VEILED TRUTH

Author: Vivi Anna ISBN: 9780373617975 10/2008 PARANORMAL Publisher: SILHOUETTE

Five years ago, virginal Lyra Magice had fled powerful dhampir Theron LeNoir's advances. But now an ancient text the dhampir possesses holds the key to solving murders that have plagued Necropolis. When another body is found and evidence points to the Mistress of the city, duty dictates that Lyra work with Theron—a man she regards as haughty, arrogant and immoral—to translate the symbols left at the crime scenes. But with their forced alliance comes darkly sensual dreams that leave her feeling wanton and achy… Unwilling to reveal his dark past, the dhampir soon discovers that Lyra—a witch of great power—is to be the sacrificial virgin in a demonic scheme to open a portal to hell itself. Salvation will come only if Theron can win Lyra's trust—and her heart.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Lyra Magice is a witch with a long history with her CSI-like Otherworld Crime Unit team in Necropolis. She's been with them six years and her grandmother's spirit has been right along with her, whispering advice. But this time, she doesn't like the advice her grandmother is offering. She wants Lyra to trust Theron LeNoir, a dhampir (half-vampire/half witch) who owns a book of black magic that Lyra is sure holds the key to solving a series of murders that is coming disturbingly closer to her life.

Theron knows that Lyra is in great danger from this killer and wants to protect her as much as he wants to sleep with her. He let her get away when they met five years ago, but this time he's going to stay in her life.

The team from the first two Valorian Chronicles is back in business, as are the complex politics of Necropolis. Vampires and werewolves and demons, oh my! I especially appreciated the hints of the complex vampire society and behaviors in these books. They add a nice touch.

Another highly enjoyable urban fantasy romance from Vivi Anna! This series is consistently fun and fabulous—in a dark, crime-solving kind of way, of course.

Heather Hiestand