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Shadow Guard #2
So still die Nacht
Der Unsterbliche Marcus Helios gehörte einst zu den Schattenwächtern, bis er einen furchtbaren Fehler beging. Nun erhofft er sich Rettung von einer alten Schriftrolle, die sich im Besitz der schönen Mina Limpett befindet. Schon bei ihrer ersten Begegnung ist Marcus von Mina fasziniert.
380 pages, Klappenbroschur
First published April 1, 2009
5 people are currently reading
349 people want to read
About the author
Kim Lenox
4 books62 followersKim Lenox is the author of the Shadow Guards historical paranormal romance series, published by NAL (Signet/Eclipse)."
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 11, 2015
Boring. Took me days to finish.
July 18, 2009
Kim Lenox follows up "Night Falls Darkly" with "So Still The Night", book two of her historical paranormal 'Shadow Guard' series. Her immortals are those who hunt down the bad guys who have made their way to the human realm, killing merrily along the way. The increase in slaughter recently is all part of their scheme to prepare the way for Tantalus, uber-bad guy.
Mina has spent her life traipsing on the heels of her father's fascination with books and learning. On their late trip to Nepal, her father's increasing strange behavior took a wild turn and he left Mina to make her way home alone, saying it would be safer for her if all believed him dead. Her long trip back to England was a battle to keep from constantly looking over her shoulder...WHAT was it about those scrolls her father kept gibbering about? Could it be that there is more to this world than Mina ever imagined?
Marcus is the son of Antony and Cleopatra, made an immortal Shadow Guard. He sacrificed himself to save his leader, Archer, and now if he doesn't get his hands on Mina's father's scrolls, he will be hunted down by the remaining Shadow Guards and killed to stop his descent into evil. But his trademark seduction routines don't seem to be working with Mina, and it's not long before Marcus is fighting BOTH his descent and his growing love for Mina.
For such a smart woman Mina teeters back and forth between acting logically and being a twit. I lost count of her TSTL (too stupid to live) moves about halfway into the book. Once you realize the bad guys are real...STAY WITH THE GOOD GUYS! Her constant waffling on Marcus was quite irritating too--she loves him, she loves him not; she likes him but refuses to fall in love; she loves him but he's immortal; this goes on and on and on and on.
There IS a continuing story arc, but it just didn't stand out enough to stick in my head between the first book and this one. So I took the time to scan through the first book again and STILL had difficulty following the 'big picture'. And I really, really don't like unanswered questions and gaps; what happened during those three months? What did Marcus have to do with the weather? Where was Mina's father? How did he discover the mirror? There were more, but I'll stop there.
I consider this series more of a fantasy with a bit of hot sex thrown in than a true paranormal romance, but that's just me. My heroes and heroines need to draw me into their lives and minds...and this story just didn't do that.
Mina has spent her life traipsing on the heels of her father's fascination with books and learning. On their late trip to Nepal, her father's increasing strange behavior took a wild turn and he left Mina to make her way home alone, saying it would be safer for her if all believed him dead. Her long trip back to England was a battle to keep from constantly looking over her shoulder...WHAT was it about those scrolls her father kept gibbering about? Could it be that there is more to this world than Mina ever imagined?
Marcus is the son of Antony and Cleopatra, made an immortal Shadow Guard. He sacrificed himself to save his leader, Archer, and now if he doesn't get his hands on Mina's father's scrolls, he will be hunted down by the remaining Shadow Guards and killed to stop his descent into evil. But his trademark seduction routines don't seem to be working with Mina, and it's not long before Marcus is fighting BOTH his descent and his growing love for Mina.
For such a smart woman Mina teeters back and forth between acting logically and being a twit. I lost count of her TSTL (too stupid to live) moves about halfway into the book. Once you realize the bad guys are real...STAY WITH THE GOOD GUYS! Her constant waffling on Marcus was quite irritating too--she loves him, she loves him not; she likes him but refuses to fall in love; she loves him but he's immortal; this goes on and on and on and on.
There IS a continuing story arc, but it just didn't stand out enough to stick in my head between the first book and this one. So I took the time to scan through the first book again and STILL had difficulty following the 'big picture'. And I really, really don't like unanswered questions and gaps; what happened during those three months? What did Marcus have to do with the weather? Where was Mina's father? How did he discover the mirror? There were more, but I'll stop there.
I consider this series more of a fantasy with a bit of hot sex thrown in than a true paranormal romance, but that's just me. My heroes and heroines need to draw me into their lives and minds...and this story just didn't do that.
May 5, 2019
DNF
Warning: First she had the hero have a past with her aunt by marriage. Flirting, kissing, wandering hands (but not sex, thank you for small favors). And then she had a prostitute come onto him and touch him and he wanted to have sex with her, imagining it was the heroine. He didn't only because it was interrupted.
I didn't realize this was historical by the summary, so it was a complete surprise when I started reading. It's always insane when the summary gives no indication of the time period.
The Ancients, Aitha, Hydros, and Khaos, dispatch Guardians to hunt dangerous souls, those who had achieved a state of Transcension. Jack the Ripper was just such a soul.
Mark is the son of Cleopatra and Marcus Antonius. His sister eats books. I didn't know what the heck was going on.
Leeson is in service to Archer, Lord Black. He's the secretary and wears an eye patch.
It was interesting when Mark suggested to Leeson to join up with his sister, Selene.
"She does not inform me of her assignments or activities, and I do not inform her of mine."
It was so funny when Mark masqueraded as Lord Alexander asked her about her dad's scrolls right after his funeral, and she lied and said "They are with Father" and he said "What do you mean...with Father?"
It was a bit creepy and way too forward for Mark to curl up against her from behind when he was invisible. And it was moving way too fast. He just met her moments before and already he was captivated by her looks and touching her like that. You don't go up against a stranger.
I admired Mina for firing her pistol at him in the crypt. She knew someone was trying to get into her father's casket and she didn't hesitate to shoot them. But Mark realized when he opened the casket and found it empty that she and her father had lied about his death and that when she had said the scrolls were with him, it meant her dad has them wherever he is. Mark needs them because he voluntarily went through the Transcension to help the guards.
Mark pretended his horse threw a shoe on the route their carriage was taking home in order to meet up with them. Her uncle Trafford invited him into the carriage with them, and Lucinda was asking him questions about his trip, leading Mina to think they had a history. Not with her step-aunt. Come on. Lucinda asked if he'd named his estate after someone he was very fond of.
