to start getting into the story. As typical with the first book of a new series, so much wordbuilding had to be go...more

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Dec 08, 2009 Krista rated it 3 of 5 stars

I really wanted to give this book a five star review because I usually love this author's work. Unfortunately, this was only a so-so read for me.

There were a few too many passages that I felt impatient with, enough so that I found myself wanting to skip them and, in the spirit of full disclosure, did. While the hero's back story was interesting, the passages dedicated to them were too long and too far removed from the immediate concerns of the central characters. I didn't have to read every wor...more

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Sep 22, 2009 Mandi Schreiner rated it 3 of 5 stars

Jessa runs her own firm doing background checks for large companies. She is successful because when she touches someone, she can see their darkest, deepest most evil secret. When this happens she goes into shadowlight. When she emerges back to reality, she is back in sunlight. Because of this she is alone in the world. Never dates because as soon as she touches, she knows something she doesn't want to know about the person. When she discovers someone who committed a crime by using her talent, sh...more Jessa runs her own firm doing background checks for large companies. She is successful because when she touches someone, she can see their darkest, deepest most evil secret. When this happens she goes into shadowlight. When she emerges back to reality, she is back in sunlight. Because of this she is alone in the world. Never dates because as soon as she touches, she knows something she doesn't want to know about the person. When she discovers someone who committed a crime by using her talent, she places an anonymous call to the FBI. She has done this for several years and although has gone unnoticed by the feds, another group has become suspicious.

The Kyndreds, just like Jessa, each have a special power - some can change into different people, others can control the weather. While they use their gifts for the greater good, GenHance corporation has found a way to abuse their power. Scientists there under Jonah Genaro and his assistant Bradford Lawson have found if you harvest Kyndred cells, a serum can be made to make someone into a super human. Although only in the testing stages, the corporation kidnaps these Kyndred and while taking their cells, kills them.

The Kyndreds have decided to fight back. They know this corporation is after Jessa and when they learn she is to have a business meeting with Lawson, Gaven Matthias makes a plan to take her first.

Jessa is terrified of Matthias. He tells her he is the good guy and he takes her to safety somewhere deep under the city but all she wants is out. She is held as his captive along and lives underground with Matthias' co-Kyndred Rowan. Although they don't harm Jessa and continually tell her they are just like her, she doesn't trust them.

Meanwhile Lawson wants revenge and he turns into a indestructible monster. If Matthias lets Jessa go, he knows she will be immediately hunted down by Lawson yet it kills him to see the hurt and distrust in her eyes. He knows she is destined to be his mate, but that will never happen if she can't let go of the fear and start to trust him.

While Shadowlight definitely kept my interest throughout the book, I had a little trouble connecting with Jessa. She has been special her entire life. She can see every one's darkest secrets so she obviously knows she has a supernatural talent. She even finds others online with similar talents and they form an anonymous online friendship that they obviously keep under tight wraps.

After Matthias bursts in and saves her from Lawford, she does not trust him at all. Yes, she had no idea Lawford was a bad guy but she can't even admit to Matthias she has a special gift, even when he tells her exactly what her gift is. For days she lives with Matthias and Rowan and is never once threatened, yet never trusts them. Always looking for a way out no matter how many times they tell her she will be killed if she goes above ground. Even when Matthias teaches her about vampires, she doesn't believe vampires exist. Well, why not? She has a supernatural talent so it is not that far of a reach to believe other supernatural species exist.

Speaking of vampires, one thing I really enjoyed about this book was Lucan. I believe he is the hero in Lynn Viehl's Darkest Night book. His mate, Samantha, is a homicide detective and she is called to duty when Lawford starts on his killing spree. They have a secondary story line going on, presumably a carryover from the Darkest Night. I love that she shows them already mated but still having problems. Samantha is a new vampire and must learn to hunt. When Lucan gets angry, which happens a lot around the smart mouthed Samantha, things start breaking- lights, windows, bathroom sinks. It was a really fun supporting storyline.

