The Forbidden: A Vampire Huntress Legend (Vampire Huntress Legends, 5)

As The Bitten came to a climatic end, I wondered where THE FORBIDDEN, the fifth book of the series, was going, or more specifically, where L.A. Banks was going to take it. On Damali's twenty-first birthday, she gained full powers as a Neteru Queen; the vampire huntress, and a team of Guardians to assist her. Once she became aware of her destiny to hunt and destroy vampires she learned that her friend, Carlos was a master vampire. They share an irregular kinship, made more significant because they are on opposing ends of good and evil. But the history between Damali and Carlos goes back to times before Damali was the huntress and Carlos was a vampire; he was her protector when she lived on the streets. The civil war between Damali, Carlos, Damali's Guardian squad, and the Vampire kingdom has just ended. The results brought, much chaos and many fatalities. The team is battle-weary and seeking refuge. An ill-advised predicament between Damali and Carlos has created a breach, and they must be chastened. Damali is separated from her team and summoned to the council of Neteru Queens. A disoriented Carlos is hidden from the Darkside and summoned to a council of Elders. Damali is stripped of some powers, Carlos is tripping on his ego, the Guardian team must step it up a notch, and time is running out. Damali and Carlos must be prepared to fulfill their destinies. During the civil war all of the top side vampire masters and three council level Vampires were exterminated. Lilith, the consort to the Un-Named One, is called to the seventh level of Hell to set affairs in order. This lethally sexy, black widow assassin has been given the power and authority to open the portals of Hell. She will prove to be Damali's fiercest nemesis. Her assignment is to wipe out Damali and the Guardian squad, but this Vamp has her own 'forbidden' history and her own secret agenda. Lilith has stolen an embryo that could produce the Anti-Christ, and give her ultimate power in the Vampire kingdom; but she needs Damali to accomplish it. A confrontation is inevitable, and what transpires is cataclysmic. L.A. Banks has again written an intense story with timeless characters and has unlocked the doors of her imagination in a way that is unprecedented. Where she takes THE FORBIDDEN is phenomenal. At some point, I realized that I was no longer reading a story, I was on an adventure. I anxiously await book six, The Damned. But this time I will be prepared, with silver bullets, garlic water, and a prayer in my heart. This is an awesome read. Reviewed by aNN of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

It is somewhat difficult to write a review for The Forbidden without revealing the intricate plots of the previous four novels - all of which are formidable in their own right - detailing the trials and growth of Damali Richards, Vampire Huntress, Purveyor of Righteousness, and Millennium Neteru. In The Forbidden, the battle of good and evil continues, picking up where the last novel, The Bitten, left off. In this episode, the team is splintered, deeply wounded, and exhausted (mentally, spiritually, and physically). Their faith, confidence, and fortitude have been challenged during the last battle that literally took them to Hell and back. Damali, herself, is wounded suffering from a terrible loss of her child and seeks direction from the Light. In a desperate act, Damali, is summoned to the Council of Neterus. It is here we gain history and insight into the fates of the Neterus that came before her - including the first, Eve. It is also where Damali must answer to her despicable and damning walk on the dark side with her lover/husband, Carlos Rivera, as detailed in The Bitten. She is counseled and disciplined severely. She is sent back ashamed, weaponless, separated from her team, but with a better understanding of the magnitude and recklessness of her lustful behavior. She begins a slow and confusing road to redemption and must now reunite and rebuild her team, avenge her past sins, and regain favor and trust of her enlightened mother-sisters. She must assist the resurrected Carlos in his transformation to become her equal counterpart, the male Neteru. They must put their egos aside and discover their destiny together while battling their most formidable foes to date: Carlos's sire (Satan's son) and Satan's wife (Lillith) who has stolen something from Damali that is more precious than life itself. This novel allows us to bid farewell to a few familiar characters and introduces fresh allies and enemies, discover new powers and abilities, and reinforces the purpose and vision for Damali and her team. It offers a wonderfully imagined blend of ancient folklore, mythology, religion, and culture that works brilliantly. Bank's creativity yields an epiphany for Damali and her readers because there were many "a-ha" moments. The plot is intricate and suspenseful, the characters numerous and complex, and timing is superb - great writing all around. The Forbidden sets the stage for more action, romance, and mystery - it is a wonderful chapter in a fantastic saga. I cannot wait to read The Damned in February! Reviewed by Phyllis Rhodes APOOO BookClub The Nubian Circle Book Club - Orlando, FL