I was pissed the F off to learn that Mark had a "minor dalliance" with Lucinda a year ago. They'd flirted and kissed and his hands "wandered a bit--at her encouragement." It's her freaking aunt! Why in the name of all that is right and fair in the world is it always a sibling/relative/friend of the heroine who the hero has hooked up with? Why the hell would you ever choose to do that? And Idc that it's freaking awkward for him at the house, loser. Out of all the freaking women in here, it had to be her aunt.
The scene with his twin sister, Selene, was perverse. I thought it was a prelude to sex, so much was it like a come-on. She bought him a bottle of alcohol at the bar, then when he went to her, she put a knee-high boot onto his chest and grabbed him by the collar, landing on his chest. You shouldn't be having sexy vibes between siblings...that's sick. Even crazier, Selene had asked to be the one to assassinate Mark because she was mad at his choice to do the Transcension.
And then a prostitute had to proposition him, smashing her breast against his arm. I was pissed off but momentarily mollified when he said he didn't like prostitutes because they were dirty, desperate, and diseased. But then he started thinking that if he crossed his eyes she could look like Mina. She breathed on his ear and his groined stirred. She put her hand on his thigh and he imagined it somewhere else, "with someone else." Then don't f'ing have him turned on by another woman's touch. Losing himself in a false Mina had a "sordid appeal." There was another whore who propositioned a man but was loudly rejected and her desperation soured his arousal. Oh thank you for having him almost go through with it if it hadn't been interrupted. I guess it's just part and parcel for a man to want to have sex with someone so much AFTER MEETING AND WANTING YOU. F you Mark.
I made a promise not to support authors who do this. It's gonna severely limit what I read, but I expect better for myself, and I will have better. I wasted a whole day, one of my few days off, on this crap.
Warning: First she had the hero have a past with her aunt by marriage. Flirting, kissing, wandering hands (but not sex, thank you for small favors). And then she had a prostitute come onto him and touch him and he wanted to have sex with her, imagining it was the heroine. He didn't only because it was interrupted.
I didn't realize this was historical by the summary, so it was a complete surprise when I started reading. It's always insane when the summary gives no indication of the time period.
The Ancients, Aitha, Hydros, and Khaos, dispatch Guardians to hunt dangerous souls, those who had achieved a state of Transcension. Jack the Ripper was just such a soul.
Mark is the son of Cleopatra and Marcus Antonius. His sister eats books. I didn't know what the heck was going on.
Leeson is in service to Archer, Lord Black. He's the secretary and wears an eye patch.
It was interesting when Mark suggested to Leeson to join up with his sister, Selene.
"She does not inform me of her assignments or activities, and I do not inform her of mine."
It was so funny when Mark masqueraded as Lord Alexander asked her about her dad's scrolls right after his funeral, and she lied and said "They are with Father" and he said "What do you mean...with Father?"
It was a bit creepy and way too forward for Mark to curl up against her from behind when he was invisible. And it was moving way too fast. He just met her moments before and already he was captivated by her looks and touching her like that. You don't go up against a stranger.
I admired Mina for firing her pistol at him in the crypt. She knew someone was trying to get into her father's casket and she didn't hesitate to shoot them. But Mark realized when he opened the casket and found it empty that she and her father had lied about his death and that when she had said the scrolls were with him, it meant her dad has them wherever he is. Mark needs them because he voluntarily went through the Transcension to help the guards.
Mark pretended his horse threw a shoe on the route their carriage was taking home in order to meet up with them. Her uncle Trafford invited him into the carriage with them, and Lucinda was asking him questions about his trip, leading Mina to think they had a history. Not with her step-aunt. Come on. Lucinda asked if he'd named his estate after someone he was very fond of.
I was pissed the F off to learn that Mark had a "minor dalliance" with Lucinda a year ago. They'd flirted and kissed and his hands "wandered a bit--at her encouragement." It's her freaking aunt! Why in the name of all that is right and fair in the world is it always a sibling/relative/friend of the heroine who the hero has hooked up with? Why the hell would you ever choose to do that? And Idc that it's freaking awkward for him at the house, loser. Out of all the freaking women in here, it had to be her aunt.
The scene with his twin sister, Selene, was perverse. I thought it was a prelude to sex, so much was it like a come-on. She bought him a bottle of alcohol at the bar, then when he went to her, she put a knee-high boot onto his chest and grabbed him by the collar, landing on his chest. You shouldn't be having sexy vibes between siblings...that's sick. Even crazier, Selene had asked to be the one to assassinate Mark because she was mad at his choice to do the Transcension.
And then a prostitute had to proposition him, smashing her breast against his arm. I was pissed off but momentarily mollified when he said he didn't like prostitutes because they were dirty, desperate, and diseased. But then he started thinking that if he crossed his eyes she could look like Mina. She breathed on his ear and his groined stirred. She put her hand on his thigh and he imagined it somewhere else, "with someone else." Then don't f'ing have him turned on by another woman's touch. Losing himself in a false Mina had a "sordid appeal." There was another whore who propositioned a man but was loudly rejected and her desperation soured his arousal. Oh thank you for having him almost go through with it if it hadn't been interrupted. I guess it's just part and parcel for a man to want to have sex with someone so much AFTER MEETING AND WANTING YOU. F you Mark.
I made a promise not to support authors who do this. It's gonna severely limit what I read, but I expect better for myself, and I will have better. I wasted a whole day, one of my few days off, on this crap.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2009
Jessa's pithy reviews: Hero on the edge and spectacularly moody setting. Made me want to install gas lamps.
July 11, 2014
"Sie haben uns gefunden."(Prolog)
Willkommen zurück im London des 19. Jahrhunderts. Jack the Ripper ist besiegt worden im ersten Band der ‚Shadow Guards: Wenn die Nacht beginnt‘. Und auch wenn der Klappentext des zweiten Bandes von einem Fehler seitens des schillernden Lebemanns Lord Alexander spricht, wissen wir doch, das er es aus einem ganz speziellen Grund tat. Und nie im Leben (ein ziemlich langes, ziemliches unkaputtbares Leben) zugeben würde, das es ein Fehler war. Letztendlich blieb ja auch gar nichts anderes übrig um London, die Welt und die Ahnen zu retten. Texanerin Kim Lenox nimmt uns erneut mit ins viktorianische Zeitalter und bietet uns eine faszinierende Protagonistin. Eine junge Frau die weder Tischdecken bestickend im Salon sitzt und darauf wartet verheiratet zu werden, noch zu überzogen selbstbewusst ist und eine Art vorzeitliche Feministin darstellt. Wie schon Elena aus dem ersten Band, ist Willomina Limpett eine bezaubernd intelligente, freundliche Frau wie Belle aus 'die Schöne und das Biest'. Ihr Name tauchte nur als Randbemerkung in der Geschichte um Lord Black und Mrs Whitney auf. Nun lernen wir sie zu Erst einmal kennen mitten in den nebligen kalten Bergen Tibets auf einer Expedition mit ihrem unter Verfolgungswahn leidenden Vater und rasch an Anzahl schwindenden Sherpas.
