DARK MOON

Author: Lori Handeland ISBN: 0312991363 7/2005 PARANORAML Publisher: ST. MARTIN'S PRESS

When dusk falls, nightmares become reality... Dr. Elise Hanover quite literally lives for her job-since quitting would mean meeting a silver bullet with her name on it. She works alone, struggling to unlock the mysteries of an affliction that should only exist in nightmares. But Elise knows from personal experience just how real it is. Because the first time its deadly power pulsed through her veins was the last time she saw the love of her life. Until now... and forbidden passion is unleashed... The surprise visit from FBI agent Nic Franklin is merely the first in a series of shocks. After her lab is firebombed and her most bloodthirsty test subject escapes, Elise and Nic have no choice but to join forces. Unfortunately, the situation in remote Fairhaven, Wisconsin is far from safe: Nic has too many questions about Elise's work and why she deserted him years ago; townsfolk are disappearing, and Elise feels her own condition intensifying in ways as terrifying and exhilarating as her rekindled attraction to Nic. Now, as a shadowy evil closes in, it's becoming all too clear that Elise is the only one who can stop it-if it doesn't stop her first...

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Naturally, I expect DARK MOON to draw me back into the supernatural werewolf/paranormal series I love. How could it not? Lori Handeland writes some of the most fascinating, creepy, and macabre stories I have ever read. Thankfully, DARK MOON also reunites favorite characters without overshadowing the new hero and heroine, and gives me a whole new outlook on what is destined to become a classic saga readers will discuss for ages.

I refuse to give too much away, because my whole view on the heroine, Elise, is completely changed. I want yours to be, too. Those of you that read the previous books and have the same preconceived notions that I formed about Elise, and others, may welcome the unexpected changes. Then again, you may not. Actually, my view on a lot of things is a bit warped with this one. I will say it's a lot sadder on many different levels. Not crying out loud sad, but sad for past life experiences and their consequences. But along with that pain and fear, comes the mean humor a lot of the characters possess to balance it out. Hallelujah!

DARK MOON retains the quality and exciting plot twists that I have come to expect from a very gifted storyteller. New revelations, more emotional themes (besides in bed!) and spiritual awakenings are prevalent here, but I find a depth to this book that had me reading a few pages twice. Sure you can read it without having to check out the previous two, but you shouldn't. All of them include characters to love/hate, unheard of weirdoes, and boundless sarcastic, no nonsense humor that keeps everyone from going crazy. So do yourself a favor and check out them all, and then wonder how you ever missed them before!

Shannon Johnson