Dark Watcher

DARK WATCHER only gets better with each re-reading! Lilith Saintcrow has created a world where good, known as the Lightbringers, battles evil, known as the Dark. Lightbringers are witches whose very existence in a city will reduce the crime rate. The Circle of Lightfall is an organization dedicated to protecting Lightbringers by assigning Watchers to the Lightbringers. Watchers have a bit of the Dark in them and the touch of a Lightbringer causes pain- unless the Lightbringer is their witch. Dante is a Watcher assigned to Lightbringer Theodora Morgan. Upon meeting her, he realizes she is his witch- and that she is in grave danger as she is part of a group of 3 Lightbringers and a Teacher, all unprotected except for himself and the Watcher Hanson. The Dark has started to attack in full force. How will Dante protect Theodora? Will she accept that she is his witch? And what is this about a Guardian spell? DARK WATCHER has a unique blend of a sweet romance paired with strong paranormal action scenes. Theodora doesn't instantly trust Dante but adopts a wait-and-see approach. Dante is focused only on protecting Theodora and he embodies the tall, dark, handsome man of whom so many dream. Theodora is a well-developed character who demonstrates a perfect balance of strength and sensitivity. She is a healer and seeks out strays to help ease their pain. Dante's pain touches her as no other has and she seeks to comfort him despite her own fears. DARK WATCHER is an excellent combination of fantasy and the paranormal. Lilith Saintcrow has created an intriguing and complex fantasy world that immediately draws the reader in and doesn't let go until the very last page. Do not start reading DARK WATCHER unless you have plenty of time to finish it as this is one book you will not want to put down! COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

Theodora Morgan is a witch, not just any witch, but a healer. She and three friends who are witches also, have a temple to the goddess in the basement of Theo's store The Magick Cauldren. Theo doesno't usually stay very long in one place but finding like minded friends has given her the push she needs to stay in one place longer than usual. Dante is a watcher, sworn to protect those with psychic power from the evils of the Dark Crusade, and the darkness that is waiting to swallow and feed on the light in those people. He doesn't usually reveal his presence, but the circumstances force him to come clean with Theo. The fact of there being four light-bringers togather is like a lamp in the darkness and evil is determined to destroy them. Every watcher has to take some darkness into himself in order to be able to have the power to protect them, this causes pain to the watcher especially if he touches a light-bringer. However, it is said, and promised that there is one witch for each watcher who can give him peace and stop the pain caused by the darkness. When Dante sees Theo he knows she is his witch. I loved the story. Very good plot and wonderful characters. Do not miss it.

I saw an earlier review and it made me curious and boy and I so glad it did. This is one of the best books I have read in a really long time. It had such a strong story line and such great characters. Theo is a witch and such an earth mother that she feels the need to take care of every stray that wanders into her path. Dante is a warrior with a dark past that has chosen a new path in his life. He is a Watcher chosen by the Circle Lightfall, an organization of witches, to protect Theo. She doesn't trust the Circle and Dante's willingess to use violence is very disurbing to her. How they learn to trust each other and develop their relationship is wonderful to watch. There is no contrived sexual tension here, it is all real. The chemistry between the two characters just jumps off the page. Also, just as a side note, as someone who has studied paganism and Wicca I found Ms. Saintcrow's attention to detail absolutely marvelous and refreshing.

Dark Watcher is responsible for keeping me up at night. It grabbed me, and I didn't want to put it down. Lilith Saintcrow is a top-notch story teller. Her use of language transcends that of virtually any romance I've read and that of most fantasies. She is an artist with words, painting elegant portraits of her characters and their environs. Now I'm just waiting for the sequel, which is slated to be released this year.

A wonderful ride in the fantasy/romance/adventure genre. This book has something for just about everyone. Dark Watcher brings a new perspective on the ways the magical and mundane worlds co-exist, and I love the way Ms. Saintcrow blends magic and romance into a compelling story.