"Die dunkle Braut erbittet Ihre Anwesenheit ..."
Mina hat etwas das Marcus will: diese ominöse Schriftrolle (derer eigentlich Drei, wobei eine allerdings schon bekannt ist und durch die der Lord erst auf die Idee kam, die anderen Beiden zu suchen). Wozu das Ganze gut ist? Wie alles im Leben gibt es einen Kreislauf und es gibt einen Preis: in diesem Fall bezahlte Marcus Alexander mit seiner Seele die kurz vor der Vollendung ihrer 'Transzendenz' steht. Dann ist er eines jener Wesen die unablässig von den Schattenwächtern zur Strecke gebracht werden. Mark aber ist ambitioniert und ehrgeizig: Er sucht den Weg seine Seele zurück zu verwandeln und sich mit ordentlich Ruhm zu bekleckern. Das Blöde: Er fängt an Stimmen zu hören, die ihn dazu verleiten wollen abscheuliche widerwärtige Dinge zu tun. Und er hat hin und wieder Blackouts. Das Gute: Noch gibt es keinen ‚Schießbefehl‘ für ihn, denn seitdem im ersten Band Lord Black und Elena ins 'Innere Reich' gegangen sind, sind die Leitungen nach dort tot.
Warum auch immer, die Shadow Guards sind auf sich allein gestellt und Marcus hat eine Galgenfrist. Wie praktisch, das ausgerechnet der Sekretär Mr Leeson zur Stelle ist. Von seiner Zwillingsschwester Selena (die hochgradig bibliophile Gräfin) bekommt er nämlich nicht grad viel Unterstützung. Aber der einäugige Sekretär von Lord Black ist sowieso die bessere Wahl; in allen Belangen vorausschauend, akkurat und eifrig. Ich hab ja schon so ein bisschen die Hoffnung, das ein möglicher Band Vier sich dem temporär Kopflosen Menschenkenner widmen wird, der immer eine Lösung unter den Manschetten hervor zaubern kann. (Es dauert im Übrigen keine zwölf Stunden, sofern man einen dicken Verband um den Hals anbringt, damit man nicht mit dem Kopf unterm Arm rum rennen muss.)
So sehr mich die schillernde Figur des Schwerenöters im ersten Band auch angesprochen hat, lässt er stark nach in seiner eigenen Geschichte. Aber er verliebt sich halt- dagegen ist auch nach über knapp 2000 Jahren kein Kraut gewachsen, kein Artefakt verzaubert und keine Schriftrolle besprochen worden. Auch enttäuscht der Band, da all die hübschen Details der Umgebung, sowie humorvolle Querverweise zu anderen Zeitgenossen fehlen oder untergehen (wie die nur kurz erwähnte Nymphe mit Hang zum Menschen in die Nase beißen). Dieses Buch liest sich schlichtweg noch schneller herunter und die Handlung umschließt sehr eng das Kennenlernen und Annähern des künftigen Pärchens. Und dann meldet sich auch noch ‚Die Dunkle Braut‘- die dem Antagonisten Jack the Ripper versprochen war und ja mal gar nicht einsieht, das sie jetzt ohne gute Partie dastehen soll. Also macht sie in guter 'Ripper' Manier Lord Alexander ihre Aufwartung und buhlt um seine Gunst wie es nur eine 'Brotoi' kann. Außerdem hat sie noch eine kleine Armee aus kriechenden winselnden Schoßtierchen um sich, die irgendwie genauso nervig wirken wie Hyänen auf Löwen beim Fressen.
"... bei der Verheiratung ihrer selbst, der Dunklen Braut ..."
Wirklich lustig war für mich der Moment, als bei einem Ausflug in den Park beim Federball spielen und Tauben schießen der Lord Alexander hervor kommt, welcher mit seinem kecken Auftreten und dem sprühenden Charme mich glatt um den Finger gewickelt hatte. Und ich war da nicht die einzige Dame, denn auch mit Minas verehrter Tante Lucinda hatte der Tunichtgut schon getändelt. Und eben jene ist nun ziemlich eifersüchtig- ebenso wie die Cousinen dieser 'Aschenputtel'- Idee, welche viel lieber selber im Aufmerksamkeitsradius des flotten Galanten flanieren würden. Ich bin mir ziemlich sicher, das der Schuß in Minas Richtung wirklich nur gaaanz zufällig quer geschlagen ist. Willomina aber macht viele positive Züge und ich bin dankbar für eine Art Frau die zwischen brav/ elegant und eigenständig/ stur agiert. Und die im Gegensatz zum schmachtenden auf der rosa Zuckerwatte- Wolke der Verblendung sitzendem Liebchen den langlebigen Edelmann voll auflaufen lässt. Sie macht ihre Meinung zur Unsterblichkeit sehr deutlich und bringt selbst den sonst so arroganten Marcus aus dem Tritt.
"... mit Jack the Ripper heute um Mitternacht ..."
Aber Rettung naht: Wirklich kurz vor knapp tauchen schnell wieder Lord Black und Elena auf um Marcus unter die Arme zu greifen. Warum die allerdings gebraucht werden, entbehrt sich mir jeder Logik. Ihr Auftritt ist einfach nur unnötig, außerdem machen sie dann nicht das was sie sollen und vermasseln beinah noch das Finale. Fürchterlich wirkt sich auf das Lesevergnügen auch hier wieder die Zeitraffung am Ende des Buches aus. Man hat den Eindruck der Autorin saß der Vertrag im Nacken und drückte sie das letzte der 18 Kapitel zu schreiben. Wieder passiert der Showdown 'mal eben' noch ganz schnell und alle bis dahin aufgebaute Vorbereitung verpufft in einem einzelnen Mondstrahl der auf einen polierten Spiegel fällt. Schnell wird noch bekannt gemacht das etwas passiert was im dritten Roman: ’Shadow Guards: Die dunkelste Nacht’ dazu dienen wird die Geschichte wieder aufzunehmen und wir führen die Elite Klasse der Schattenwächter: Rabenmeister ein. Da das alles noch bequem auf zwei Seiten passte in der auch noch ein Chaiselongue geliefert wird, auf dem man zu zweit vortrefflich… nun… „sitzen“… kann- braucht diese Geschichte nicht einmal einen Epilog.
