Blick ins Dunkel

Kyndred #4

by Lynn Viehl, Andreas Heckmann (Translator)

Samuel Taske kann in die Zukunft blicken. Niemals hätte er jedoch vorhergesehen, dass er sich in die hübsche Sanitäterin Charlotte Marena verlieben könnte – die Frau, die er beschützen soll. Denn die kriminelle Biotech-Firma GenHance ist den beiden auf den Fersen, da auch Charlotte eine besondere Gabe besitzt – eine Gabe, die nun ihre einzige Rettung sein könnte.

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Paranormal, Romance, Vampires, Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Contemporary

380 pages, Klappenbroschur

First published November 1, 2011

About the author

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 element of romance will always be present.

In what spare time remains she enjoys quilting, reading, cooking, painting, and knitting. She currently lives with her family in Florida.

Reviews

[Zeek · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Samuel Taske’s story. Introduced in Frostfire you know him as an enigmatic member of Kyn, almost crippled by his ability to see into the future and read the history of objects. His gift for some strange reason causes him pain and has him on the road to certain death in a matter of months. Then he meets Charlotte Marena, a paramedic from San Francisco, during a hostage situation on the Golden Gate Bridge. Together they are kidnapped from the chaos and whisked away to a private island.

Forced together they realize they already know each other- from the secret online world of the Kyn. It will take both their special abilities to escape their gilded cage, and some help from the natives who seem to be just as mysteriously gifted too.

A lot steamier then some of her other novels in this series, this one will suit paranormal romance readers just fine…. IF they read all the other books. (All of Viehl’s books in her DarKyn/Kyn world are connected and it’s difficult to just pick up in the middle, this one particularly dependent on the previous to get the where and why’s concerning the hero.)

One odd thing about Nightshine, the big bad from the previous novels is suddenly killed off? I was like, “okaaaay? Sick of that character thread are we?”

Well, as I always say, in paranormal/fantasy, just ‘cause your dead, doesn’t mean you have to stay dead- so maybe she’s not done with him after all… just seemed an abrupt tie off.

Otherwise, one of my favs.

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much of the book was just a ridiculous situation that the author wouldn't explain. I usually like that (like when J. R. Ward does it) but in this case, it just meant that it stayed cheesy for too long. I DID like the ending where the Darkyn and Takyn are finally gonna start working together. That's about the only thing keeping me happy, and it only works since it was the last thing I read. The opening scene on the bridge was actually really good too. But the bond forged between Samuel and Charlie is just too corny, since it came from such corny circumstances. Hard for me to relate to them, even though we've known Samuel for so long. He changed so much that he's like a whole new character.
Lynn Viehl is in danger of having too many story lines converging all at once and taking away from the central characters that should be featured. It happened with the Darkyn books. Oh well... Guess we'll see how the next one goes. Hopefully MUCH better.

[ToddAn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Huh?!? I read some of the other reviews and I was surprised to note that I was in the minority with my feelings toward Nightshine. First off, I am a big Viehl fan. I think she is a talented author with an out of this world creativity and talent that rivals the best in the paranormal genre. However, Nightshine just fell short for me. My first impression was great...I loved how the story started...I loved how the characters met...I did not love the hugely 'fantastical' quality of the story. I am all for the 'vamps and other bump in the night creature' fantasy embellishments...but the whole island thing with wierd inhabitants was just a little too off the cuff for my tastes. I'm still a Viehl fan, but Nightshine was not a winning read for me.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know we have all had that dream...waking up in a tropical paradise next to a handsome man...all the conveniences, none of the headaches. Well that's is what happens to Charlie "Charlotte" Marena. She is an EMT responding to a multiple pile-up on a bridge and meets millionaire Samuel Taske, one of the many injured by a deranged sniper. She and Sam are abducted at gunpoint, drugged, healed and awake on an island paradise. Only 2 rules are made from their captors...do not try to escape and you must have sex once a day...or face punishment. There are others on the island, but they only speak a long dead dialect. Charlie and Sam find that they each have a "power" that enables them to feel, hear or touch and know what is going to happen/or has happened. When they don't immediately fall into bed together, the beating administered forces the two together, whether they wish it or not. Sam and Charlie will have to bond to find a way off the hell that is disguised as paradise.

