Darkness Undone

Slade’s fourth Marked Souls paranormal (after Vowed in Shadows) tosses in a twist for the Chicago league of talyan, warriors possessed by repentant demons. After their archivist betrays them, the London HQ sends over a new human Bookkeeper. Sidney Westerbrook wants to prove himself through this temporary assignment, an opportunity boosted when he finds a previously unknown female talya. Alyce doesn’t know how long she’s been roaming the streets battling evil ferales, but she’s intrigued by Sid and the chance to end her loneliness. With Sid expected back in London and Alyce pressured to choose a mate from the talyan, their budding romance is further complicated by a new enemy determined to take over the city. Slade’s plot packs plenty of action, but Sid’s backstory is delayed too long, weakening his character development in a group of forceful personalities. Agent: Becca Stumpf, Prospect Agency. (Mar.)