"... Komm allein ..."
Fazit:
Zusammenfassend fehlt es dem zweiten Teil an allen Ecken und Enden um mit dem ersten mitzuhalten. Ich werde es dem dritten Band überlassen mich zu überzeugen das das doch noch nicht alles gewesen sein kann. Solange dort nicht wieder kleine Katzen getötet werden, nur weil ein Gartenfest ansteht, für das man ja so viele Unkosten im Vorfeld hatte. Und vielleicht wird das 'Savoy' ja auch mal irgendwann fertig- dieses ist nämlich seit dem ersten Band schon bewohnt aber noch abgehangen. Und es wäre auch interessant wie nun der Waggon am Bahngleis aus dem ersten Teil und die Loge beim Pferderennen in Ascot vom zweiten Band zusammen gefügt werden.
Und wenn Schnelligkeit im Abgang ein literarischer Kunstgriff ist, dann einer mit sehr viel verschenktem Potential. Das muss man sich mal vor Augen führen: 329 Seiten Text.
Prolog: 6 Seiten, 17 Kapitel mit 301 Seiten Vorbereitung und Kapitel 18 mit 22 Seiten für das Finale. Das sind mathematisch visualisiert 93% Roman und 7% in denen die Zeit so sehr relativiert wird, das das Ultimatum der 'Dunklen Braut' auch statt: 'bis Mitternacht' hätte lauten können: 'Unverzüglich!'. Beim Lesen fühlt es sich an wie sich überschlagende Ereignisse, die Schluckauf zurücklassen- wäre schön wenn das dann wenigstens spannend wäre.
Ein mit Aufwickelstäben aus Elfenbein wiedervereintes Urteil: nur unterdurchschnittlich
original Rezi: http://lesekatzen.blogspot.de/2014/07...
Willkommen zurück im London des 19. Jahrhunderts. Jack the Ripper ist besiegt worden im ersten Band der ‚Shadow Guards: Wenn die Nacht beginnt‘. Und auch wenn der Klappentext des zweiten Bandes von einem Fehler seitens des schillernden Lebemanns Lord Alexander spricht, wissen wir doch, das er es aus einem ganz speziellen Grund tat. Und nie im Leben (ein ziemlich langes, ziemliches unkaputtbares Leben) zugeben würde, das es ein Fehler war. Letztendlich blieb ja auch gar nichts anderes übrig um London, die Welt und die Ahnen zu retten. Texanerin Kim Lenox nimmt uns erneut mit ins viktorianische Zeitalter und bietet uns eine faszinierende Protagonistin. Eine junge Frau die weder Tischdecken bestickend im Salon sitzt und darauf wartet verheiratet zu werden, noch zu überzogen selbstbewusst ist und eine Art vorzeitliche Feministin darstellt. Wie schon Elena aus dem ersten Band, ist Willomina Limpett eine bezaubernd intelligente, freundliche Frau wie Belle aus 'die Schöne und das Biest'. Ihr Name tauchte nur als Randbemerkung in der Geschichte um Lord Black und Mrs Whitney auf. Nun lernen wir sie zu Erst einmal kennen mitten in den nebligen kalten Bergen Tibets auf einer Expedition mit ihrem unter Verfolgungswahn leidenden Vater und rasch an Anzahl schwindenden Sherpas.
"Die dunkle Braut erbittet Ihre Anwesenheit ..."
Mina hat etwas das Marcus will: diese ominöse Schriftrolle (derer eigentlich Drei, wobei eine allerdings schon bekannt ist und durch die der Lord erst auf die Idee kam, die anderen Beiden zu suchen). Wozu das Ganze gut ist? Wie alles im Leben gibt es einen Kreislauf und es gibt einen Preis: in diesem Fall bezahlte Marcus Alexander mit seiner Seele die kurz vor der Vollendung ihrer 'Transzendenz' steht. Dann ist er eines jener Wesen die unablässig von den Schattenwächtern zur Strecke gebracht werden. Mark aber ist ambitioniert und ehrgeizig: Er sucht den Weg seine Seele zurück zu verwandeln und sich mit ordentlich Ruhm zu bekleckern. Das Blöde: Er fängt an Stimmen zu hören, die ihn dazu verleiten wollen abscheuliche widerwärtige Dinge zu tun. Und er hat hin und wieder Blackouts. Das Gute: Noch gibt es keinen ‚Schießbefehl‘ für ihn, denn seitdem im ersten Band Lord Black und Elena ins 'Innere Reich' gegangen sind, sind die Leitungen nach dort tot.
Warum auch immer, die Shadow Guards sind auf sich allein gestellt und Marcus hat eine Galgenfrist. Wie praktisch, das ausgerechnet der Sekretär Mr Leeson zur Stelle ist. Von seiner Zwillingsschwester Selena (die hochgradig bibliophile Gräfin) bekommt er nämlich nicht grad viel Unterstützung. Aber der einäugige Sekretär von Lord Black ist sowieso die bessere Wahl; in allen Belangen vorausschauend, akkurat und eifrig. Ich hab ja schon so ein bisschen die Hoffnung, das ein möglicher Band Vier sich dem temporär Kopflosen Menschenkenner widmen wird, der immer eine Lösung unter den Manschetten hervor zaubern kann. (Es dauert im Übrigen keine zwölf Stunden, sofern man einen dicken Verband um den Hals anbringt, damit man nicht mit dem Kopf unterm Arm rum rennen muss.)