[Ilona Fenton]

I know this book isn't out yet (I won an ARC) so I don't want to give too much away. However one thing I must say is if you've ever read any of Ms Viehl's Darkyn or Kyndred series you need to run out and get this as soon as it hits the bookshop shelves. It is an excellent read and kept me turning the pages even when I had other things I needed to do. I was so hooked up in the story I couldn't put it down. Ms Viehl delivers a story full of action, romance, suspense and great characters that jump off the pages.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy all of her books - some more than others. Her Darkyn are better than the Takyn ones, I think.

[Kelly Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good series, I liked that the characters from the Midnight series were players in this one.

[Dark Faerie Tales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review Courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: Extremely old evil finally meets his match.

Opening Sentence: The lord of deception and fate stared out at Sokojotsin from the invaders’ eyes.

The Review:

When I got this one in the mail a while back, I had to stop myself from doing a facepalm. Where did this series come from, and why am I just finding out about it now?

Okay, so in this series, we have been introduced to the Kyndred; (or Takyn as they refer to them in the book) individuals who have been altered with the DNA of the Darkyn, a species of vampire. And also, a set of people who are under attack by companies and groups who want to study them and/or reproduce them, per se. This here book is no exception.

The heroine, Charlie, is a paramedic in the great city of San Francisco, and she has the ability to hear people’s thoughts. Samuel Taske is a multimillionaire who also has a special ability; he can “read” the history of any given object. The two meet when they are caught in the crosshairs of a sniper, then subsequently kidnapped and brought to an isolated island off the coast of Mexico. This is no luxury vacation, however. They are confined to some swanky digs and are given only two rules; no escaping, and have sex, lots of sex. You see, the whole point of this particular couples retreat is to create a new race of super humans to be used to take over the world! Because, really, what else would you do with them? Actually, this really old guy, one who was once known as the king of an ancient race of Central Americans has decided he wants his old kingdom back, and plans to use this race of humans to accomplish it.

The two eventually meet six other couples in their situation, all of whom are also being forced to procreate and most of them have been successful. With the presence of these two new powers, the fourteen Takyn, and two more characters that are left stranded with them, decide to take back their lives and fight the evil that is “The Master” and win.

I have always liked Lynn’s writing in her other series, but just got caught up in life, and fell off the Darkyn wagon. This book has now caused me to take the first steps to rectifying this problem. I enjoyed this book just as much as the books in the Darkyn series, and I expect to enjoy the rest in the Kyndred series when I get them.

Notable Scene:

“What are you doing here?”

“Energúmeno.” She clutched his shoulders. “He’s coming. You have to go to the cave and hide. Now.” She tried to pull him in that direction. “Sam, please. I’ve seen what he’s planning to do to you, and you can’t stop him. He’s too strong, too angry.”

“Drew. Colotl.” When the men joined then, Samuel quickly issued instructions for them to rejoin the women and take up defensive positions, and then added, “I need the weapons.”

Charlotte stiffened. “Didn’t you hear me? He’s going to stick his hand in your chest and pull out your heart and eat it. You can’t heal from that. This time, you will die.”

Samuel looked at the other men. “Give us a minute, please.” When they moved away, he cradled her face between his hands. “Honey, we don’t have a lot of time left, so I need you to listen to me now. We’ve talked to Agraciana about Energúmeno’s powers. He can hurt me from a distance, but to kill me he has to make physical contact. I’m not going to let that happen.”

“You can’t stop him.” She gave Agraciana a desperate look. “She can control dolphins, right? Have her call one to take you off the island before he gets here. When you get to the mainland, you can get help—“

“I’m not leaving you, Charlotte.” He brought her hand up and pressed it to his heart. “As for this, he can’t have it. It belongs to you.”

The Kyndred Series:

1. Shadowlight

2. Dreamveil

3. Frostfire

4. Nightshine

FTC Advisory: Penguin/Signet provided me with a copy of Nightshine. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2011/11/08/...

Publisher: Signet
Publish Date: Out Now!
How I got this book: review book from publisher

Viehl is back with the 4th installment of the Kyndred Series, and my first read of this author.

Samuel is psychic, and after a vision of knowing he needed to save a woman named Charlotte, he puts himself into the position to do just that. But when they get taken captive and put on a deserted island together, Samuel notices that there is something a little off about his powers.

Charlie has never liked her power, wanted only to live a normal life as a paramedic. But something about Samuel calls to her, and with the situation they are placed in, finds herself relying on him more and more. When the other islanders finally come forward, Charlie and Samuel will have to combine their forces to ensure they all make it out alive.

