** spoiler alert ** In this newest Dark Hunter novel, Kenyon further explores the Native American pantheon introduced in Retribution which features Jess. It was great to see the return of Jess (Sundown/Buffalo) in this novel and to see his story expanded and from another perspective. Time Untime center on Ren who first appeared in Retribution as a former Guardian and friend of Jess's from his previous life when he was Buffalo. (Confusing? A little. But to those who have read Kenyon's previous books, it will not be.) The tried and true formula is there with the tragically flawed hero and the nearly too perfect heroine who will, despite all the odds, save her lover. Kateri managed to be perky without being overly annoying and Ren did not delve to the depths of despair and self pity that some previous Kenyon heroes have. He knows what atrocities he has committed in his life and why he did so. There are also the obligatory cameos from other Dark Hunters and even some glimpses into the background of secondary characters whose stories have not been fully explored as of yet.

Although I have to be honest and say this was not my favorite Dark Hunter novel. The flashbacks were a bit distracting in some sections of the novel as they interrupted the flow of the narrative a bit. However, I loved the inclusion of previous characters enough to give it four stars. I also was thrilled with the exchanges between Acheron and Nick which added a lot to Nick's still continuing story. I have been and continue to be impressed with the way Kenyon weaves all of her storylines together, including her newest young adult series which centers on Nick. It adds all the more to those few scenes. I would never be able to keep up with that many storylines and characters, much less to make them all fit perfectly together the way she does. I am looking ever forward to her new installments in this popular series.