SCENT OF DARKNESS

Author: Christina Dodd ISBN: 0451221737 7/2007 PARANORMAL Publisher: NAL/Signet Eclipse

A thousand years ago, a brutal warrior roamed the Russian steppes and struck a sinister bargain. In return for the ability to change at will into a coldhearted predator, Konstantine promised his soul—and the souls of his descendants—to the devil. The one day a dangerous prophecy reveals the truth: One family has been chosen to battle the darkness—or face damnation. Ann Smith loves her dynamic boss, Jasha Wilder, but her daring plan to seduce him goes awry when she encounters a powerful wolf who, before her horrified eyes, changes into the man she adores. She soon discovers that she can't escape her destiny, for Jasha is Konstantine's descendant, and Ann is the woman fated to break the curse that binds his soul...

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

I am a fan of all of Christina Dodd's genres. I have enjoyed her historical stories and her suspense, as well, but I wasn't sure how I would like her foray into paranormal. I am happy to say I enjoyed it, as well.

SCENT OF DARKNESS is a great start to this new series. It tells the story of a family cursed for a thousand years until one person has the courage to break away from tradition, start a family in a new place, and ignore the violence that has followed the family for centuries. The first installment in this series tells the story of Jasha, the oldest boy of this rogue family.

Christina Dodd does a good job giving the history of the cursed family and of how Jasha's family has broken away from the violence the curse brought to the rest of the family. The Wilder's are a robust, loving family that is embracing life in America, while at the same time, holding on to their Russian traditions. The family bonds play a large part of this story and add a richness to the characters.

SCENT OF DARKNESS is more than just a story about shapeshifters. Christina Dodd pulls in the family connections to the Wilders and their determination to break a curse that has existed for a thousand years, as well as the story of Jasha and Ann.

I read this book in one sitting. I got sucked in through the action and stayed for the interaction between Ann and Jasha and his family members.

April Luth