When I first received this book I was immediately intrigued by the world. I had never read Viehl before, and parts of me wish that I would have started from the beginning instead of book four. I could tell that there were a lot of little things with the overall story arc and world-building that were integral with the first three books. While I was able to follow along the overall story, I think that it would have been so much more had I read the series in order.

That being said – I really did enjoy the Kyndred world. I can honestly say that there I times I enjoy the new take on the vampire lore better than the same-old. This world was great with tons of twists and turns at every stop. While this book didn’t explore much of the world outside of Samuel and Charlie, I could tell that the series has much to offer.

I also really enjoyed the romance between Charlie and Samuel. The two are instantly attracted to each other, and the sexual chemistry between them sizzles on the pages. When they are kidnapped and taken to the island, they are told they will be required to produce gifted off-spring. From there they are forced into a relationship and I loved the way they each dealt with it. Samuel at first tries to keep his hands off Charlie (since he is already half in love with her), and when he has to witness the brutality of their captives if they do not follow the rules, he takes it upon himself to make sure that Charlie enjoys each and every touch. For Charlie, things are physical and she has a difficult time accepting love. Watching her go from a purely physical bond to so much more with Samuel in their short time was great. While the sexy scenes are super hot and start somewhat quickly in the book, we are also given a slow build up in the emotional standpoint of their relationship that left me enjoying every minute of it.

I also really liked the way that Viehl explored Charlie’s past and how deeply her childhood trauma affected her life. As her story unfolded I was drawn further and further into her character and really loved everything about her from the first glimpse we got of her. Likewise Samuel is also an all around lovable character. He goes from being in pain and disheartened with his gift and physical condition to being at the top of his game. He was a down-to-earth and fun hero that I really enjoyed reading.

All in all I really enjoyed the first book I read by Viehl. Her writing is clean, the story is well developed, the characters are engaging and fun and the world is incredibly engineered. I think I would have enjoyed it so much more had I read other books in this world, because there were a few times I felt a little behind and left out.
I give Nightshine a B-

[Margaret Fisk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not the first of Lynn Viehl’s works I’ve reviewed, nor will it be the last considering how prolific she is. Nightshine is, however, the last of the Kyndred series. While I was sorry to hear that, I’m thrilled to learn the Lords of Darkyn series is starting up, and I suspect the Kyndred will show up in that just as the Darkyn did in this series, though not as the primary focus.

But enough about the series and on to this particular book. Nightshine had a lot more sex in it than I noticed in the previous books, and while it was a bit heavy for me (or maybe just the way it came about), every bit of it was plot appropriate. Even more so, the plot ties in to the themes of the rest of the series, with a very interesting twist. As usual, I have to practically speak in tongues to keep from giving something important away before its time, but suffice it to say that while following the overall arc, this book introduces new elements and questions to that arc which make is a shame the Kyndred-focused series is ending, but which should still inform the new Darkyn series and tie into the whole Darkyn/Kyndred world beautifully.

This book focuses on Samuel Taske, one of the Kyndred who has been essential to the series but more as a father figure despite them all being around the same age. He knew what the future held for him, and every effort to overcome that only turned him down a dark path. By this point, Samuel is resigned to his fate…but fate is not done with him yet. It’s wonderful to see him transform and accept that what he’s always known is true no longer is. This is, after all, a paranormal romance, which means that he and Charlotte will reach a happy ending by rights of the genre. At the same time this is Lynn Viehl. Their path is not easy, nor are all of their obstacles external as they struggle to find their way through a crazy mystery with their understanding of the scope of the situation changing practically every minute.

Could you read this without following the series?

It’s hard to tell simply because I’ve been sucked in since the very first Darkyn book, but I’d think, depending on your tolerance for accepting the unknown, you could. In fact, you might get something more from it than existing readers because we know enough of the background to pick up clues that reveal more of what’s going on than the characters can see. Honestly, this felt like a growth book, which is amazing when you consider how many books Lynn Viehl has written. It felt deeper, more complex, than the rest of the Kyndred series, maybe because it added a layer of mystery, and a new antagonist, into the almost thriller-like setup of the others. At the same time, you still get to walk in the footsteps of some of the most suspicious, untrusting folks (with very good reason) as they open those barriers just wide enough to let a few key people in, enhancing their lives and those of everyone around them.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The books in this Kyndred spinoff are strangely different from the original two series. They followed the main Darkyn format so I expected this one too. But it’s added other creatures, lifeforms and events that I never would have expected in the Darkyn world. The original premise of this series is good but it’s drifted away too far. At first it wasn’t bad, but it has gotten stranger with each book. The first two were ok with the GenHance storyline, but then #2 had body sharing, #3 had werepeople and now in #5 we have a 007 type, Aztec-maniac run tropical isle resort/prison.

