THE WILD ROAD

Author: Marjorie M. Liu ISBN: 9780843959390 8/2008 PARANORMAL Publisher: DORCHESTER

A woman wakes in a strange room, covered in blood, surrounded by the dead. She does not know who she is. Pinned on her jacket is a crumpled note. Run, it reads. Lannes Hannedlore is one of a dying race born to protect mankind against demonic forces. And while those who look upon him see a beautiful man, this illusion is nothing but a prison. His existence is one of pure isolation, hiding in plain sight, with brief solace found in simple pleasures: stretching his wings on a stormy night, long late drives on empty highways, the deep soul of sad songs. But when Lannes finds a young woman covered in blood—desperate and alone, with no memory or past—he will be drawn into a mystery that makes him question all he knows. And though it goes against his nature and everything he hears, Lannes will risk his heart, his secrets, and his very soul, in order to save someone who could be the love of his life... or the end of it.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

I am so happy to say that THE WILD ROAD is a great addition to the Dirk & Steele novel collection. I still don't know what SOUL SONG was about, but at least Liu is back in her element with strange characters and even stranger, seriously engrossing plots. I love it!

While I confess to figuring a bit of the bad guy stuff out early, there are plenty of surprises and events to keep a reader off balance and anxious for more. While the romance may not be as good as Liu gets, gargoyles are not exactly my thing but that's my problem. It is still edgy and intriguing enough to make my rooting for the happy ending a real thing. The fact that I am relieved there is a happy ending says something about Liu's fantastic writing style.

My one complaint is that while this is a Dirk & Steele novel, it seems to be about new folks rather than the team I know and love. Perhaps Liu thinks they need more friends and allies or something? Either way, it's a good, dark read, and showcases Liu's talent wonderfully.

Shannon Johnson