So sehr mich die schillernde Figur des Schwerenöters im ersten Band auch angesprochen hat, lässt er stark nach in seiner eigenen Geschichte. Aber er verliebt sich halt- dagegen ist auch nach über knapp 2000 Jahren kein Kraut gewachsen, kein Artefakt verzaubert und keine Schriftrolle besprochen worden. Auch enttäuscht der Band, da all die hübschen Details der Umgebung, sowie humorvolle Querverweise zu anderen Zeitgenossen fehlen oder untergehen (wie die nur kurz erwähnte Nymphe mit Hang zum Menschen in die Nase beißen). Dieses Buch liest sich schlichtweg noch schneller herunter und die Handlung umschließt sehr eng das Kennenlernen und Annähern des künftigen Pärchens. Und dann meldet sich auch noch ‚Die Dunkle Braut‘- die dem Antagonisten Jack the Ripper versprochen war und ja mal gar nicht einsieht, das sie jetzt ohne gute Partie dastehen soll. Also macht sie in guter 'Ripper' Manier Lord Alexander ihre Aufwartung und buhlt um seine Gunst wie es nur eine 'Brotoi' kann. Außerdem hat sie noch eine kleine Armee aus kriechenden winselnden Schoßtierchen um sich, die irgendwie genauso nervig wirken wie Hyänen auf Löwen beim Fressen.
"... bei der Verheiratung ihrer selbst, der Dunklen Braut ..."
Wirklich lustig war für mich der Moment, als bei einem Ausflug in den Park beim Federball spielen und Tauben schießen der Lord Alexander hervor kommt, welcher mit seinem kecken Auftreten und dem sprühenden Charme mich glatt um den Finger gewickelt hatte. Und ich war da nicht die einzige Dame, denn auch mit Minas verehrter Tante Lucinda hatte der Tunichtgut schon getändelt. Und eben jene ist nun ziemlich eifersüchtig- ebenso wie die Cousinen dieser 'Aschenputtel'- Idee, welche viel lieber selber im Aufmerksamkeitsradius des flotten Galanten flanieren würden. Ich bin mir ziemlich sicher, das der Schuß in Minas Richtung wirklich nur gaaanz zufällig quer geschlagen ist. Willomina aber macht viele positive Züge und ich bin dankbar für eine Art Frau die zwischen brav/ elegant und eigenständig/ stur agiert. Und die im Gegensatz zum schmachtenden auf der rosa Zuckerwatte- Wolke der Verblendung sitzendem Liebchen den langlebigen Edelmann voll auflaufen lässt. Sie macht ihre Meinung zur Unsterblichkeit sehr deutlich und bringt selbst den sonst so arroganten Marcus aus dem Tritt.
"... mit Jack the Ripper heute um Mitternacht ..."
Aber Rettung naht: Wirklich kurz vor knapp tauchen schnell wieder Lord Black und Elena auf um Marcus unter die Arme zu greifen. Warum die allerdings gebraucht werden, entbehrt sich mir jeder Logik. Ihr Auftritt ist einfach nur unnötig, außerdem machen sie dann nicht das was sie sollen und vermasseln beinah noch das Finale. Fürchterlich wirkt sich auf das Lesevergnügen auch hier wieder die Zeitraffung am Ende des Buches aus. Man hat den Eindruck der Autorin saß der Vertrag im Nacken und drückte sie das letzte der 18 Kapitel zu schreiben. Wieder passiert der Showdown 'mal eben' noch ganz schnell und alle bis dahin aufgebaute Vorbereitung verpufft in einem einzelnen Mondstrahl der auf einen polierten Spiegel fällt. Schnell wird noch bekannt gemacht das etwas passiert was im dritten Roman: ’Shadow Guards: Die dunkelste Nacht’ dazu dienen wird die Geschichte wieder aufzunehmen und wir führen die Elite Klasse der Schattenwächter: Rabenmeister ein. Da das alles noch bequem auf zwei Seiten passte in der auch noch ein Chaiselongue geliefert wird, auf dem man zu zweit vortrefflich… nun… „sitzen“… kann- braucht diese Geschichte nicht einmal einen Epilog.
"... Komm allein ..."
Fazit:
Zusammenfassend fehlt es dem zweiten Teil an allen Ecken und Enden um mit dem ersten mitzuhalten. Ich werde es dem dritten Band überlassen mich zu überzeugen das das doch noch nicht alles gewesen sein kann. Solange dort nicht wieder kleine Katzen getötet werden, nur weil ein Gartenfest ansteht, für das man ja so viele Unkosten im Vorfeld hatte. Und vielleicht wird das 'Savoy' ja auch mal irgendwann fertig- dieses ist nämlich seit dem ersten Band schon bewohnt aber noch abgehangen. Und es wäre auch interessant wie nun der Waggon am Bahngleis aus dem ersten Teil und die Loge beim Pferderennen in Ascot vom zweiten Band zusammen gefügt werden.
Und wenn Schnelligkeit im Abgang ein literarischer Kunstgriff ist, dann einer mit sehr viel verschenktem Potential. Das muss man sich mal vor Augen führen: 329 Seiten Text.
Prolog: 6 Seiten, 17 Kapitel mit 301 Seiten Vorbereitung und Kapitel 18 mit 22 Seiten für das Finale. Das sind mathematisch visualisiert 93% Roman und 7% in denen die Zeit so sehr relativiert wird, das das Ultimatum der 'Dunklen Braut' auch statt: 'bis Mitternacht' hätte lauten können: 'Unverzüglich!'. Beim Lesen fühlt es sich an wie sich überschlagende Ereignisse, die Schluckauf zurücklassen- wäre schön wenn das dann wenigstens spannend wäre.
Ein mit Aufwickelstäben aus Elfenbein wiedervereintes Urteil: nur unterdurchschnittlich
original Rezi: http://lesekatzen.blogspot.de/2014/07...
August 20, 2025
The hero is on a deadline. Previously, he sacrificed himself to the darkness in order of the Guard to defeat a dangerous lost soul. Be it a noble sacrifice or the hero's determination to create a mark in this world outside of his famous parents, the jury is still out. But regardless, now he's an outcast from the Shadow Guard and is counting down the time until the darkness claims him or he is assassinated by those he used to call Brothers. Funny enough however, it's his actual birth sister who will likely be the first in line to do the killing. His only hope is the missing scroll which will help to what no other has done before-beat the darkness.
The owner of these scrolls however has died and the hero needs the man's daughter to get them for him. The hero is a hansom man and used to having women's attention. He knows he must seduce her and has confidence he will be able to do so. However, upon laying eyes on his target, something within him shifts and for the first time, he feels something that frightens him.