In themselves they are interesting stories, but don’t feel like they should be in the Darkyn world. Like Ms. Viel couldn’t like of what to do next and went crazy to get the stories out. I got the characters confused again. There were a few characters that each group knew by different names and made it harder to follow the story. Never mind double agents, there’s a lot of triple and quadruple agents here.

The island was very unusual, but too futuristic and unbelievable. Where did the master get the technology? The money? The time? He supposingly was just found by the archeologist who’s not very old, so it couldn’t have been very long. And the sand hiding place was not very practical for a seashore. I did like the island inhabitants, though they too were very odd. Was it supposed to be some kind of hive mentality?

Charlie’s intense dislike of Sam is out of character with the book. It’s almost as if she’s been brainwashed. He’s been her online friend. She knows weird things happen in their group. In a strange environment he’s her only possible ally, she should be trusting him. Her ‘death’ is the most tragic and different so far. She’s very prejudiced about certain things, which in her line of work isn’t a good thing.

I’m glad Sam’s medical problems are gone. I hate the reason for it, but love how it was taken care of. But I was a little let down on how easily it happened. His new ability is cool though. It creates a whole different kind of foreplay.

I suppose this is the end since the main guys are gone and a lot of (not all) the loose ends are tied off. Everything still is too confusing, not all the ends fit together right. There’s still a lot of story potential. What happened to the connection between Gaven’s sword and Genaro? That was an interesting clue that just faded away. What happened Charlie’s police partner at the end? Are the bad guys, and their plans, really gone? What about the new relationship between the Darkyn and the Takyn? There’s lots more.

Quick Thoughts 1)An(drew) and the agent lady Gracie have just as big a part as Sam & Charlie do. But they probably won’t get their own book since their story is mostly told in this one.

Fave Scenes: Charlie’s reaction to the house, Drew’s ‘face-to-face’ with the master, Charlie’s story about her ‘death’ and the final battle on the beach

[Melliane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mon avis en français

My English review

I don’t think I’ve ever started a series by reading the fourth book before the others. Therefore, it’s true that all along the story we wonder if we shouldn’t have known more things about the characters or about the events with the three other novels. I think it’s always a little different even if like a lot a Paranormal Romance books, each volume features some different characters.

This novel introduces us to Samuel and Charlotte, two Takin, who have some amazing powers. While Samuel can read the stories of the objects he touches, Charlotte can read minds but only at night. From the start they are so different, Charlie is a young, dynamic and determined woman who was raised in a quite poor family and who became a paramedic. On the other hand, Samuel is an antiquarian who always had what he wanted. But when they’re kidnapped together and left on an island with the order to sleep together every day and to not search a way to escape under the treat to be punished, Charlie and Samuel have to team up to find a way to be free.

Well, it’s true I think the relation between our two main characters has evolved a little too fast. Samuel falls immediately in love with Charlotte, and it’s always a little disturbing. Indeed, it’s easier to understand Charlie who stays a little longer alert, without thinking that everything will be beautiful. I really enjoyed the nature of this young woman because we can relate to her easily, more than to the others.

What can I say about the story? I think it was a really interesting mix of ideas. There are a lot of events I didn’t expect at all, mainly about the bad guy of the story. After that, it’s true there are some things I didn’t really understand either but I think it’s different when we read the other books. It’s also unfortunate because I would have loved to learn more about GenHance and about what they really want.

I also really enjoyed these little chapters that allow us to know more about the past of our heroine. It’s a pleasure to learn more about her and to understand how she became the person she is now.

It was an interesting volume, and the story is a quite fast read. I thought at the beginning that the plot was a little strange (about the procreating thing mainly) but we get into it little by little. I’m curious now to learn more about the Takyn and I think if I have the occasion to do so, I will the read the others with pleasure.

[Tania · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Nightshine" by Lynn Viehl. Book 4 of the Kyndred series. *last book of the series*

I liked this book even though it frustrated me to no end. Let me explain...

