SWALLOWING DARKNESS

Author: Laurell K. Hamilton ISBN: 9780345495938 11/2008 PARANORMAL Publisher: BALLANTINE

I am Meredith, princess of faerie, wielder of the hands of Flesh and Blood, and at long last, I am with child–twins, fathered by my royal guard. Though my uncle, Taranis, King of Light and Illusion, claims that he is the true father since he abducted me from my home, betrayed, and defiled me. And now he has branded my guards as a threat to my unborn children. Bearing an heir has placed me halfway to my aunt’s throne, that much closer to my reign over the Unseelie Court—and well ahead of her son, my cousin Cel, in this race. Now I must stay alive to see my children born and claim my place as queen. But not all in faerie are pleased with the news, and conspirators from every court in the realm plot against me and mine. They seek to strip my guards, my lovers, from me by poisoned word or cold steel. But I still have supporters, and even friends, among the goblins and the sluagh, who will stand by me. I am Meredith Nic Essus, and those who would defy and destroy me are destined to pay a terrible price—for I am truly my father’s daughter. To protect what is mine, I will sacrifice anything—even if it means waging a great battle against my darkest enemies and making the most momentous decision ever made as princess of faerie.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

SWALLOWING DARKNESS is part of a series and I must admit I haven't read any of the previous books. I was a little bit lost in the beginning of this romantic fantasy and I wished I'd read at least some of the prior stories but I quickly found my footing. Let me tell you, my unsteadiness at the opening was worth it! Once I figured out (most!) of what was happening, I fell right into the story and didn't want it to end!

Merry Gentry is a heroine whose quick-thinking and ability to take risks and land on her toes makes this story a quick-flowing tale of adventure and romance. I don't recall ever being introduced to a character who is in the hospital after having been assaulted, but Merry, the Princess whose womb carries the hope of the future, doesn't linger overlong on the circumstances that bring her to this point in her life. Instead she focuses on what she needs to do in order to preserve and revive her people. Her dying people. The responsibility is huge but it rests with the Princess. Within a few chapters I see she's very definitely up to the task!

The storytelling is rich and vivid, and it takes only a heartbeat for me to fall firmly behind this unlikely heroine. I was caught up in Ms. Hamilton's world without reservation. SWALLOWING DARKNESS is the first book I've read by this author. It definitely won't be the last! I plan to read this series from the beginning because, quite frankly, I have no intention of missing the next installment.

Kay James