Dark Challenge by Christine Feehan is the fifth novel in her continuing Dark series.

Julian Savage (Aidan’s loner twin) is ready to face the sun and destroy himself.  Apart from his own race and even from his beloved twin he cannot bear the empty existence any longer.  His final task before facing the sun is to warn a group of touring singers that a group of human vampire hunters have targeted them and that they are in danger because of the haunting quality of their music.

He is shocked to find that the members of the band are Carpathian and that the lead singer Desari has brought the colours back into his life.  He can even see the silver and gold of the notes that she sings.

Delving into their past it appears that Desari and her “family” are a group of Carpathians who were feared dead as children many centuries before.  Somehow they had escaped detection from the others of their race and had made a life for themselves, learning the ways of their people for themselves and fighting those who had turned vampire in their own ways.

Julian came across the group shortly after one of their men had turned vampire and attacked Syndil, the second female in the group.  Fearful of their own nature the two remaining men of the group still protect the two women, all the while fighting against turning vampire.  And they are not prepared to trust a stranger such as Julian.

Julian realises that he has his work cut out in gaining their trust, not least of which because he has danger following his every step.

As a child he had been marked by a vampire who had controlled his actions and caused him to try to kill his twin.  The young Julian had fled his home as soon as he realised what was happening and remained apart from all his people for their own safety.  Hunting vampires had become his life and all the time he had searched for the one who had marked him vowing to destroy him too.

An ancient centuries before, the evil vampire could find Julian at any time, and by staying with Desari he knows that he is leaving her open to attack.  But while he could give up being with his people and even his own twin he could not give up his lifemate.  He could only wait for the vampire to show himself and then deal with his oldest enemy.

After waiting for Dark Magic, the novel that everyone was waiting for, I was afraid that I would be disappointed in Dark Challenge.  Dark Magic was so good it would be hard for her to top that but I am delighted to say that once again Ms Feehan has continued to elaborate on her new take on the vampire legend.

As spellbinding as her others don’t let it pass you by just because you already have Gregori’s story in your memory.

With more new characters introduced we can easily see the potential for many more of this wonderful series.
 
 

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Also by Christine Feehan - The Dark Series and Wild Rain

For listings of Christine's other series (of which their are several) please visit Christine Feehan's Website.