For those of you that are not familiar with the stories, Ms. Adrian’s vampires are a group of warriors formed by their leader ‘Lucan’, millennium prior to the story told in “Kiss of Crimson”, the series opener. The “Gen One”, vampires are direct progeny of eight extraterrestrials called the ‘Ancients’, who were lethal, powerful, bloodthirsty creatures. After arriving on earth the Ancients carved a path of bloody destruction, wiping out entire villages in their quest to feed. Lucan suffered great loss at the hands of his father, an Ancient, therefore he formed “The Order”, a group of Gen One warriors, and engaged in a bloody war to wipe out the Ancients. The Order prevailed against the Ancients, and they thought they were all killed. The books all take place in present day and The Order’s role has evolved to one of keeping their people safe from their enemies.
Breed males are powerful, not only with respect to strength and speed, but they also each have a unique gift passed down by their mother, a “Breedmate”. The Breed can only conceive under certain special circumstances following the exchange of blood with one of these very remarkable human females. These women have an identical tiny birthmark somewhere on their bodies that identifies them. Breedmates all have a special gift such as the ability to heal wounds or psychic ability etc. Once a Breedmate and a Breed male exchange a blood bond, they are mated forever or until death. They have a special link, one knowing where the other is or when he or she is approaching.
Each book tells the story of one of The Order warriors and his mate. Ms. Adrian has gradually built their world, expanding the Order’s “family” within the main base located in Boston. What I really like is that the setting for these stories have changed, not all taking place in Boston. The other outstanding point is that each of the Breedmate’s is written as an exceptionally strong woman.
Civilian Breed vampires live in a colony type of setting called ‘The Darkhavens’. The Breed are not tolerant of sun exposure and they do have enemies within their society. The Order also deals with bureaucracy within the Darkhavens and the civilian police force.
“Veil of Midnight”, is Nicholai (Niko) and Renata’s story and takes place in and outside of Montreal, Canada, where he is sent to track down ‘Sergei Yakut’, a reclusive Gen One vampire. The Order has been trying to locate and warn the Gen One’s because an assassin has been targeting and taking them out one by one. There are very few Gen One vampires left.
Niko gets a lead on Yakut’s whereabouts through questioning some young Breed males in a bar in Montreal when he sees and attractive woman come in. She attracts his attention, he approaches and questions her, then she runs from the bar with Niko in pursuit because he is sure she knows something about Yakut.
The woman (Renata) is a Breedmate who uses her powerful gift to bring Niko down in an instant. As the story progresses we learn that Renata is virtually enslaved to Sergei Yakut, who is a brutal bloodthirsty Gen One vampire living in an isolated area outside of Montreal. Yakut also keeps a young girl captive, who is a Breedmate with an extremely special gift. Renata has bonded with the little girl, loves her dearly and will do anything to protect her.
In addition to her Breedmate ability, Renata trains as a warrior incessantly and is an expert with weapons, especially knives. She is quite the lady!! She is however emotionally vulnerable and very suspicious of Niko as their relationship intensifies.
I always liked Niko’s character, he is the “jokester” of the warriors. He loves to tease his fellow soldiers about their settling down and ‘bonding’, with their mates. He is a master with weaponry and actually crafts his own for use. Like all the Order’s warriors, Niko is a battle honed soldier dedicated to carrying out his mission, he is completely committed to his brethren. Renata gradually earns his respect and ultimately his devotion and love as she too is a determined warrior. His special gift is a very unique one and when he and Renata make love, it comes into play. The sexual tension builds between these two and IMHO the eroticism was extremely HOT.
Ms. Adrian has developed a separate subplot in “Veil of Midnight”, concerning ‘Andreas Reichen’, a high ranking, well connected and wealthy civilian who lives in one of the Darkhavens in Germany. Andreas was introduced in “Midnight Awakening”, ‘Tegan’s’ book and has been an ally of the Order. An exciting storyline surrounding Andreas is developed and next book in the series “Ashes of Midnight”, is to be his story. While Andreas is a civilian, he is extremely powerful, his ‘gift’ is lethal and amazing.
I think of all the heroines in Ms. Adrian’s novels, Renata is probably the strongest with respect to her gift combined with her warrior skills. She is well mated with Niko and Ms. Adrian wrote a lovely HEA for them.
The focus of “The Order’s” missions have evolved and changed and this is a transition book. However, what I like about this series is that the plot has evolved over the course of the stories and at no time have the subplots overtaken the main storyline in each book. New characters have been introduced gradually and the subplots are well integrated along with the antagonists in the novels. If you have not read this series I would suggest starting with the first book “Kiss of Crimson”, and if you like the story read them in order.
So, “sigh”, now I wait until May 2009 for Andreas’ story. I have to say, despite being way to old to admit to this, I am a total Lara Adrian ‘fangirl’.
I waited for what seemed like forever for the publication of this book and I have to say, Lara Adrian did not disappoint. In fact, IMHO her “Midnight Breed”, series is getting better and better. If you noticed the post of my book favorites for 2008, then you know this is my favorite paranormal romance series.
Great review, Lea! I actually added a link to my post of this book to your post!!
It makes me so happy that this was your wishlist book and I was able to gift it to you because it is one of your favorite series!!
Thank you so much Amy! That is so nice of you!
The read was that much more special because I won the book from your contest.
Thank you again.
L
Great review Lea!! I can’t wait to read this one! I finally got my copy today!!!
It rocks Blanche!
If you like this series I think you will really enjoy Niko’s story!
So glad you were able to get your copy.
L
Man, everyone is reading this book! I really have to start the series. Like I told Amy, I have admired the covers everytime I go to the bookstore.
Great Review, Lea
Well, as you can tell I’m hooked Barbara! lol
But start with “Kiss of Crimson”, (Lucan’s story) and decide from there.
Thank you.
L
Excellent review! I loved this book and can’t wait for Riechen’s!
~Lillie
Thanks Lillie!
I know, I think Andreas Reichen’s story will be awesome. The plot set-up was amazing…
Thank you for your dropping by! Best Regards
L
Thanks for the review. I’m ordering this one today. I can’t believe I didn’t order it sooner – I love this series!
Thank you Carolyn!
As you can see, I too love this series. I think I’m going to have to re-read it again because I’m going through withdrawals!! lol
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did and thanks for your comment.
Best Regards
I really enjoyed this one too. I loved how strong Renata was.
And after what happened to Andreas Reichen, Ashes of Midnight is one I’m REALLY looking forward to!
It was everything you said it would be and more Kristie.
May seems like a long way away!! lol
Thanks for dropping by Kristie.
Regards
Hey Lea!
Great review! But can I just say, OMG we totally think alike. I knew we had the same taste in books, but the similarities between your review of this book and mine are quite uncanny. I promise you that today is the first I’ve read of yours! Honest!
*insert Twilight Zone music here*
Anyway, I’m on pins and needles waiting for Ashes of Midnight now, too!!!
Hey Christine!
LOL
I thought the same thing when I read your review!!
I was actually relieved to see that we were of the same opinion.
I so enjoyed this book. So we will see what comes next with Andreas!
L