Edge of Darkness

The fourth Night Prowler paranormal (after Rapture’s Edge) focuses on Christian McLoughlin, a shape-shifting Ikati, and 24-year-old Ember Jones, an emotionally scarred human. When Christian walks into Ember’s failing antiquarian bookstore, she is torn by instant lust and fear. Christian, who is hunting a killer, knows he’s not safe for Ember, but they find they can’t stay away from each other. Before long, Ember is targeted by Christian’s enemies and the two must save each other from a monster who believes himself superior to both human and Ikati. Geissinger’s paranormal world is well realized and original, turning the expected werewolves into shape-shifting panthers. References to the earlier books are woven in smoothly and won’t alienate new readers. The external conflict of Christian’s mission provides both continuity to the series and a story-based catalyst to the couple’s feelings, and the rewards of Ember and Christian’s growth as individuals and as a couple more than outweigh occasional rough writing. Agent: Marlene Stringer, Stringer Literary. (Dec.)