The main romantic storyline is between Samuel, a Kyndred who can see an object's history by touching it (including people), and a Kyndred named Charlotte who can read people's emotions and thoughts but only juring the night. They are both kidnapped and brought to an island. The rules are simple...don't try to escape, and they must have sex every day...if they do these two things, they will be taken care of. If not, they will be punished.

Why I liked the book
I liked the book because I thought the storyline was very interesting. I really liked the characters of Samuel (Sam) and Charlotte (Charlie). They have excellent chemistry together. It's very well written with a lot of plot twists and mystery. I never new who was working for who and that kept me interested, trying to find out what would happen next. I also liked the fact that Andrew (Drew) Riordan, a character that has been in the series since the beginning, gets his own (quick) happily ever after with a newly introduced character (I won't give the name as to avoid spoilers). The ending epilogue really connects the two series, The Darkyn and The Kyndred, very nicely.

Why I was frustrated with the book
What bothered me about this book are the names and words that I couldn't pronouce...and there were a lot of them. Some names of the secondary characters have very specific time-period names and a lot of the time, characters are speaking in a different anient language which the author actually uses. I find it hard to keep the flow of my reading going when I'm stumbling over words. And even though I thought the storyline was interesting, I didn't really understand why this book ended with this particular storyline. The overall series storyline is brought to an end in this book but it's not the main focus.

Overall series review

I liked this series as a whole. Even though it's only 4 books long, you really have to keep track of all the information and names that are used. The only problem I had was figuring out the timeline as to when the Kydred were actually created. (I thought that was answered in The Darkyn series but then this series tells you something different.) Other than that, overall, I think this series is a good series.

[Jackie Uhrmacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paramedic Charlotte “Charlie” Marena and leader of the Takyn, Samuel Taske, are kidnapped off the Golden Gate Bridge. When someone with supernatural abilities is kidnapped, the blame automatically falls to Jonah Genaro and his company of crazy geneticists, GenHance, but this time, he isn’t the culprit. This does not make for a happy megalomaniac. Ironically, the direct effects of his actions help the Takyn instead of hinder them, a fact that had me giggling in my own maniacal way.

Anyways, Charlie and Samuel find themselves prisoners in what appears to be a luxurious beach-front resort. A recorded voice tells them they will want for nothing as long as they don’t try to escape and they make with the love at least once a day. While neither would mind spending some sexy time with the other, being forced to do so tends to take the fun out of the act. Charlie and Samuel aren’t alone on this island of debauchery; others, with powers similar to theirs, are positioned throughout the island, all with the same purpose: breed or perish.

I loved the new villain in Nightshine and actually sympathized with his plight. Yes, he was crazy and had serious issues, but if I’d gone through what he went through, I’d probably be a little off my rocker, too. The way he played Genaro was beautiful, and the secrets uncovered due to his actions are worth their weight in gold.

After reading Nightshine, the last book of the Kyndred series and prelude to Lynn Viehl’s new series, Lords of the Darkyn, I know why the Takyn were created. I know why they were experimented on from birth. I know their purpose. But I can’t tell you why. I can’t answer those questions that have been burning in your head since the Kyndred series splintered from the Darkyn series. If you want the answers, you’ll have to read the book yourself. Nightshine is sexy, gritty, and full of the witty dialogue and strong personalities I’ve come to expect from Lynn Viehl’s characters. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—the Kyndred series is a must-read for fans of paranormal romance, romantic heroes, and heroines who can save the day just as well as their male counterparts.

[Bookaholics · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nightshine by Lynn Viehl
Paranormal Romance - Nov 1st, 2011
4 stars

Thrilling action and intrigue will draw new and returning readers into this wonderful paranormal series about humans whose genetic DNA was altered and try to hide their special abilities.

When paramedic Charlie Marena finds herself trapped on a bridge with a gunman, it seems like a normal day. But when a wealthy and mysterious man named Samuel Taske tries to save her instead of letting her save others, she is grateful if annoyed. However, when both of them are targeted and kidnapped, they find themselves forming an uneasy alliance. They must trust each other with their deepest secrets, which include their special powers. However, their captors are aware of their talents and intend to breed them with a host of other unfortunates who also possess special abilities on an isolated island. Can they escape or will they be held captive by a madman?

