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, and the ones that follow on from this, are multi-layered, so much so that I have to read them about 2 or 3 times to get the whole story! A good introduction to the series.