Lawson’s review of The Immortal Hunter (Argeneau Vampires, Book 11/Rogue Hunters, Book 2) by Lynsay Sands
Paranormal romance released by Avon 31 Mar 09
I am a fan of Sands’ Argeneau or vampire (Immortals) series and will probably be for some time. This isn’t to say that some of the books are better than others, but there are many other stories to tell in this world. This is the second in a loose series following Council Enforcers, or rouge vampire hunters. Enforcers keep the peace in the community when an immortal goes rogue or starts hurting humans for a variety of dastardly purposes. The first book followed one of these hunters and Immortal Hunter follows another, Decker (Argeneau) Pimms.
It’s hard to know where to start with this book. Most of the plot of the story, or at least the rogue hunter part, was introduced in the first book, The Rogue Hunter, in the prologue, and then never mentioned again. Probably not the best way to have things flow, but since it’s a loose series, letting it go is not a big deal. The action picks up right where Rogue Hunter left off, with Mortimer and his life-mate having to prove she won’t reveal all the immortal secrets as she’s decided not to be turned yet.
From some other events in Rogue Hunter that are revealed in this one, a rogue that has been on the run for fifty years is discovered and Decker and Mortimer’s partner Bricker are sent after him. The rogue, Nicholas Argeneau, is on the hunt of some other rogues who kidnap women and. . . let’s just say it’s not pretty. While trying to free two new victims of the rogues, as well as take them into custody, Nicholas disappears, as one of the rogues has escaped with one of the victims.
And the chase begins. The story takes place over about 48 hours, and it’s pretty fast-paced. Decker and Bricker chase Nicholas and the rogues, as well as try to convince Dr. Danielle McGill, whose sister was taken by the one rogue, that they will get their man and her sister back alive. Danielle also has to cope with the fact that she’s been told she’s Decker’s life-mate and what that could mean for her own future.
Since the action takes place over a couple of days, there’s a lot of things that are rather heavy handed, like Danielle’s being told about the immortals, being Decker’s life-mate, and some of her actions in trying to get her sister back. It’s not as though she’s TSTL and I’m sure many people would behave the same way in the same situation, but she comes across as a bit flighty rather than a strong woman. Decker is a bit the same way, as he does lie to Danielle a bit to hide the facts about his life, which, of course, most people don’t know, and seems to not know how to talk to her very well.
There’s also a big back and forth in the characters’ actions in seeking the rogue and Danielle’s sister, as well as trying to find Nicholas Argeneau. Danielle, obviously overwhelmed by the whole thing, isn’t really thinking all that straight, what with her sister missing, the life-mate thing, but she does roll in the hay with Decker rather quickly (and literally) and buys into the immortal world and lifestyle much faster than quite a few of the previous newbies.
The other thing is the introduction of a new group in the vampire world, the edentata, which just seemed like a convenient plot device to add to the craziness of the rogues and their plan for. . .whatever they think they need to accomplish. Everything added together makes a big jumbled mess and there’s not an easy way to not be confused by the lighter moments mixed in with the darker moments that get mixed into the chasing-down-the-rogues story. I don’t even know what grade to give this book. What comes out of it, though, is perhaps a hope that Nicholas’ story, the next book, will be a bit less of a muddle and maybe explain things a little more.
Grade: C- D+ D ????
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Summary:
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Even vampires need a vacation. But Decker Argeneau’s ends abruptly when he’s asked to help hunt the group of rogue vampires targeting mortals — one that might include a defector in his own family. Before he can worry about that, though, he’s got to rescue the latest victim. It’s all part of the job, including taking a bullet for a beautiful doctor.
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Dr. Danielle McGill doesn’t know if she can trust the man who just saved her life. There are too many questions, such as what is the secret organization he says he’s part of, and why do his wounds hardly bleed? However, with her sister in the hands of some dangerous men, she doesn’t have much choice but to trust him.
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Except now Decker’s talking about life mates and awakening a passion that’s taking Dani beyond anything she’s ever known. Being undead may not be half-bad…especially if it means spending forever with a man who would love her with his mind, body, and immortal soul.
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Read an excerpt (scroll down).
Other books in the series:
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