The heroine is in mourning for a man who she knows is not dead. Her father, an erratic man, had gotten her to translate his scrolls than had banished her to London. Now this handsome viscount has decided to show her attention but she's smart enough to know he must have alterative motives for paying her any attention-mousy and unassuming as she is. Still, she must constantly battle the desire to succumb to his seductions because he is so sweet and kind to her. He shows her affection and for brief moments she can even imagine herself as desirable as he would want her to believe he finds her. But while the hero is seducing his tempting little target, he himself is being wooed but by the evil darkness that senses a change within him and want to get him to succumb to the dark voices within his head. Time is running out. So, he offers to marry the heroine. He does this because he needs those scroll and he needs her trust to obtain them but also, and if he is truthful, more pressing, is the fact that he's never wanted anything as badly as he wants the heroine. He's come to need her. He needs her to sooth the torture of his soul and welcome him to her with that warmth and affection he's never been shown.
Their marriage, for a brief moment is happy.. With the hope for a grand future, the heroine can see herself falling in love with this man. But then the truth is revealed. The truth of what he is and what he will become. She puts up her guard but can see her detachment is grieving her husband a great deal. She knows she must stay strong but with this man she will never be able to be strong enough to resist him. She knows that she loves him and no matter what dishonesty laid between them before, she refuses to accept that he may well be lost to her forever if this darkness within him is not somehow broken.
As I journey back into the world of Shadow Guard London, I must admit that I did not love this book as much as the first one. But don't get me confused, just because I didn't love it does not mean I didn't like it. The hero, a sometimes cocky man who does have a selfless streak, is on the hunt for the cure to the darkness building within him. He's willing to seduce the heroine to get it but he didn't factor in how that woman would come to mean the world to him. From the start, he's not 100% committed to just getting the scrolls. He is also falling deeper and deeper under the woman's spell and it unnerves him. He's a bit shy at times around her, stuttering when asking if he can call on her. I found that charming. And through the courtship and into the marriage, he was kind to her and his emotions as well as his desires are focused more on the woman herself rather than what she has in her possession. His relationship with his sister is also sweet but in a more tense and tormented fashion. The heroine was beautiful but admittedly a bit dower. She didn't desire fancy gowns or jewels and the hero's character and actions meant more to her than his wealth. It was hard for her to desire a man that she knew wanted something from her but at the same time could be so kind and thoughtful. She tried and failed to keep an emotional distance but by then, he had already fallen for her. The story was a bit....I don't know. I'd say, uneventful. It wasn't as exciting as I would have liked but there were definite times of adventure and mystery, as well as creepy factor with the Bride and her murders. Interesting book. 3 Star rating is deserved.
The owner of these scrolls however has died and the hero needs the man's daughter to get them for him. The hero is a hansom man and used to having women's attention. He knows he must seduce her and has confidence he will be able to do so. However, upon laying eyes on his target, something within him shifts and for the first time, he feels something that frightens him.
The heroine is in mourning for a man who she knows is not dead. Her father, an erratic man, had gotten her to translate his scrolls than had banished her to London. Now this handsome viscount has decided to show her attention but she's smart enough to know he must have alterative motives for paying her any attention-mousy and unassuming as she is. Still, she must constantly battle the desire to succumb to his seductions because he is so sweet and kind to her. He shows her affection and for brief moments she can even imagine herself as desirable as he would want her to believe he finds her. But while the hero is seducing his tempting little target, he himself is being wooed but by the evil darkness that senses a change within him and want to get him to succumb to the dark voices within his head. Time is running out. So, he offers to marry the heroine. He does this because he needs those scroll and he needs her trust to obtain them but also, and if he is truthful, more pressing, is the fact that he's never wanted anything as badly as he wants the heroine. He's come to need her. He needs her to sooth the torture of his soul and welcome him to her with that warmth and affection he's never been shown.
Their marriage, for a brief moment is happy.. With the hope for a grand future, the heroine can see herself falling in love with this man. But then the truth is revealed. The truth of what he is and what he will become. She puts up her guard but can see her detachment is grieving her husband a great deal. She knows she must stay strong but with this man she will never be able to be strong enough to resist him. She knows that she loves him and no matter what dishonesty laid between them before, she refuses to accept that he may well be lost to her forever if this darkness within him is not somehow broken.
As I journey back into the world of Shadow Guard London, I must admit that I did not love this book as much as the first one. But don't get me confused, just because I didn't love it does not mean I didn't like it. The hero, a sometimes cocky man who does have a selfless streak, is on the hunt for the cure to the darkness building within him. He's willing to seduce the heroine to get it but he didn't factor in how that woman would come to mean the world to him. From the start, he's not 100% committed to just getting the scrolls. He is also falling deeper and deeper under the woman's spell and it unnerves him. He's a bit shy at times around her, stuttering when asking if he can call on her. I found that charming. And through the courtship and into the marriage, he was kind to her and his emotions as well as his desires are focused more on the woman herself rather than what she has in her possession. His relationship with his sister is also sweet but in a more tense and tormented fashion. The heroine was beautiful but admittedly a bit dower. She didn't desire fancy gowns or jewels and the hero's character and actions meant more to her than his wealth. It was hard for her to desire a man that she knew wanted something from her but at the same time could be so kind and thoughtful. She tried and failed to keep an emotional distance but by then, he had already fallen for her. The story was a bit....I don't know. I'd say, uneventful. It wasn't as exciting as I would have liked but there were definite times of adventure and mystery, as well as creepy factor with the Bride and her murders. Interesting book. 3 Star rating is deserved.
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May 31, 2009Reviewed by Gannon Carr
Publisher Penguin
4.5 stars
Marcus Helios, known as Lord Alexander to London society, was a member of the elite Shadow Guard until a rash decision took it all away. Now he is fighting an insidious madness that will be his downfall. His only hope is hidden in two ancient scrolls, which Mark believes to be in the hands of Mina Limpett. Mina’s father is a scholar who has been searching for the proof of immortals—such as Mark and the other Shadow Guards—but his academic colleagues have lost respect for him. Mina and her father end up in the remote mountains of Bengal continuing his quest, but he panics because he thinks that someone has found them and is after the scrolls. Professor Limpett sends Mina back to London, and tells her to forget about him and tell everyone that he is dead. Confused and distraught, Mina does as her father asks and goes to London to live with her uncle and his family. But she doesn’t know that danger stalks her….and so does Mark.
