The Awakening

The Awakening is the second book in LA. Banks' Vampire Huntress Series. Here Carlos Rivera (master vampire) must work with Damali Richards (Huntress), her Guardian team and the Covenant, to rid the world and the under world of rouge Master vampire, Fallon Nuit. In this book, readers get to see how Damali Richards learns she's the Millennium Neteru. Meaning her womb is able to carry daywalkers. And evil wants her body to carry out their that purpose. Damali also continues to come into her huntress powers, where her mind and body strenthen. L.A. Banks knows what she's doing. This woman has talent!! Her writing style is brillant for the characters in this Vampire series. This is a beautifully written piece of work, that I could read a thousand times and still find something new re-read. The lead characters, as well as the supporting characters seem to be real people. Many of the aspects represented here are rooted in reality. The Awakening is jam packed full of goodies. Anyone young, old, short, tall, black, white, asian, latin, you name it. Can renjoy this heart-pounding, intriguing, alluring, thrilling, chilling, spell-bounding, provocative, blazing, and hyponitic piece of art!

I haven't picked up a good vampire novel in quite a while. After reading the work of the authors whom I considered the masters of vampire fiction: Anne Rice, Stephen King, and even Robert McCammon, author of "They Thirst", I really didn't have high expections for this novel or any others in this genre. What a surprise to discover that a Philadelphia sistah has written a bona fide, nail-biting vampire novel that is equal if not better than Anne Rice, et. al. Damali, the Huntress is a black woman with locks. The multi-racial cast of characters added depth to this superbly written tale. For me, one of the high points of the story is when Carlos, Damli's former friend now turned vampire invades her compound. There is unexpected erotica during this encounter that left me breathless. The cover illustration is phenomenal. I heard there's going to be a movie (or perhaps movies) I'm not sure, but I hope so. I'm so excited I have to back track and pick up Minion and I'll read The Hunted next. Kudos to Ms. Banks for reawakening my love of vampire novels.

This books takes right up where the first one left off and doesn't miss a single beat. The characters seem so real that you'll refer to them by name to people you meet. I do!!! I'm glad to know that there will be more in this series. L.A. is doing a great job of making vampires as real as the rest of us.

I could not put this book down! Not only does this story have great vampire fight scenes, but the characters' interaction and conflicts are intriguing. Banks knows her occult lore and designs some of her own theories to explain the unexplainable. I love her descriptions of the layers of Hell, and the central idea that what you send out is returned to you. Unlike Anita Blake, who says she is a Christian, but we never see her beliefs as a part of her. Damilia's deeply rooted beliefs are what make her an ideal vampire huntress. She understands evil, because she truly believes in the ultimate good. I LOVE Carlos. In my opinion, he is the most interesting character. Within him is the ultimate struggle between good and evil. The relationship between Damilia and he, is so moving. I can't wait to read the next book, The Bitten.

The Awakening is the second installment of the Vampire Huntress saga authored by L. A. Banks. I enjoyed Minion, but I LOVED The Awakening. The battle between good & evil, laced with the deadly romantic attraction between Neteru and Master Vampire was intoxicating. Damali, Neteru, is coming into her own. Her birthday is nearing and so is her vulnerability to the master vampires stalking the Earth. Every demonic creature imaginable is aware of this historical event, but only the vampires have the ability to use it to their evil advantage.Carlos and Damali have always shared a bond, an attraction. Carlos always felt the need to protect Damali...kind of like her guardians. But when opportunity presents itself, can the softhearted drug lord resist. Carlos gets caught up in something that even his arrogant street-wise character can't reverse. The Vampires approach Carlos with a lucrative offer. His decision and actions thereafter can shift the balance between good and evil.The author delivered constant action, mental stimulation, and tweaked every human sense available. I'm twitching in anticipation for the next book. I sat in awe as I read. I'm a big vampire fan, and the urban spin that Banks weaves into this series mesmerizes me. I wish it were a weekly sitcom. When you pick The Awakening up to read, siphon off enough time to complete it because once you pick it up, you won't put it back down until . . .