I liked the premise of this book. The other Kyndred, Rowan and Drew who you later meet have a lot of spunk and Rowan is the next heroine to be featured. I already have a feeling I will like her much better.
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Apr 23, 2011 Missy Jane rated it 4 of 5 stars

I actually read this book a few months ago and didn't realize this was the same book until yesterday. Imagine my disappointment when I thought I was reading the second book in this spin-off series. Oh well, this is a really good book and one I enjoyed. I liked the way the characters related to the original Darkyn series but were different enough to have their own series and their own name, the Kyndred. In this book, the difference between the two types of characters is established as well as a n...more

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May 25, 2010 Erinaceina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010-reads, bad-science, anachronisms-ahoy, anachronistic-but-fun, cracktastic, fanfic-worthy, favourite-authors, favourite-heroes, favourite-series, romantic-but-not-romance, heroine-tortured-scarred-angst, unusual-heroes, urban-fantasy

I've given this book the bad-science tag for its appalling European geography. A day trip from Northern Italy to Berlin? And why would you go to Berlin anyway to buy a cuckoo clock if you're pretty much sitting on top of Switzerland? And the Battle of the Teutoberg Forest (which is pretty much on a line of latitude with Amsterdam) seems to happen surprisingly near the Italian Alps, given how quickly Tanicus manages to make his way there in the flashbacks.

Equally, the romance plotline was underd...more

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Jun 16, 2012 Merissa Sheppard rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book of a new series by Lynne Viehl, although it does follow on from a previous series: Tales of the Darkyn. Although several characters from that series appear in the book the main story introduces us to the Kyndred. Individuals who have DNA in their genes that gives them a talent - much like those of the Darklyn - but without the need for blood and to avoid the sun. Each of their Talents expands when they are fatally injures but survive by healing like the Darkyn.

This story,...more

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Jan 16, 2010 Marissa rated it 3 of 5 stars

I probably would have given this book a 2 1/2, but no half stars at goodreads... the story has so much promise, but falls so flat. The premise is good but the story and plot are so convoluted that its hard to keep interest. There is very little focus on Mattias, one of the main characters, and we know almost nothing of his character other than he barely understands english and speaks sort of like a cave man, and not someone unfamiliar with the language.
Not sure if I will read this series furthe...more

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Sep 17, 2009 Annette rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: viehl-lynne, 2-25-challenge

I started the Darkyn series by Lynn Viehl in March of this year and happily read thru all of the books, getting terribly attached to a few of the characters (Robin & Scarlet are definitely the top of that list).

I was sad when I finished the last book...it ended too early.

Now Ms. Viehl has started a new series in the Darkyn world with Shadowlight and I'm happy to say that while the focus of the stories are all new characters (not surprisingly) there are a few familiar faces in there, too. It...more

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Sep 13, 2012 Shelley Dodge rated it 4 of 5 stars

Really enjoyed. I have not read the Darkyn series yet (I will after finishing this series) but it is not necessary. You get enough of the history to understand what is going on. Lots of action - this book could be classed as an action romance. I liked the main character - Jessa had already rebuilt her life once and was now being faced with doing it again. The only thing I would have like more closure on is what happened to the emplyees of the business she built. Jessa had helped them all out of...more

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Jan 09, 2010 Hali Sowle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: lynn-viehl, kyndred, fantasy, urban-fantasy

Jess, as she now calls herself has a "talent" she can see the things that make people feel ashamed or the bad things they have done. She also knows she is not alone in this, there are others out there like her, others she calls Kyndred, all of which have been adopted from Catholic Orphanages. Gaven Matthias is a Dark Kyn and he needs to save Jess, for Jess is being hunted by a corporation run by a man who wants to harvest her talent for his own needs. Matthias kidnaps Jess to protect her but he...more

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Oct 19, 2009 Erotic Horizon rated it 4 of 5 stars

Jessa Bellamy is at it again, that is according to her employee’s and after finding out yet another secret she is not saying anything of how she does it, because she is carrying her own secret known as shadowlight and she is not willing to give up her secret for anything.

Jessa is one of those gifted - and her skill is in her hands, with one touch she is able to see the darkest secret of anyone. This comes in handy in her professional life as a background checker of people who are hired into all...more

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Sep 20, 2012 Abbe added it

Shelves: in-library

EDITORIAL REVIEW: With just one touch, Jessa Bellamy can see anyone-s darkest secrets, thanks to whoever tampered with her genes. What she doesn-t know is that a biotech company has discovered her talent and intends to kill her and harvest her priceless DNA.Gaven Matthias is forced to abduct Jessa himself so he can protect her, but Jessa has a hard time believing the one man whose secrets she can-t read. As a monstrous assassin closes in and forces them to run, Jessa will have to find another wa...more

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Aug 14, 2012 D added it

Shelves: stupid-science

I'm not going to read this book. I was looking at the back cover with a friend and we both had the same reaction-- WHUT???