Time is running out for Mark; before the madness consumes him and he is assassinated by one of his fellow Shadow Guards, he must find the key to his salvation. So Mark sets out to seduce Mina and convince her to give him the information he needs from the scrolls. Although Mina is intrigued by Mark and most assuredly attracted to him, she doesn’t quite trust him. But Mark will not be so easily discouraged; he asks Mina’s uncle, Lord Trafford, for her hand in marriage. Never concerned with scandal, Mark obtains a special license and he and Mina are married quickly and quietly. And Mina soon sees first hand the madness that Mark is dealing with. He’s not the only one who wants the scrolls; the Dark Bride, Jack the Ripper’s jilted lover wants them too. And her evil plans threaten not only Mark and Mina, but all that they hold dear.
In her first book, Night Falls Darkly, Kim Lenox created a captivating and new mythos with her Shadow Guard series. She continues to expand and explore this world in her newest Victorian set paranormal. When Mark appeared on the pages of the first book, he was compelling, but incredibly arrogant. In So Still the Night he hasn’t lost that “bad boy” charm and arrogance, but with his demise breathing down his neck, he is vulnerable. And who doesn’t love an alpha male who shows his vulnerability with his heroine? Mina is a spunky heroine who most definitely brings Mark to his knees when he deserves it, and does he ever! While he lusts after Mina in the beginning, and vice versa, he truly grows to love her and is ready to sacrifice everything for her.
So Still the Night is brimming with passion, suspense and a spooky gothic element. I’m looking forward to the next book in this engaging series. If you’re in the mood for an historical with a liberal helping of paranormal, then this is a book you won’t want to miss.
Publisher Penguin
4.5 stars
Marcus Helios, known as Lord Alexander to London society, was a member of the elite Shadow Guard until a rash decision took it all away. Now he is fighting an insidious madness that will be his downfall. His only hope is hidden in two ancient scrolls, which Mark believes to be in the hands of Mina Limpett. Mina’s father is a scholar who has been searching for the proof of immortals—such as Mark and the other Shadow Guards—but his academic colleagues have lost respect for him. Mina and her father end up in the remote mountains of Bengal continuing his quest, but he panics because he thinks that someone has found them and is after the scrolls. Professor Limpett sends Mina back to London, and tells her to forget about him and tell everyone that he is dead. Confused and distraught, Mina does as her father asks and goes to London to live with her uncle and his family. But she doesn’t know that danger stalks her….and so does Mark.
Time is running out for Mark; before the madness consumes him and he is assassinated by one of his fellow Shadow Guards, he must find the key to his salvation. So Mark sets out to seduce Mina and convince her to give him the information he needs from the scrolls. Although Mina is intrigued by Mark and most assuredly attracted to him, she doesn’t quite trust him. But Mark will not be so easily discouraged; he asks Mina’s uncle, Lord Trafford, for her hand in marriage. Never concerned with scandal, Mark obtains a special license and he and Mina are married quickly and quietly. And Mina soon sees first hand the madness that Mark is dealing with. He’s not the only one who wants the scrolls; the Dark Bride, Jack the Ripper’s jilted lover wants them too. And her evil plans threaten not only Mark and Mina, but all that they hold dear.
In her first book, Night Falls Darkly, Kim Lenox created a captivating and new mythos with her Shadow Guard series. She continues to expand and explore this world in her newest Victorian set paranormal. When Mark appeared on the pages of the first book, he was compelling, but incredibly arrogant. In So Still the Night he hasn’t lost that “bad boy” charm and arrogance, but with his demise breathing down his neck, he is vulnerable. And who doesn’t love an alpha male who shows his vulnerability with his heroine? Mina is a spunky heroine who most definitely brings Mark to his knees when he deserves it, and does he ever! While he lusts after Mina in the beginning, and vice versa, he truly grows to love her and is ready to sacrifice everything for her.
So Still the Night is brimming with passion, suspense and a spooky gothic element. I’m looking forward to the next book in this engaging series. If you’re in the mood for an historical with a liberal helping of paranormal, then this is a book you won’t want to miss.
May 24, 2016
I do increasingly enjoy the fact that the series takes place in the late 1800s in London. It just adds a certain flare to the fact that it's a romance novel based upon and immortals. And such an entertaining one at that. This novel was a little too slow for my taste, but I think it made up for it in the end. I do love it when the characters want nothing to do with each other. This makes it a little bit more relatable in my opinion. The fact that this novel tried to historically describe London at that time is quite astonishing too. It worked out so well and I certainly thought that that's what it must have been like in that time period.
One of the characters in this time period that I enjoyed immensely, was Mina. Her full name being Willomina, which is just a beautiful name, she took after her father when it came to being curious. She's a traveler that wants to explore the world and also find a place to belong. Because of her father, they always traveled from place to place and never really belonged anywhere. This is Mina's deepest wish in the world, because after her mother passed she felt like she had no one. That is, until she moved to London and met Mark. Mark is an immortal that is running out of time. As the son of very famous Queen he has the right to feel like everyone should bow at his feet. Especially the women. He's usually quite fond of the games that women can play, but at the moment he couldn't get far enough away from them. The one woman that he needs for himself won't have them and all the while his time is running out. He needs Mina to fall in love with him, so that he can use her for his own good and so that his life may not end. This could prove to be a very difficult feat, because Mina no longer trust just any man.
This is the most peculiar novel there is that's for sure. It's a delightful romance novel with quite a bit of paranormal to it. This is never a bad thing for me, because I love all things paranormal. The romance in this novel was kind of predictable, because it was a bad boy meets good girl romance. We've all read these before and will continue to read them in our future. The only twist to this novel was the fact that there was paranormal in it too. It helped to spice it up a bit so that it wasn't as predictable. Kind of like how the cover of this novel was. It was a little predictable, but had a pleasing enough effect that I didn't really care. I can't say that others will think the same, because they may not. However, if you do pick up this novel I do recommend that you read it. This is a very good series and even if we are tired of the plot, we still like to read it.
