Paranormal/Futuristic
Shadowlight: A Novel of the Kyndred
By Pamela Denise
Mar 1, 2010 - 1:16:30 PM

An experiment went astray; orphaned children were injected with Darkyn DNA and harbored dormant powers. They were scattered and placed into homes, growing up unaware of this. Upon death their powers are awakened and they come back to life enhanced. These beings are known as the Kyndred.

Jessa Bellamy escaped what should have been a fatal tragedy to find she has a new special ability. When she touches a person she is able to see their darkest secrets and know the worst things they have ever done. She calls this shadowlight. She masks her ability well while putting it to good use as a successful recruiting consultant. She feels the need to turn in any guilty parties she screens over to the FBI. Although she’s been careful, her talent is discovered.

Jonah Genaro, owner of GenHance, a multi-million dollar biotech company, is on to Jessa. He is trying to create a race of superhumans and wants to harvest Jessa’s DNA in hopes of obtaining her power for use in his genetic research. Jonah isn’t the only one who’s noticed Jessa. Gaven Matthias has been tracking Jessa for months. When he learns of Genaro’s plans, he kidnaps Jessa so that he can keep her safe.

Jessa doesn’t trust Matthias and finds him an enigma. He’s told her his motives for keeping her in his underground safe house, but she knows he is hiding something. Matthias doesn’t share his past and he figures he knows best when it comes to sharing information with Jessa. On the surface, so far, he’s managed to keep a passive expression around Jessa, but he’s wanted her from the moment he saw her. Jessa may not trust Matthias, but this doesn’t stop her from being attracted to her mysterious capture. With a monster sent by Genhance on their trail, Jessa has to let down her guard and rely on Matthias if she wants to make it out alive.

Talented author Lynn Viehl introduces a new breed to her collection of wonderfully penned characters with the first book in her KYNDRED series, SHADOWLIGHT. This highly imaginative read captures your interest with the promise of romance, action, and adventure. Ms. Viehl certainly knows how to entertain. The plot was intricate and her characters exceptional. The twists and story developments presented held my interest.  As a bonus, DARKYN series followers will still get glimpses into some of their favorite characters as their world is integrated into that of the Kyndred. I’m eagerly awaiting book two in this series.