This was an interesting story because it delves into Charlie's past. Charlie is gutsy and likeable. I loved the glimpses that the author reveals about her past, how it defined her and her motivations to help others and not be a victim. The hero, Samuel is strong and self- sacrificing. He is the sort of tragic figure that is very intriguing to read about. He realizes he is going to die, and yet he risks his life to save a woman that he does not know because he was told that she would be in danger. He is very noble and it made me happy that he was able to find someone who complemented him and finally loved him in turn. I also enjoyed how many of the characters all secretly knew each other through their aliases, and they were finally able to meet in person. Besides the characters, the mystery behind who the master of the island was suspenseful. My favorite character was actually Samuel's friend Drew who also has special powers and tries to save Samuel with mixed results.

For those who like a more complex plot and very engaging characters, this solid book will definitely keep your interest. Nightshine is a satisfying addition to the Kyndred series and one fans will not want to miss.

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlotte Marena is a San Francisco paramedic. She is smart and sassy. When she and her partner Vince responds to a call, she could never have imagined what would happen next. Charlie was a night time telepath. When they stumble into a shootout, Vince gets shot and Charlie gets taken prisoner. She needs Samuel Taske there; she feels like she has always known him though they have just met. Samuel wants to protect Charlie. Taske has been attacked by werewolves under the orders of Lilah Devereaux who was using mind control on them. Taske and Charlie find themselves hostage to one of the men with guns. Taske is wealthy and Charlie doesn’t trust men with money. They all lie, in her way of thinking. Charlie wakes naked beside Sam and finds out they must have sex every day or their captors will beat them or worse, kill them. How they are going to break free is they are going to have to trust each other and use the powers they both have to save themselves from whatever their captors have in store for them.

Nightshine by Lynn Viehl is a sexy romance with some paranormal twists thrown in. While I found this book worked a stand alone, I think reading all in the series in order would make this book richer. However it is not at all a must to read all the books to understand this story. Charlie is sassy, smart, and strong. She is not going to let her captors hurt her or Sam even if she isn’t sure if she likes Sam or not. Sam is trying to protect Charlie too. He knows she has powers; he has powers too. They both have to learn that they can trust each other and they have to learn to work together to get off the island where they are being held captive. Now the reason they have to have sex is never really addressed, other than that the captors make them. So that was the only disconnect for me. Aside from that, this story is hot, steamy, and really fun to read.

[Once · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me say “WOW” for another great novel from one of my favorites series, The kindred and The Darkyn from Lynn Viehl.

A paramedic, Charlie Marsha, responds to an emergency call where she finds a mysterious millionaire, Samuel Task, trapped by a gunman on the bridge. After a series of events they discover that it has been a setup to have them kidnapped and not a chance encountered as they though before. She awakens first to find the he is still unconscious and in need of her medical care. Her efforts to save him finally payoff and appeared to have gone beyond of what was expected, the illness that have been killing him is now gone. They find out that they are in an island under surveillance and they learn that to survive and possibly escape, they need to entrust each other with their special abilities as well as their live. The other inhabitants of the island help clear the reason why they were capture in the first place and why they are expected to become breeders. Another couple is brought in to the story, Drew, Samuel’s best friend and Gracie a law officer that has been helping him find where his friend has been taken to. Drew’s determination to find his friend and to rescue him, have them end up in the island as well, where he learns that Gracie will become an invaluable partner to learn who has them kidnapped and what needs to be done to escape.

Several story line converge into one and take you to a big surprise ending and we also learn along the way why the kindred were created and what their job is. I love the fantastic journey that Lynn takes you and have me anxiously waiting for Lords of the Darkyn to see where we go next.

review link: http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/2011...

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

By Far My Favorite Kyndred Novel. I absolutely loved it. This book is every woman's dream, Dropped on a deserted island with a gorgeous man and told there are only 2 rules : 1.) Don't Try To Escape, & 2.) Have Sex At least Once A Day. Yes, Please Sign Me up! Only this story comes complete with an ancient evil hell bent on creating a new super race to be his warriors. Oh and don't even think about breaking the rules because you will be punished (well I wouldn't break them they seem fine to me), and not in a good way.

I'd liked Samuel up until what he did to Dehlia. Then I even still liked him,and felt for him. He felt as if there was nothing else he felt he could do, and made a choice. Granted he made bad choices but don't we all sometimes. We are all human and we all make mistakes. Sam proved to me in this book that a mistake was exactly what he made and that he was ready to repent.

