Veena’s review of Forbidden (The World of Nightwalkers, Book 1) by Jacquelyn Frank
Paranormal Romance published by Piatkus Books 30 Oct 12
I have been a fan of this author ever since I picked up and read her first NightWalker book. Her imagination and creativity really appeals to me and she’s been an automatic buy for all new releases. With her latest book, Forbidden, I’m very excited to see that she’s going back into the world of Nightwalkers and hopeful that we might have a chance to visit with some of the characters from the earlier books. In fact, this book opens with a scene that reinforces this belief when we briefly visit with Kestra and Bella as they discover a book about the Nightwalkers in the Demon Kings archives. Guess what? There’s even more excitement when Kestra and Bella discover that there are yet-to-be-discovered six species of Nightwalkers. I am thrilled that this book would mark the beginning of a number of books that would originate from Ms. Frank’s very innovative and creative brain. But, alas, I was soon lost and did not connect with this new species called BodyWalkers.
It’s an interesting premise. When a person dies suddenly and violently their soul lingers in the “ether” where they can be approached by a bodywalker, who is ready to return to earth. These people are then miraculously restored to life, despite having been pronounced dead. But they now share their body with the spirit of a bodywalker, and over time the two spirits or souls or personalities blend together. From a practical perspective, it just doesn’t do it for me.
Docia Waverly seems to be a pretty interesting character as the story opens, but almost immediately she is killed on her way to work. Brought into the hospital – against all odds after she has been pronounced dead at the scene – her heart begins beating again. She has a post-death experience where she agrees to become a host for a bodywalker in order to continue her life on earth.
As soon as she comes home from the hospital, her overprotective brother leaves her to go food shopping and she’s attacked and rescued by another person who claims to be her protector and another bodywalker. He takes her to a safe house where she meets others of his kind. I just could not continue reading the book. The story line is too far outside the norm and also I could not relate to the characters and this whole thought of multiple lives in one body concept, though we do not see too much of Docia’s bodywalker, who was fairly quiescent, supposedly exhausted after her journey into life in Docia’s body.
Even in my wildest imagination, I could never have imagined that I would abandon a book by Jacquelyn Frank. I know how much hard work goes into the creative process. This one isn’t for me and perhaps I will give the next book in this series a miss and wait for it to go back into a direction I can relate to.
Summary:
The unexpected happens in an instant. On her way to work, secretary Docia Waverley hurtles into a crashing crossroads, and she quickly begins to suspect that things will never be the same. Then, when a tall, blond, muscular stranger intervenes on her behalf, telling her it is his duty to protect her at all cost, what is just a feeling turns to proof positive. That is, as long as Docia’s savior doesn’t turn out to be a crazed kidnapper.
When Ram finds Docia, he has no doubt that she is his queen. But as this golden warrior sweeps in to protect her, he feels something more than body heat every time they touch. He is overwhelmed by a searing connection that goes deep into the twin souls inside him. A desire rises in him that is forbidden—this woman is his queen, the mate of his king, his leader, his best friend. And yet Docia is so vulnerable and attractive that she awakens a hunger in Ram that is undeniable, a carnal craving he cannot yield to . . . not without risking the very survival of the Bodywalkers.
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Other books in this series:
OMG. I thought it was just me. I have not been able to finish this book and Gideon (Nightwalkers, Book 2) is one of my top 5 favorite books of all time.
I just couldn’t get into this one so I have been reading it on and off for 3 weeks.
This is so disappointing! It doesn’t surprise me, though, because when reading Ms. Frank’s books, I never know if I’m getting the whole idea/thought/concept, whatever. That hasn’t prevented me from enjoying her books, but sounds as thought it may finally happen with this one. We’ll see when I finally get around to reading it. Thanks for the review, Veena!
I’m having a hard time with this book. I loved this author when she was writing the Nightwalkers series. I have decided I won’t buy her books now unless I find them at my favorite used bookstore. I just can’t get into her writing anymore
I am glad that I am not alone but sad because I really have enjoyed the author’s nightwalker series and found her very engaging and interesting when I had the opportunity to meet with her in person a few years ago when she attended RT in LA. I have also enjoyed her other series which was supposed to be a trilogy but seems stalled after the second book. I am sending good thoughts to her muse.