Upon the Midnight Clear

I don't know why this book doesn't have better reviews. I found myself more engrossed in Aidan and Leta's story than in some of my more recent reads. A truly enjoyable treat of a tale.

I stumbled upon the Dark Hunter books really by accident and have just TORE through them. They are clever, well written, and completely pull you into Ms. Kenyon's fantasy world. My favorite is still "Night Play" about the Were Hunters (the wolf, Vane). I can't wait until she writes more about Fang and Fury (Vane's brothers). Do not misunderstand me...when I say "favorite" it does not mean the others are any less worthwhile. If you love fantasy/sci-fi AND romance, these books are for you.

I found this book a fun, quick read. It is not a full-length novel but then its not advertised as one. If you're a Sherrilyn Kenyon fan and have read the other Dark Hunter books, you will most likely find this book as an entertaining short break in your day.

Sherrilyn Kenyon was up front and honest about the size and content of this book. She TOLD us it was shorter than her regular novels. She TOLD us it was a christmas story NOVELLA. She never misled us or promised anything different. The book was good, it introduced new characters to love, and increased our knowledge of existing ones. It let us in on some things we'd speculated about but not yet seen. If you don't like it, TOUGH! It's no reason to bash it. Anyone who read this book and got nothing from it, in my not-so-humble opinion, didn't read it thoroughly enough. The characterizations in this book were incredible. Some peripheral characters will catch your attention and make you wonder or want more. Some characters from previous books are shown in a new light. The insight into the day to day fear experienced by Dream Hunters and their leaders will leave you gnawing at your hand and FUMING at the originator of that fear. The intra-family relationships will give you pause, and sadden you. The actions of a few of the characters will give you hope for their futures. These characters have run the gamut of love to hate, and learn to love again, releasing a wall of indifference that keeps them separated from those who would care for them. The font was larger, by the way, from her older fans requests. You know, those of us with failing eyesight and a love to read. It was kind of her and her publishers to help us out. The characters were vibrant, AS USUAL. The scenes heart-rending and Laugh-making, AS USUAL. The background was believable, understandable, and Myth-compatible. The scenery was well described, and actually essential to the story. The new characters have me wanting more, and the VIGNETTES were the Icing on the cake. The insight provided into the world of the Hunters, be they Dream, Were, or Dark, was excellent. If you didn't like it, Fine. I'll buy an extra copy of her next books, so that she feels not the loss of you and your poor opinion. I support the AG, and I put my money where my mouth is. I have not yet read a book by this Author that I haven't liked.

I was surprised when I went to write this review that the book was getting poor reviews. After reading them, I do agree that it reads more like a short story then a full novel, however, it is well written and fast paced and I enjoyed the storyline more then some of her more recent books, which seem to get a little repetitive. This book took a different turn, more like fantasy lover. One ancient God protecting a mortal against another God. I thought the character background and development was just enough for this shorter story and was tearing up by the end where they show their willingness to selfless acts for the other. If you like her books, this is definitely worth buying. If other people's complaints about it being a short story are scaring you off, I guess I would just state that there are many times I wish even a short story was released from my favorite authors so I can indulge in their characters more then once or twice a year. If you only read sparingly throughout the year you might be disappointed. If you read alot I don't think you will miss the length you usually see in her other books.