Seattle, Washington and the World of the Others - Present Day

The Paladins and the Others have been enemies for generations now. But the recent arrival of Barak, a former Other warrior, along with some revelations regarding the smuggling of powerful blue stones from his world, has led to the current situation. Barak was going to ask his sister, Lusahn, to help him figure out who the traitor is; unfortunately, he was wounded in the process of rescuing his mate, Lacey, so he couldn’t meet Lusahn at the appointed time. Instead, Cullen Finley, the Paladin nicknamed the Professor for his calm, intellectual way of approaching problems, is supposed to toss a note to Lusahn when the barrier goes down. But Cullen has a better idea; he crosses the barrier himself, then finds himself trapped on the other side with a very angry Lusahn. What happened to the Professor’s well thought out strategies this time?

Lusahn q’Arc’s life has changed a lot over the past few months -- Barak’s disappearance, later the discovery that he still lives, taking in two orphaned children, and now, this. A human, a Paladin at that, crossing into her world and asking for her help. The man must be insane; she should just escort him to the Guild, or slay him outright. But despite knowing what she should do, Lusahn does the unthinkable, and takes Cullen to her home.

Can two warriors whose people have long been enemies find enough common ground to defeat their newly discovered mutual enemy?

The previous book in the Paladins of Darkness series, IN DARKNESS REBORN, was the first to reveal much information about the world of the Others. REDEEMED IN DARKNESS reveals much more about their world, how the Guild works, why the Others try to cross the barrier, who the Others really are. But will that information make the Paladins' job any easier, or does knowing the enemy as children and innocents just make it that much harder to do what’s necessary, kill those who try to cross? Cullen and Lusahn met briefly once before, crossing swords and inflicting scars on each other in that meeting. But there was also a connection of sorts forged. An attraction flared, a feeling intense enough that it causes Cullen to ignore common sense and confront Lusahn, as well as making Lusahn bring him home. Cullen is at first just intrigued by the beautiful Other, but when he gets to know her better, learns about her deep sense of honor, her kindness and compassion, he knows he’s found the only woman he’ll ever love. Lusahn knows that in bringing Cullen home she’s betraying her people, but there’s just something about Cullen; at turns dangerous and at other times light-hearted and playful, the Paladin stirs all kinds of feelings in Lusahn. Maybe it’d be best to explore this attraction for the short time they have together; they probably just need to get it out of their systems. Besides, even if Lusahn was to admit that she felt something more for Cullen than just sexual desire, they can’t be together. She’s never going to cross the barrier into his world, and he certainly can’t keep hiding out in her basement. Readers will find themselves rooting for this pair of star-crossed lovers as they fight to find their happily ever after.

Though much of this story occurs in the world of the Others, many familiar Paladins and their mates are integral to the story. Readers will enjoy reconnecting with Devlin and Laurel, Trahern and Brenna, D.J., Lonzo, and, of course, Lusahn’s brother, Barak, and his mate, Lacey. Bavi and Shiri, the orphans Lusahn took in, have made a place for themselves in Lusahn’s heart, easing her pain when Barak disappeared, but how will they react to a human in their lives? Lusahn is a Sworn Guardian and, as such, has three warriors on her team, Larem, and brothers, Kit and Glyn. The trio notices something awry with Lusahn shortly after Cullen arrives; will they discover Lusahn’s guest, and if they do, will they betray their leader? Joq, a retired Sworn Guardian was Lusahn’s mentor and a good friend. He could have information that would help Lusahn and Cullen find the people responsible for the smuggling, but will he?

With characters you’ll fall in love with, a mystery waiting to be solved, betrayal, danger, and unexpected allies, REDEEMED IN DARKNESS proves yet again that Alexis Morgan pens a fantastic tale. I highly recommend that you don’t miss it.

Lori Ann