We meet Charlie in the first few chapters and she is every bit as broken as every last one of the previous Kyndred females we have ever to this date met. Then there are several new Kyndred (13) added once she, and Sam reach the breeding island. None of them are happy about being breeding stock, or living their lives on paradise island. So they must devise a plan to get them, and the others off the island. Oh and defeat the Evil that is holding them prisoner. Sounds easy right, not!

This is the last Kyndred book so there is a kind or story resolution but there are plot strings left open so she can incorporate them back into the Darkyn series. I'm not sure if she will be doing that but I'd love to see some more of those.

[Melindeeloo · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars - Kyndred Samuel aka Paracelus is nearly crippled, in constant pain and months from death, so he decides to try and make up for his less than honorable moments (in the last book) by saving a fellow Kyndred woman he's never met from impending death. Things don't quite work out the way Sam plans though and he and EMT Charlotte end up drugged, kidnapped and imprisoned on a deserted island subject to two rules: they mustn't try to escape and they must have intercourse everyday or else they will be punished.

I liked Nightshine despite a sort of odd an prolog and bit too many thread switches including a few that jumped to seemingly random people - it wasn't clear but a few of these were actually jumps to the past and it ended up that the people weren't as random as they seemed. When all was said and done though, Nightshine did a good job of tying off the Kyndred/Takyn spinoff, bringing in a few familiar faces for the final bow, and cluing us into the origin of one of those faces, and revealing the real purpose behind the creation of the Kyndred. And with two romances - a main one and a minor one - I liked both of the pairings - and I thought that Nightshine ended being one of the steamiest books about the 'children of the Kyn' (this is not a spoiler but a reference to a line in the prolog.)

[Kazza · Rating 3 out of 5]

My second favourite book of the Takyn or Kindred series behind Dreamveil. I wasn't happy with Samuel Taske after his treatment of Delilah in Frostfire, however he redeemed himself as he felt remorse over this and he was lovely with Charlotte aka Charlie. The plot was pretty fast paced, however it dragged a little towards the end, the first part of the book was really interesting, I feel it went on a little too long on the island with not enough post island. It was nice to see Andrew find some happiness as a back-up plot to Samuel and Charlie. Looking forward to Lords of The Darkyn, as the Darkyn series was definitely superior to the Kindred series. So glad to see a glimpse of Michael Cyprien and Alexander Keller plus Phillipe, just love them and hope LOTD have them threaded throughout. I don't feel this book stands alone well, some knowledge at least of the books in this series would be a good idea. Glad Darkyn and Takyn had a get together at the end loved seeing a glimpse of Rowan, Jean-Marc/Sean (from Dreamveil). Lynn Viehl writes a good book with multiple layers/ plots that come together at the end (with the exception of Frostfire I'm afraid), there can also be some sexy scenes and her writing is nothing if not interesting.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really a good book and the bonus is that there are all kinds of new characters to deal with from this point forward. The only drawback to that is they are all coupled up already. I guess we can always wait and see what the kids are going to be like.
I am really glad most of the characters we know about in this one are done with, to tell the truth, since I like the original series better than the spin off series here. It isn't like it is better written, but I like to read about all the Darkyn and not the Kindred so much.
Anyway, this book was awesome in showing a few things. First, no matter how much money you have and where you live, you can still be kidnapped, imprisoned, and all your rights taken away at the drop of a hat! Second, no matter what kind of crap you get into, there is always hope to get out, one way or another. Third and final, love is always there when you are at your most desperate in life! You only have to look and choose to accept it. Well, maybe in books that's the way it is, but I'm still not sure about true life. :)
Please read about Sam and Charlie. It will open your eyes to a whole new world!

[Monty Cupcake ☠ Queen of Bloodshed ☠ · Rating 3 out of 5]

The whole Kyndred series for me wasn't nearly as awesome as the Darkyn series was. I didn't feel a connection w/the Kyndred characters as I did the Darkyn. And the whole mystery of what the Kyndred were (they didn't know) and what their powers were, yadda yadda became intensely annoying. I will most likely never reread the Kyndred series, some of the Darkyn I do.

This book was better than the first of the series, but I believe the third is my favorite. Rowan's story is just too freaky Friday for me. I quite liked Samuel - he's uber smart & just a good character & interesting plot for him. I like Charlie as well, especially her medical expertise. Drew is a good character as well.

