There was a time when everyone didn’t want Cassie Palmer dead. Unfortunately, that time seems to have passed, at least in Cassie’s eyes. Generally a non-confrontational person, enough war mages have come after her that Cassie had to learn how to use a gun. It used to only be for self-defense, but now she’s more than likely to shoot first, then ask for names. As usual, the proverbial crap is hitting the fan and time is running out for Cassie to find the counter spell to the geis binding her and vampire Lord Mircea. A twist of fate doubled the effects of the geis and, unless Cassie destroys it, it will either make her or Mircea go mad. Not a very nice end…

Unfortunately, the only lead Cassie has on a spell is that it may be contained in the Codex Merlini, a long-lost but much desired book said to be able to give the holder unlimited power. But her search for the book is waylaid by traps and treachery, with magic bombs whizzing by her head in what seems a constant barrage, and clothing with a mind of its own. It quickly becomes clear that her first task is figuring out whom she can trust.

Wow! EMBRACE THE NIGHT is another edge-of-your-seat ride with Cassie Palmer. There is no gentle introduction to the tale. Readers are thrown into the deep end with Cassie from the first page, so to keep up with all of the characters and the background for the plot, it is highly recommended that you enjoy the series in order. Karen Chance does a fantastic job of keeping to the high standards for plot, humor, romance, and action that she set in the first book, TOUCH THE DARK. I have to say that the clothes tickled me the most, from dresses that change color and image according to mood, to outfits that could be categorized as weapons in their own right.

Secondary characters almost steal the spotlight, from the bevy of lost children who practically get adopted by the casino employees, to the nearly blind vampire butler who can barely hear, either. These bright and humorous extras round the edges of what would otherwise be a dark tale. Cassie has grown tremendously over the course of three books and finally starts coming in to her own in EMBRACE THE NIGHT. Check it out to see what happens next in this exciting series!

Kathy Samuels