Review: Nightwalker (The World of Nightwalkers #5)

Nightwalker (The World of Nightwalkers #5)

by Jacquelyn Frank

Blurb:

Kamen is a Bodywalker, an ancient soul reborn in one human host after another. He’s also a prisoner of his own kind: for it was Kamen who released Apep, the deadly god who threatens the existence of their world. To atone for this grievous error, Kamen accepts an urgent mission: to convince the other nations of the Nightwalkers to set aside their centuries-old conflicts and band together. If he fails, all will be lost. And no tribe presents a greater challenge than the Wraiths, the spectral beings who are feared and despised for their lethal deathtouch.

Kamen makes first contact with a stunning, ghostly pale beauty named Geneviève. Part Wraith and part human, scorned as a half-breed, Viève shares the hunger for redemption—and for connection. Her scintillating touch holds the kiss of death, and yet it makes Kamen feel more alive than ever. Soon his lips are pressed against hers, sending Viève into fits of desire and forging a bond that breaches the divide between them. Now they must unite all the Nightwalkers, from Vampire and Shadowdweller to Djynns, and fast—for Apep is ready for war.

Themes: demons, shifters, paranormal

Rating: 4.5 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

I have to begin this review by saying that I resisted reading this story for a long time, not because I feared it would be bad, but because it was so sad to see a series I had loved, one I’d followed through all the world changes from the very first Nightwalker novel, Jacob, coming to an end.  I resisted with all my might, but finally couldn’t resist anymore and I can honestly say that thought I was sad to see it end, the ending was wonderful. There has been a war brewing in this world for long time coming and the tide has turned with the switch of bodywalker Kamen to the side of good.  Kamen thought all these years he was working on the correct side, trying to end a war and making decisions his people could be proud of, but when he inadvertently brings a dangerous being to their world, he knows immediately he needs the help of the Politic Bodywalker, and other Nightwalker clans as well to find a way to defeat the coming evil, otherwise the entire world with be in peril.  Kamen is tasked with bringing all of the groups of the Nightwalkers together to break a millennia old curse so they can truly work together.  His first task, bringing the Wraith’s to the table is one that leads him right into the arms of the sweet Geneviève, part Wraith, part human, and fully his perfect mate.  Viève has been mistreated all her life, but finds in Kamen the strength she needs to stand up for herself and find a way to work with him to battle the coming darkness and to save all her new friends. Viève and Kamen had their issues but immediately found a common ground and it becomes obvious that their feelings for one another are growing by leaps and bounds.  In the end their love is what brings the evil imp god to his end and leaves the world safe for all the Nightwalker Clans.  As sad as I am to see this series end, seeing all the old couples and getting to watch them come together through all their differences was an influential moment, reflective of our own issues with accepting differences of race, religion, creed, nationality and anything really that stands out from the norm.  A subtle but wonderfully written commentary on our current political climate, surrounded by the action, passion, and love that is always to be found in a Jackie Frank novel.  Keep the hits coming, Jackie.

*eARC provided by publisher (via netgalley) for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.