Dayhunter: The Second Dark Days Novel (Dark Days Series, 2)

Dayhunter picks up immediately where Nightwalker ends (if you haven't read Nightwalker in a while, the beginning is a jolt). Our reluctant, fire-wielding, sword-swinging heroine, Mira, travels to Venice to announce to the Coven (the ruling body of vampires) that the naturi (evil, nature elf-demons) are trying to end the world as humans know it and as vamps run it. Mira has just come from one battle which nearly killed her, only to enter a political war which nearly kills her (multiple times). Mira is then forced to become a player in the world of vampire politics and in-fighting which she has avoided for most of her 6 century life. This book covers a short period of time (ess than one week), and the pacing matches, counterbalancing action and battle scenes, with vicious political maneuvers. The brilliance of this series is a heroine who tries to do the right thing when the options are terrible, because she believes in doing the right thing (oh, and she kicks butt while doing it). Now, that does not make Mira a sap, a white-hat, or a cape-wearer. She struggles with the knowledge that she could take the ruthless way out, letting people die just because it's easier. There are many unknown factors to the story, many of them are political (Themis--the research & warlock council, the Coven--the vampire-government, lycanthrope packs, and the naturi monarchy). While some readers may find this information tedious, it is well presented within the story, and it contributes to Drake's world-building. Another unknown is Danaus, the hunter. Romantic tension with this character (and others) exists, and adds interest to the whirlwind of events; however, this is not a romance novel, so some readers may be disappointed in the lack of 'neatness' of Mira's relationships or in her confused emotional states. If you like Karen Chance, early Anita Blake by Laurel K. Hamilton, or the Fever series by Karen Marie Moning, I think you'll enjoy this series. I look forward to the next installment.

A new day dawns blood red A master of fire, Mira is the last hope for the world. For centuries she has secretly enforced the history-altering edicts of the Triad. Now she and her unlikely ally--the human vampire hunter, Danaus--have come to Venice, home of the nightwalker rulers. But there is no safety in the ancient city, for the threat of conflict is in the wind . . . with unholy alliances and earth-shattering betrayals taking hideous form in the shadows. Banished for eons beyond the world's boundaries, the malevolent naturi prepare to feed once again upon a vulnerable earth--and treachery is opening wide the portal that will enable their dread re-emergence. The great battle that has always been Mira's destiny is looming, and she must remain powerful in the face of a shocking revelation: that Danaus, the only creature she dares to trust, is something more than the man he claims to be . . . Wonderfully written, fast- paced and descriptive this novel was filled with nonstop action, a cliffhanger that will have you running to the store to buy book 3 ,Dawnbreaker in September. In this second installment of the Dark Days series we get to see a glimpse of the softer side of Mira, that part of her that she is hesitant to show for fear that others will think her weak. Mira struggles with several secrets that could destroy the life she is trying so hard to protect. I would suggest that anyone thinking of reading this go out and purchase book 1, Nightwalker so you may get the complete story of the Dark Days series by Jocelynn Drake.

My oh my oh my...I was riveted from the moment I opened this book. I had been waiting very impatiently for it to come out, and it definitely didn't disappoint. Drake creates the perfect mix of danger, inhuman violence, and very human emotion with these characters. Her world building is excellent, and the dash of sexual tension she has thrown in is just enough to intrigue, but not overwhelm the rest of the plot. I'm impressed, and can't wait for the next one.

Fire master NIGHTWALKER Mira has always understood her role as a secret weapon deployed by the ruling Triad to keep the evil Naturi from returning, but now also she knows who she is after centuries of wondering why she is so different from her vampire peers. Mira has made a shaky truce with the vampire hunter Danaus, a human although both know they are natural enemies who probably will one day fight to the death. The ruling Nightwalker coven orders Mira to come to Venice for a special assignment. She is wary, trusting no one, not even her former mentor. Mira, Danaus who is now part of the Triad, and other members prevent Naturi Rowe from opening the locked portal that prevents his species from crossing over. However, Mira knows it is not over and that some of the Nightwalkers are betraying their kind and the humans; with only the vampire slayer Danaus apparently on her side though she doubts she can depend on him to help her. This excellent fast-paced urban fantasy is owned by Mira, Danaus, and Venice. The city makes a great location for a dark gritty world in which the protagonist trusts no one; not even the mentor the heroine has cherished. Mira is terrific as she still struggles with self-revelations that she learned of in the first Dark Days novel, and now betrayal of those who she should be able to depend on and a survival alliance with a natural enemy the human vampire hunter. The changing of the relationship between Danaus and Mira is the heart and soul of DAYHUNTER, as anything may be creeping out of the shadows thanks to treachery, but even her new partner conceals secrets re who he is and what his agenda is as fans wonder if another seditious act is occurring. Harriet Klausner

Dayhunter is the sequel to Nightwalker (Dark Days, Book 1). You must read the first book before you read this installment. This book was so good, I gobbled it up in one setting. Mira is a 600+ year old Vampire and Fire Starter.This book picks up hours after the events in Nightwalker. Mira and the triad (Jaberi,Sadira and Danaus) have just used her as a weapon to pulverize the Naturi. In this volume we see Mira and Danaus travel to Venice to meet the Vampire Coven. The action is non-stop. Mira is strong and yet has a vulnerable side unlike most UF Fantasy heroines. The world building is top notch. I love Danaus. Here we get the revelation as to what he is. Their chemistry sizzles. There is one lovemaking scene between Mira and a Lycanthrope which is tastefully depicted as an act of healing and joy. However the relationship between her and Danaus continues to percolate. The end of the book is a cliffhanger. Thankfully we only have to wait till Se[tember to find out what happens next with Dawnbreaker (Dark Days, Book 3).