Shadowfae

In the intriguingly dark version of modern Melbourne depicted in Hayes's debut, succubi and incubi tempt mortals with erotic rapture; vampiric mob families war over territory and women; and fairies are dying of an unknown cause. Succubus Jade and incubus Rajahni Seth, both in thrall to a demon lord for 1,000 years, discover a way to escape, but as they compete to collect the soul needed for their separate spells, they discover they're falling in love. The numerous erotic scenes are compellingly emotional and intense, and are perfectly in place as a plot about sexual predators develops. Urban fantasy readers will love the atmosphere, but not the rules of soul collecting and demon serving, which seem confusing and incongruous, or the centuries-old characters who act like jealous 20-somethings without perspective, maturity or patience. (Oct.)