New Orleans, Louisiana; Washington, D.C.; Seattle, Washington, and Pensacola, Florida - Present Day

Special Agent Heather Wallace has been tracking the Cross Country Killer for three long years. His latest kill appears to be in New Orleans. Just one problem, if he did commit this murder, his pattern has changed. He marked the victim with an anarchy symbol and left a message written in blood on the wall next to the body. Is it a coincidence that the body is left next to Club Hell where a band whose lead singer wears the anarchy symbol performs? Heather doesn’t think so, but what is Dante’s (the lead singer of the band) connection to the CCK? Is he an ally of the killer, or his next victim?

Dante’s band, Inferno, is very popular among the goth/punk/wannabe vampire set, as is Club Hell (which he’s rumored to own). He’s not all that concerned about the CCK; he’s secure in the knowledge that, though he’s not completely invulnerable, his nightkind traits make him darn close. The nightkind, in case you didn’t know, are commonly referred to as vampires. Dante is certainly unusual, even among the nightkind. His memory starts just a few years ago, and any attempts to think about the past cause him great pain. How and when he became nightkind, and just what exactly caused his memory loss, are secrets that may never come to light.

An F.B.I. agent and a vampire may not seem like good partners in a race to capture a serial killer, but if Heather and Dante stand a chance of surviving, that’s just what they’ll have to become. For the CCK is in town, and he’s got his eyes on them both.

A RUSH OF WINGS is Adrian Phoenix’s debut novel, and let me assure you, it’s not a story you’ll want to miss. The author has breathed life into both her characters and the setting of this novel. Heather is intelligent, full of heart, and bolder than is perhaps wise at times. Raised by a father who excelled at his job but lacked in parental skills, Heather knows what it’s like to be disappointed by those you should be able to count on the most. Though she can’t help but be intrigued by Dante, she’s determined to resist getting closer to him than is necessary for the case. Because obviously anyone who believes himself to be a vampire has mental problems that need to be dealt with. Dante is, to say the least, a tormented man. If the lyrics of his songs don’t make it clear, then time spent with him soon will. Despite the pain he suffers and the mystery of his past, he’s still the kind of person who would make a good friend. He’s honest (and expects you to be as well), blunt, and protective of those he welcomes into his inner circle. But make no mistake, he is a dangerous man. If he ever recovers his memories and comes fully into the power he possesses, watch out world!

It’s a welcome thing when well-developed lead characters are supported by equally interesting secondary characters, and that’s certainly the case here. Heather’s boss, Craig Stearns, is a stand-up guy. A hard man, he nevertheless cares about Heather. Lucien De Noir is the official owner of Club Hell; he’s also very close to Dante. Lucien obviously isn’t nightkind; however, the truth about what exactly Lucien is remains a mystery throughout much of the book. Then there’s Von, a bouncer at Club Hell; his choice to remain in one place is a bit odd due to his status as a gypsy. It soon becomes obvious that he is quite close to Dante and that he takes his job of protector very seriously. Then there are Thomas Ronin (nightkind) and E (mortal). They’ve recently shown up in New Orleans and appear to be harboring secrets; just what they are won’t be quickly revealed. There are many other characters who deserve a mention, but space is limited, so you’ll have to get the book and meet them yourself.

A complex, layered story filled with twists and turns that will keep you (and the characters) wondering who can be trusted and just what will happen next, make this an unbeatable read. There’s nothing better than reading a debut novel and discovering that it has been penned by a truly talented author. Oh wait, maybe there is one thing better, knowing that the book is just the first in a new series! Look for the next book in January 2009.

For a dark, rich treat you won’t soon forget, buy your copy of A RUSH OF WINGS today.

Lori Ann