I know authors don't write the jacket copy, but if the plot is anything like the cover suggests---

The heroine has some sort of genetic mutation that makes her psychic to a degree-- "Jessa Bellamy can see anyone's darkest secrets, thanks to whoever to whoever tampered with her genes". The villainous GenHance, a biotec company wants "to kill her and harvest her priceless DNA."...more

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Nov 04, 2012 Jensownzoo rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads, paranormal-romance

This novel starts a spin-off series from Viehl's Darkyn novels. I found it to be very interesting, well-written, and loved the multiple plot twists throughout (esp the last one!). The main male protagonist was a little too alpha-male for my tastes, but that's a staple of the genre.

I will say that if you haven't read the Darkyn series, that this book is a bit spoilery for that. I had only read the first one and now will go and finish the original series first before reading any more from this one...more

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Jan 04, 2011 Michelle O'flynn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Once again, Lynn Viehl has given us a great story with enough twists and turn to keep any whodunit fan intrigued. Right from our introduction to the gorgeous Gaven we just knew that he would be the gorgeous good guy, and Ms. Viehl did not disappoint. Allusions to the 'shadowlight' that is a 'gift/affliction' shared by character Luisa from the Darkyn series, and new heroine Jessa give clues to their shared experiences. Enough bridges to the previous series means that this is the next generation,...more

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Nov 05, 2009 Carla Victor-rawson rated it 2 of 5 stars

I have loved the Darkyn series and have always enjoyed the way Lynn Viehl writes her paranormal romances...so when this came out I couldn't wait to pick it up.Front cover looked good ( hot picture of mans chest), read the synopis...looked interesting..bought it.The first few chapters looked promising...with the introduction of all the characeters both good (Matthias & Jessa) and friends and evil The GenHance Corpration a genetics and DNA operation, Lawson ( mad bad man turns even more evil &...more

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May 22, 2011 Kerry sullivan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-urbanfantasy

Well now this is a spin off from Lynn Viehl's Darkyn series. The story was long and drawn out but in the end worth the effort. I have to admit that if it hadn't been for the inclusion of the Darkyn I would have given up, but I love the Darkyn characters and they feel like old friends. But all said and done I did enjoy this story and as a spring board to a new series it has me hooked enough that I want to read the next one about Rowan so job done really.

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Jan 15, 2011 Kerry Allen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: donated, great-purge-of-2011, never-again

I like Viehl's prose style and the way she weaves multiple storylines together, but I could not get over one fundamental flaw in this one: the heroine.

Jessa knows she has a special ability. She has gathered up several others like her, so she knows other have special abilities. They've compared notes and determined that they were experimented upon as children. She is paranoid about being found out and imprisoned to be poked and prodded and dissected.

Yet when Matthias rescues her from an employee...more

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Oct 08, 2010 Alina rated it 2 of 5 stars

Alright. Even though this book is marketed as the first of a series that is separate from the Darkyn, I believe that is false advertising. Those who have not followed the Darkyn series will be quite confused, especially when Alexandra, Samantha, Michael, and Lucan, appear without warning.

Regarding the book itself, it was quite disjointed, with too many threads left open. I didn't connect to Matthias (and I guessed who and what he was about a quarter into the book), and I really didn't like Jessa...more

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May 28, 2010 Cid Tyer rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010-books

I’m going to be up front and say I’m biased. I think Lynn Viehl is amazing.

The Setting — is current day, so not much to say. I do really like the way Georgia and Sapphire House are described. I actually felt like I knew where they were, so that I never felt lost.

The Characters — were difficult for me. Not because of who they were or anything, but because I have issues with with names. It’s a me thing, I know, I’m just SO bad with names that when people are mentioned so closely together and there...more

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About Lynn Viehl

Also see S.L. Viehl, Gena Hale, Jessica Hall. Rebecca Kelly.

She writes mostly novels in a variety of genres and under several pseudonyms. Among them are science fiction (as S. L. Viehl), romantic fiction (as Lynn Viehl, Gena Hale, and Jessica Hall), and Christian fiction (as Rebecca Kelly). She has described herself as primarily a writer of romance: no matter what genre she is working in, an eleme...more

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Shadowlight (Kyndred #1)

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