*Read on December 17th, 2015
One of the characters in this time period that I enjoyed immensely, was Mina. Her full name being Willomina, which is just a beautiful name, she took after her father when it came to being curious. She's a traveler that wants to explore the world and also find a place to belong. Because of her father, they always traveled from place to place and never really belonged anywhere. This is Mina's deepest wish in the world, because after her mother passed she felt like she had no one. That is, until she moved to London and met Mark. Mark is an immortal that is running out of time. As the son of very famous Queen he has the right to feel like everyone should bow at his feet. Especially the women. He's usually quite fond of the games that women can play, but at the moment he couldn't get far enough away from them. The one woman that he needs for himself won't have them and all the while his time is running out. He needs Mina to fall in love with him, so that he can use her for his own good and so that his life may not end. This could prove to be a very difficult feat, because Mina no longer trust just any man.
This is the most peculiar novel there is that's for sure. It's a delightful romance novel with quite a bit of paranormal to it. This is never a bad thing for me, because I love all things paranormal. The romance in this novel was kind of predictable, because it was a bad boy meets good girl romance. We've all read these before and will continue to read them in our future. The only twist to this novel was the fact that there was paranormal in it too. It helped to spice it up a bit so that it wasn't as predictable. Kind of like how the cover of this novel was. It was a little predictable, but had a pleasing enough effect that I didn't really care. I can't say that others will think the same, because they may not. However, if you do pick up this novel I do recommend that you read it. This is a very good series and even if we are tired of the plot, we still like to read it.
*Read on December 17th, 2015
July 24, 2011
I really liked the first book in the Shadow Guard series but I wasn't really impressed with this installment. I liked Marcus Helios (Antony and Cleopatra's son) and for the most part even liked Mina Limpett regardless of her bouts with stupidity. I had a hard time with the plot, Marcus did something really heroic and saved his leader and best friend Archer. However what he did was illegal as it compromises his effectiveness as a shadow guard. He is now descending into madness and/or becoming evil beyond measure. His only hope is to find the scrolls of immortality which detail the steps needed to return him to his previous immortal state. Enter Mina. Mina is the daughter of the man who recently found the scrolls and promptly disappeared. With all the mental problems, hearing voices, blackouts, etc that Marcus is experiencing, you would think that his main focus would be finding Professor Limpett but it really isn't. He is more intent and seducing Mina for this information.
I can't really put my finger on what irritated me about this book but I found it difficult to finish, though I did. I enjoyed the surprise ending but at times the plot seemed rushed and at others it dragged unbearably. I own Darker Than Night and hope it is closer to the first book than the second in the series.
I can't really put my finger on what irritated me about this book but I found it difficult to finish, though I did. I enjoyed the surprise ending but at times the plot seemed rushed and at others it dragged unbearably. I own Darker Than Night and hope it is closer to the first book than the second in the series.
March 19, 2016
Mina Limpett ist zurück nach England gekommen, ihr Vater ist gestorben. Doch sie ist in Gefahr. Nicht nur der unsterbliche Marcus Helios ist hinter ihr her um die alten Schriftrollen zu bekommen auch andere Wesen sind ihr auf der Spur.
Marcus ist zurück. Ich liebe neue Reihen und neue Wesen. Fantasyliebhaberin werde ich immer sein. Hier steht die Welt auf dem Kopf und die Spannung lässt dein Herz schneller schlagen. Band 2 der Reihe und man fühlt sich als würde man zurück kommen. So lange war ich doch gar nicht weg. Marcus lernte man ja als Frauenheld kennen und jetzt hat er sich verändert. Wie weit merkt man nicht gleich am Anfang, erst beim weiterlesen merkt man wie er sich seit Band 1 verändert hat. Mina ist eine Frau die genau weiss was sie will und trotz der Zeit in der sie lebt, versucht auch so zu leben wie sie will. Die Geschichte ist sehr düster, geheimnisvoll und lässt sehr viele Fragen offen. Aber ich es gibt ja noch ein Band, vielleicht erfahre ich da mehr. :) Ich habe dieses Band verschlungen. Die Reihe kann zu einer Sucht werden.
Marcus ist zurück. Ich liebe neue Reihen und neue Wesen. Fantasyliebhaberin werde ich immer sein. Hier steht die Welt auf dem Kopf und die Spannung lässt dein Herz schneller schlagen. Band 2 der Reihe und man fühlt sich als würde man zurück kommen. So lange war ich doch gar nicht weg. Marcus lernte man ja als Frauenheld kennen und jetzt hat er sich verändert. Wie weit merkt man nicht gleich am Anfang, erst beim weiterlesen merkt man wie er sich seit Band 1 verändert hat. Mina ist eine Frau die genau weiss was sie will und trotz der Zeit in der sie lebt, versucht auch so zu leben wie sie will. Die Geschichte ist sehr düster, geheimnisvoll und lässt sehr viele Fragen offen. Aber ich es gibt ja noch ein Band, vielleicht erfahre ich da mehr. :) Ich habe dieses Band verschlungen. Die Reihe kann zu einer Sucht werden.
May 6, 2011
The story started out slow but picked up after quite a few chapters. The story was well written but the plot wasn't as tight as it could be. The author spent more time on the relationship of the hero and the heroine and not enough time on the hero's quest to find the scrolls that would restore him back to his Shadow Guard status. Despite that, the story was enjoyable and the ending was pleasantly suprising.
February 13, 2012
This one is better than the first book :)
And love the idea that author used in this story, based of Cleopatra and Antony's twin, Alexander Helios and Cleopatra Selene.
Already forget the story, since I read this more than year ago, LOL!
And love the idea that author used in this story, based of Cleopatra and Antony's twin, Alexander Helios and Cleopatra Selene.
Already forget the story, since I read this more than year ago, LOL!
February 4, 2013
Book 2 in The Shadow Guard series. Not bad, but the world building with the other dimensional Amaranthines who reclaim evil human souls in their war against the evil Tatalus is a bit convoluted and difficult to follow at times.
3.5 stars.
3.5 stars.
July 14, 2013
I really like Kim Lennox. The way she weaves a story through true historical events is amazing. She is very articulate in describing the places and characters in her book. I loved Mina in this book and liked that she didnt even mention Dracula. I cant wait to read Seline's book.
August 24, 2009
Couldn't resist the call of this book. So far, I'm finished with chapter one, and Mark is proving to be just as wonderful as Archer was!
January 7, 2010
Love the plot twists and romance. Endearing heroine and charming hero.
June 10, 2010
I liked it.
August 30, 2010
I enjoyed this one as much as the first. The mixture of historical and paranormal is perfect, and the characters are charming.
November 6, 2011
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies: http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artm...
September 14, 2021
I love when a good HEA happens in a way I never expected. Kudos to Kim Lenox for surprising me!
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