Terrific! Mind-blowing! Mesmerizing! Heart-stopping! Spectacular! Five words to sum-up the 5th installment of L.A. Banks Vampire Huntress Series. The "Forbidden" picks up where the Bitten left off. The book opens with the Master Vampire Carlos regenerating in the SUN, only to find that he has lost his vampire powers; while his lover, Spoken Word Vampire Huntress Damalia, is recovering from a miscarriage. While struggling to figure out what their new roles in the war against evil could be, Damalia finds that her embryo has been taken by Lilith, the Devil's wife, in an attempt to create a baby that she desires. Although cunning, Lilith has underestimated Damalia's new powers, or the Councilman's desire to win the ultimate prize. The stage is set for the ultimate show-down! While dealing with the loss of her child; her lover's awareness of his new powers and his coming to grips that he is no longer what he once was (but something better); seeing her friend die and others in danger; forging new alliances (with Witches no less); strengthening the clergymen's faith (because they see,can't believe and are disillusioned by the Church); watching her mother figure (Marlene) struggle to make decisions (between the man she loves and a were-human); and loving a man so much it hurts (her soul mate Carlos) - she fights for the side of the Light. Banks effortlessly reintroduces characters (Juanita, Inez, Yonnie, Tara and Kamal) and introduces new ones (Benefield's family) in an effort to set the stage for more drama to come. If you are a lover of vampire novels, and want to get hooked like so many of her fans, this is the series for you. You will find yourself re-reading the books over and over to help you make it to the next installment. Banks has promised her fans 9 books and this one definitely leaves you wanting more..and February 2006 is not soon enough!

Effortless writing,intricate and articulately relayed details and a plot thicker than a Gutenberg bible. L.A Banks has done it again! Like many I have been awaiting the release date much like a giddy teenager in line at the DMV.The Book is 466 pages of genius. Really all of you who have followed the story of Damali and Carlos, which would become a troika in more ways than one know what im talking about. This is the "urban"Romeo and Juliet with a major twist and something supernatural thrown in for a major kickstart. Forbidden picks up with the rebirth of Carlos. They say true love never dies and thats all I will say on that issue. Ladies unclutch your bosom our fallible, would be hero is alive-- the well has yet to be seen. There is a new "evil actually an old evil on the prowl. Poor Light Warriors can never just take a vacation. From the teaser many of you know that Damali will bump heads with the Neteru Coucil and the first hill of your rollercoaster rider has begun. Separated from her team of Guardians & stripped of not only the Isis but her Sankofa symbol as well. Damali must rebegin the sojourn to prove that she has the wisdom, patience and grace to be the Millenium Neteru. Remember with great power comes great responsibility. If you read Book IV you know what I mean .Both scenic and insightful bringing modern day issues to prominent awareness. Forbidden gives one a passport to the world and all that lies beneath the world as we know it. With well developed characters and past personalities taking major roles in the ever on going battle between the light and dark. Its hard for one not to want to join and take up a crossbow or some holy water and have our girl's back. I have to agree with others this is one of the most worth while waits for a sequel. The Forbidden will have you hooked on vamps, witches, werewolves and all the like.

You will not be able to put this book down. If you are a fan of the Vampire Huntress series and even if you are not, L. A. Banks has outdone herself with the fifth installment. She layers in so much knowledge, plays with so many mythologies, flips the language so artistically, that it is almost impossible to not be fully engaged with the beautifully written captivating prose. What I appreciate most about the series and this installment is that Banks keeps it fresh and new. Just when you think, everything is fine--Carlos is now a Neturu--they should be okay, Banks throws in a few twists and turns that makes you stay on your toes. None of it is contrived. It is all character-driven and that to me makes it brilliant. I can't say more without giving things away, but I feel like I can't say enough about what a truly wonderful read The Forbidden is. From beginning to end, you will remain glued to the page. The action and drama are both present with a hint of romance as well as strong messages about good and evil. She also works in a social critique and commentary that is subtle enough to work and on-point enough to put some of the country's greatest minds out of business should Banks start thinking about a change of careers. But let's hope she doesn't because that would mean we wouldn't have these wonderful stories to read. This one is another winner. Buy it and read it today. You won't regret it!