Now to the plot/setting, ugh, that island. It was like The Island (that's with Ewan McGregor & Scarjo, right?) and The Beach (w/Leo Dicaprio) and it was blah. Sam & Charlie's cabana time was interesting, but the others were overkill. And the whole master thing, yeaaaahhh.....no. Glad they wrapped up the Genaro storyline.

[Andi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a good book on the standards I'm used to which the other two related stories.
First off she still didn't answer the biggest question I've had since the beginning of this series - how on earth is Matthias considered kyndred? Why wasn't he ousted from the beginning or not allowed in the group since he was a roman? Obvious time difference there... And probably not a case of genetic experimenting. Is he a Nottingham case or something? And why did her power work on the bridge at the beginning of the book but then later on her power only works at night to read minds?
I really liked the beginning and the end of the book, but most of the middle I found tedious, not enhancing the characters as much as I thought was done in previous books. I'm glad I read these after all the other darkyn novels, or I may have not bothered with the night born series at all. It was better than this one. I

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was stunned by what was taking place on the island, that someone would have the balls to think so much of himself to set up something like this and then do it. I think what stuns me the most is that this took a long time to set up, not something that could be done in a few weeks, but years.

I really liked that we got to learn more about the Kyndred, where they came from and what they were meant to be. I find it interesting how it seems like each child was adopted by all these horrible people, none of them seemed to have good memories growing up with their original adoptive parents.

I think the best part of the book was the ending. Finally the Darkyn and the Kyndred series seem to have merged. I think this will make things much more interesting for future books.

[TXreader Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was confused at first. I get the Darkyn and Kyndred series mixed up. But once they landed on the island, everything made more sense. The story as a whole is a great part of the series, Samuel and Charlie are a perfect couple. But I did have a hard time grasping the plot of this story, it always seemed like I was missing something important or it was a little rushed. The pieces get all tied together at the end nicely though, and I had that "Ok I get it now" moment. We also get a glimpse at some previous Kyndred and Darkyn couples. I am really interested to see where this series is going, it almost reads like the Kyndred and Darkyn series are going to blend into one moving forward. All in all, a nice read.

[Francesca Rock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was easily the best of this particular series. Possibly because we learn a lot about what is actually going on - the mystery gets solved!

The plot was a bit similar to the previous book in the series - in that it involved an abduction and people falling in love. But there the similarity ends. This one had you jumping from place to place, but in a way that made perfect sense. It was exciting and a really enjoyable read.

I liked Charlie and Samuel. Samuel had spinal chord issues that were magically healed (lucky motherfucker) and I really believe that this made him a stronger person. Charlie was great with him. They were a fantastic team and it was delightful to watch them fall for each other.

Check out more of my reviews at http://whatabookbitch.blogspot.ca

[July · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome! My favorite in this series so far. I loved Charlie Marena, she is an EMT that is afraid of bridges. And, she must go on the Golden Gate Bridge on a very serious accident. There is several cars involved her and her partner find out that there is a shooter on the other side of the bridge. This is how the story starts out. Then she is kidnapped in her own ambulance. When she wakes up she ends up on an island with the man that she was rescuing from the bridge.
By the end of the novel you will have met several kyndred besides Charlie and Samuel. This one is very interesting it will keep you on your toes.

[Barbara ★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this the best of the entire series. It still jumped back and forth between past and present - present being the hero and heroine while past was seemingly random strangers who appeared again at the end of the story after I'd completely forgotten about them.

I really liked both Sam and Charlotte as well as the people on the island. This pretty much tied up all the loose ends though a few were left to the readers imagination. I didn't like that the real reason Jonah Genaro created GenHance wasn't revealed. Sure they were making a transerum but for what ultimate purpose. Maybe this will be explained in the next connected series Lords of the Darkyn.

[Deanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a Viehl fan and that is why I gave this book 3 stars. It is my least favorite of all of her books. It is a connecting piece and as such should be read by those who have read her other books. It is not a stand alone. That said I liked the beginning. I loved the ending. The ending made the book almost good. A beginning and an ending need the middle. The middle was unfullfilling. I still love Viehl. I hope Genero is trully dead! i love the Darkyn. I look forward to the return to their story. I wanted to love this book.

[Tamran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't help it I love Lynn's writing style & the stories she tells. This was fast paced for me & I loved that! Been so long since I was in the Kyndred world but as soon as I started reading it all came back.

Loved both front characters, a lot! Enjoyed all the sub characters as well. Great story & I feel it ended well. Though I can't help but want more, ya know? But it's over & I enjoyed it.