Damien (The Nightwalkers, Book 4)

'Damien' is the best of the Nightwalker books. I enjoyed 'Jacob', was disappointed in 'Gideon', couldn't read 'Elijah,' but LOVED 'Damien'. Jacquelyn Frank continues to build her unique world of demons, druids, vampires, lycans, mistrals and shadowdwellers. We learn more of their culture and histories as the Nightwalkers gain lost knowledge of their dependence on one another. The story might be difficult to understand without reading at least the first two books. Damien, the Vampire Prince, rescues Syreena, the princess of the Lycans from the rogue demon Ruth. They discover their attraction to one another in the process. Many centuries old, Damien and most vampires, struggle with apathy...they've seen and done everything. But Syreena stirs new feelings in Damien and he pursues her as his mate. Syreena was raised in isolation and finds it difficult to balance the duty to the lycans with her feelings for Damien; he must convince her of the rightness of their relationship. Damien is a vampire who knows what he wants and goes after it, although he does make some mistakes along the way. Syreena is strong but not domineering. Ms. Frank does a fantastic job of writing so that the reader can actually feel the intensity of Damien and Syreena's relationship. I experienced many splendid chills down by back while reading this book.

This is a deeply romantic and entertaining tale by Jacquelyn Frank, and in my opinion is second only to Noah as her best work. The Plot: Damien is the prince of the vampires, a race of cold and cunning immortals. Syreena is a princess of the Lycanthropes, a uniquely gifted shape-shifter, who falls in love with Damien after he rescues her from the evil Demon magic-user Ruth.Their romance is complicated by the tenuous peace between their races, and the fact that vampires are not meant to fall in love. Why It Earned Five Stars: The characters are both strong and intriguing. They are determined and self-aware. The romance between them is truly beautiful. It is a dark twist on the timeless prince-meets-princess fairytale-as easy to relate to as it is fantastical. Frank manages to continue to build upon her universe while still giving her central couple the spotlight. In fact, she uses what goes on between Syreena and Damien as a way to build the drama in the larger Nightwalker world. The elements blend pleasingly.

Damien, is yet another Night Walker. In this book however, the main charchter is not a Demon as was the case in previous books. Damien is a Vampire Prince who ends up mating with Syreena, a Lycanthrope. Syreena is the sister and counselor of Siena, Queen of the Lycanthropes. In this book (#4) the previous story line continues as Ruth, a rouge demon continues to gain power and exact revenge for the death of her daughter Mary's mate. The various Night Walkers are drawn together by an ancient library that holds the history and secrets of all the species. Ruth has her own reasons for wanting to locate this library... she wants to uncover the secrets and spells that will give her limitless power over all. Every book in Jacquelyn Frank's 'Night Walker' series has offered something surprising; every book has breath-taking moments when you find yourself overwhelmed with emotions and Damien is no disappointment. In Jacob, right in the middle of his wedding to Bella, she and Legna are suddenly ripped away and you find yourself paralyzed with fear. In Gideon, you discover why this most ancient Demon has lived reclusively for the last 10 years and the shame he carries. In Elijah, on the eve of his wedding to his bride (Siena) she refuses to say she loves him and your heart breaks. Now in Damian, well... I won't give it away... but there is more than one moment when the unexpected occurs and leaves you on the edge of your seat. Jacquelyn Frank's words allow you to taste, smell, see, feel, hope, dream, fear, and desire everything her charachters do. She has the enate ability to place you inside them so you understand their point of view. I am no expert, but this series has provided me with an escape into a realm that, although fictional, comes to life and feels real. I would recommend Damien to everyone who enjoys paranormal books.

After reading the posted reviews, I almost didn't purchase Damien. I am so glad I did. Not only was Damien and Syreena's story wonderful, but Jacquelyn Frank continued to build her world about the Nightwalkers. Unlike other books I've read, I thought she did a beautiful job of expanding on the rest of characters without detracting from the core story.If you have enjoyed the first 3 books in this series, don't miss this one. I am looking forward to Noah's story next.

Damien is the Vampire Prince. He has lived for centuries. As is the nature of the vampire, Damien's life revolves around pleasure, selfishness and the hunt. He takes his position as Prince very seriously though, guarding his people ferociously. Syreena is a lycanthrope but one like no other. She has unique abilities and can change into several forms. She is revered by her Pride and even feared, for no one truly knows the extent of her abilities. Syreena's sister Sienna is the queen of the lycanthropes. Sienna has asked Syreena to guard the newly discovered library that contains hundreds of tomes pertaining to various Nightwalkers races. The library must be guarded fiercely against those who wish to use the information in those tomes to destroy the Nightwalkers. While on guard Syreena is kidnapped and brutalized by a traitorous Demon hell-bent on destroying the Nightwalkers. Damien saves Syreena but in the process they are both severely injured. Their closeness, born of necessity, creates something more, something irrevocable and impossible. The joining of two Nightwalker races is forbidden, although it has been done successfully in the past. Lycanthropes and vampires are least likely to be accepting of such a joining therefore, foes from all sides surround Damien and Syreena. One enemy in particular seethes with hatred for the Nightwalkers and relentlessly seeks to destroy them. This villain will stop at nothing and exploit any vulnerability to obtain the power it seeks. The most profound and joyous time of their lives is laced with danger and death as Damien and Syreena are thrown into a fight for their survival. Jacquelyn Frank weaves an intricately detailed and amazing story with Damien. Both lonely and alone, Damien and Syreena come together in a fiery display of love and passion. The longing before their joining and the intensity and rightness of their love is breathtaking. Syreena is charming. She has an almost childlike innocence but at the same time she has the sensuality of a woman and the aggressiveness of a born fighter. Damien is handsome, regal, and imposing. He oozes sensuality. Treachery, suspense, and eroticism fill the pages of Damien. The complexity of its storyline is matched by its brazen sensuality and edge-of-your-seat suspense. Each Nightwalker book has captivated me with a new set of lovers who face a new set of challenges. Damien is no exception. It is a fantastic story! Nannette reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed