Stalking Darkness: The Nightrunner Series, Book 2

I had to review this book because I can't get it out of my head (and I'd quite like to get on with some work). I read the entire Nightrunner series, twice. In a week. There was so much joy in reading it, that I felt the need to repeat the experience. It was just as good the second time round, if not better, because I took more time to gush over particular passages and characters. I'm hooked for good, I reckon. It may seem strange that I chose to review the second book in the series. I do so because this installment resonated with me more deeply than the other two (I just barely restrained myself from reading it a third time). The first book is really mostly an introduction to Seregil and Alec, the world of Skala, streets of Rhiminee, characters of wizardry, thievery, royal lines, gods, etc. Though strong in its own right, it delves a little too deeply in historical and religious set-ups. The third book, on the other hand, develops the world of Aurenfaie and makes for a complex read of clans and interrelations, each with lengthy names and extensive personal networks that requires quite a bit of concentration. In contrast, this second book focuses mainly on the relationship between Seregil and Alec, and how their friendship grows into a much deeper love in the face of tremendous odds. This book focuses on growth. Alec becomes a confident spy. Seregil a marvelous teacher. While Alec comes of age, learning the ins and outs of intrigues among high society, he gains a mature understanding of love (in the 21st century, thank you Ms. Flewelling!), Seregil also grows, by learning that everything in life has its price. Needless to say, it's the awkward growth of the keen, pristine love between Alec and Seregil that is most preciously exquisite. Stalking Darkness is a book of balance and contrast. Love against evil. Fantasy that lives in a very real reality. Nobility versus thievery and sewage workers. The sweet friendship that grows between all characters in the beginning of the book is genuine and realistic. It is a beautiful counterpoint to the dark ending. Rarely have I come across a book so alive. This book has it all: love, evil, torture, sacrifice, trickery, humor, friendship, misunderstanding and realization. Within an apparent simplicity of writing, Ms. Flewelling demonstrates a huge talent for drawing us into a real world of characters we genuinely care about.

Stalking Darkness is the gripping sequel to Luck in the shadows. Though somewhat darker than its predecessor, it is every bit as impossible to put down. Lynn Flewelling's characters are back in full force, and she portrays their various hardships and comradeship in a moving and powerful way. Things begun in the first book come to a head in this one. It really is not to be missed.

"Stalking Darkness" is the second book in Flewelling's Nightrunner Series, and a direct continuation of the previous book, so you'd best have read the first installment to know what's going on. You've got action, you've got suspense, you've got murder and dark magic and skullduggery (whatever that means. I got it off the cover of one of the books). All of the events set up in the first novel come to a head here, resulting in both great gains and terrible losses for our heroes Alec and Seregil. Read this. But read "Luck in the Shadows" first. Then read "Traitor's Moon." And every other book the author writes thereafter. You'll be doing three people a favor: Yourself, by finding a wonderful source of entertainment in a great story; the author, by putting her kids through school with your purchase; and me, by bestowing upon me the honor of taking my advice to heart.

Buy this book! Ignore the bigots who are 'uncomfortable' about the guys relationship. Sheesh, what is this 1899? In my opinion the refreshing openness of the growing love between Alec and Seregil is one of the best things about this series. The fact that they are both males doesn't change the fact that they are *soulmates*. (In fact, it enhances it for me ^.^) This story is a lot deeper and darker than 'Luck in the Shadows'. The plot races along, the characters capture you, and the end is just stunning. LF has created the finest universe in fantasy fiction, and her characters have carved a place in my heart. I recommend the third book in this universe, 'Traitor's Moon' as well, it is even better than this one, hard as it is to believe. The sad bigots out there might want to avoid it though, as the heroes relationship is woven beautifully throughout the story. Nothing explicit, but their love shines through, and is a vital part of the plot. Thanks LF! (BTW this is a repost of an earlier review I made under a different email addy)

Buy this book! Ignore the bigots who are 'uncomfortable' about the guys relationship. Sheesh, what is this 1899?? In my opinion the refreshing openness of the growing love between Alec and Seregil is one of the best things about this series. The fact that they are both males doesn't change the fact that they are *soulmates*. (In fact, it enhances it for me ^.^) This story is a lot deeper and darker than 'Luck in the Shadows'. The plot races along, the characters capture you, and the end is just stunning. LF has created the finest universe in fantasy fiction, and her characters have carved a place in my heart. I recommend the third book in this universe, 'Traitor's Moon' as well, it is even better than this one, hard as it is to believe. The sad bigots out there might want to avoid it though, as the heroes relationship is woven beautifully throughout the story. Nothing explicit, but their love shines through, and is a vital part of the plot. Thanks LF!