With its frenetic, Matrix
-style fight scenes and feral, leather-clad heroes, this book makes it easy to see why Kenyon's fantasy world has caught on so quickly and even inspired some readers to role-play on her Web site. Like the vampire-battling immortals of Kenyon's previous Dark-Hunter tales (Dance with the Devil
, etc.), Wulf Tryggvason is sexy, dangerous and well over six feet tall. He also has a chip on his shoulder because no one, except his blood relatives and fellow Dark-Hunters, can remember him after he leaves a room due to an ancient curse. Then he meets 26-year-old Cassandra Peters, the one woman who can remember him. Unfortunately, she comes with a "short expiration date." Not only is she destined to die on her 27th birthday, but she holds the fate of the world in her hands. The last of her bloodline, Cassandra must have a child before her birthday or the world will descend into darkness. Even those who buy into this premise will find the tidy denouement hard to swallow, but Kenyon is a master at creating spunky characterizations and cinematic action scenes spiced with wry humor. Though she has a tendency to overwrite, especially when it comes to loves scenes ("She moaned at the rich sensation of having all of his lush power lying over her"), this book is an entertaining thrill ride. (Apr.)
