Veena’s review of Forsaken (The World of the Nightwalkers, Book 3) by Jacquelyn Frank
Paranormal Romance published by Ballantine Books 07 Jan 14

I enjoy Ms. Frank’s imagination, but this series was not one that I embraced when it first started. I found the concept of body walkers very strange, almost repugnant, and had difficulty finishing Book 1. As the series continues and the author begins to color between the lines, I am getting drawn into the characters and the very real conflict that seems to be emerging.

Leo has suffered the tortures of the damned when his body is ripped apart and brought back to life. It is understandable that his faith and trust have been shaken perhaps beyond repair. He has been plunged into a paranormal world that most humans know nothing about, and, now that he knows, he wishes he didn’t. Jackson has been his friend since childhood, and together they have resisted the lure of gangs and violence that threatened them in their growing years to turn out to be good, solid human beings. Now that Jackson is sharing his physical body with an Egyptian Pharaoh, Leo feels lost and abandoned.

Bonds of his old friendship, however, compel him to get involved when an attack on the compound leaves Jackson mortally wounded. He’s also fascinated against his will by the Night Angel who comes to their rescue and heals Jackson temporarily, until a more permanent healing can be done. He sets off with her on a quest to find a Djynn to restore Jackson. Interesting play on nik naks and nikkis and what they mean to Djinn by the author. I love her imagination and I know that ever after when people talk about knick knacks I’ll think about these. Fascinated by Faith and the overwhelming peace she brings with her, his heart begins to melt and he’s able to regain his faith and friendship.

We get to meet several new and cool species and learn a bit about their powers. I am finally feeling the same sense of wonder and excitement that I experienced when I first read the Nightwalker series and fell into the worlds of Demons, Vampires, Lycanthropes as penned by this author. There are some early indications that we may actually interact with some of the characters from the original series.

This book is definitely stepping in the right direction with this series, and I am actually looking forward to the next book.

Grade:B

Summary:

As a mercenary, Leo Alvarez has signed on for a lot—but he never signed on for his best friend becoming host to the soul of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh. Jackson is now inhabited by a Bodywalker, and Leo is forced to grapple with a realm of supernatural beings far more dangerous than anything he’s ever encountered.

But when Jackson is wounded by an attack from a demon god, Leo must team up with another supernatural creature—a Night Angel—to save his friend from utter destruction. With skin as black as midnight, hair as white as snow, and a body of pure perfection, the Night Angel arouses a burning desire in Leo, even as he refuses to be intimidated by her power—or the power of those who would destroy his friend. An unusual alliance is forged, electrified by sexual temptation, and together the two must unite their strengths to bring down a supreme evil.

No excerpt available.

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