The Burning (The Companion Series) [Mass Market Paperback]

Susan Squires (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 4, 2006

It is 1821, and all who know the beautiful, mysterious Ann Van Helsing believe she is insane. Yet Ann's curse is the deep psychic ability that allows her to know everything about another human being--their history, thoughts, and desires--simply by touching them. Overwhelmed by a power she can barely control, Ann roams the woods and caves near her estate, searching for an elusive peace. Here she encounters the man who will change everything…

To atone for an unforgivable transgression against his own kind, vampire Stephen Sincai has become a vigilante who must hunt and kill those whom other vampires have made. When Ann discovers Stephen bleeding in the woods, she reaches to touch him before she can stop herself. In an instant, Ann knows every fiber of Stephen's being--and the knowledge is at once frightening and irresistible…

Ann and Stephen are drawn together by a powerful force. As Stephen and Ann fight against the evil surrounding them, an enemy bent on destroying them will make them choose between what they love and fear the most…

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A darkly compelling vampire romance…the plot keeps the reader turning the pages long into the night."--Affaire de Coeur on The Companion

"Bestseller Squires charts a new direction with this exotic, extremely erotic, and darkly dangerous Regency-set paranormal tale. With her ability to create powerful and tormented characters, Squires has developed a novel that is graphic, gripping, and unforgettable." --Romantic Times (4 ½ starred review) on The Companion

"Travel through Egypt's deserts and London's society with two of the most intriguing characters you will ever read about. You will encounter a dark world that is intense, scary, and sexy, and a love that will brighten it…powerful and passionate…captivating…Squires has a wonderful ability to keep her readers glued to the edge of their seat." --Romance Junkies on The Companion

"A vibrant, riveting, and sometimes just plain scary novel that should satisfy anyone--including the man in your life--who enjoys paranormal tales…Squires' saga is off to an intriguing start." --All About Romance on The Companion

"Squires does a fantastic job of taking an old tale vampirism, and she spins it into a new and fresh tale with characters who intrigue and captivate." --Fallen Angel Reviews on The Companion

"An unforgettable, sensual, and erotic novel that take you places you've never gone before…will make you believe in the power of true love." --Romance Reader at Heart on The Companion

"[The Companion] delivers sensual love scenes, an intriguing plot fraught with danger, adventure, and the unexpected which will leave readers anxiously awaiting the next enthralling tale from this immensely talented author." --Rendezvous on The Companion

"Squires has just taken the traditional vampire novel to a whole new level with The Companion. With her riveting and compelling writing, she has woven a tale of love amidst the most desperate of circumstances and created unforgettable characters…fans of the genre will be fascinated…The Companion will capture your interest from the first scene until the last…readers who like a strong historical novel as well as one with a definite bite should add The Companion to their wish list. It will be a keeper for sure!"--aromancereview.com on The Companion

"Squires has demonstrated a talent that few can surpass. Her descriptions and historical details are flawless. Her characters exceed their potential and the plot keeps you quickly turning the pages. Squires has joined the company of authors whose books are classics. Look for this book to become a classic in its genre too. THE COMPANION is a gem. Obviously, everyone needs it." --Coffee Time Romance on The Companion

"A totally absorbing novel…the characters are brilliantly conceived and perfect for the gripping plotline. The author gives the reader a unique twist on what vampires really are, a tortured hero to adore, the only heroine who could possibly be right for him, a truly horrific villain--and a fascinating story that carries the reader through one exciting adventure after another…Squires' prose grabs you from the beginning and gives you a relentless ride through this complex, beautifully written book."--New and Used Books on The Companion

"A riveting story, the first of what I expect to become a fresh, unforgettable new vampire series." --BookLoons on The Companion

"A book to be savored, not torn through at breakneck speed…Squires is a talented author and The Companion offers the promise of more beautifully, dark vampire novels to follow."--The Romance Reader on The Companion

From the Back Cover

Award-winning, bestselling author Susan Squires brings you into a world of erotic temptation that comes alive at night and thrives on our darkest secrets and longings. Take the journey to an unforgettable place into the heart of darkness and desire…

A Forbidden Temptation…
It is 1821, and all who know the beautiful, mysterious Ann Van Helsing believe she is insane. Yet Ann's curse is the deep psychic ability that allows her to know everything about another human being--their history, thoughts, and desires--simply by touching them. Overwhelmed by a power she can barely control, Ann roams the woods and caves near her estate, searching for an elusive peace. Here she encounters the man who will change everything…

Leaves Her Yearning…To atone for an unforgivable transgression against his own kind, vampire Stephen Sincai has become a vigilante who must hunt and kill those whom other vampires have made. When Ann discovers Stephen bleeding in the woods, she reaches to touch him before she can stop herself. In an instant, Ann knows every fiber of Stephen's being--and the knowledge is at once frightening and irresistible…

For Eternal Fulfillment…Ann and Stephen are drawn together by a powerful force. As Stephen and Ann fight against the evil surrounding them, an enemy bent on destroying them will make them choose between what they love and fear the most…

"Gripping and unforgettable."
--Romantic Times (4 ½ starred review) on The Companion

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks (April 4, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312998554
• ISBN-13: 978-0312998554
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #846,940 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Something different..., May 23, 2006

By 

JGK "Book Addict" (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Burning (The Companion Series) (Mass Market Paperback)

I bought this book despite the bad reviews. I had read Susan Squires previous books in this series and had a hard time believing that this one was as bad as some said.

I wasn't disappointed. I enjoyed the book, maybe because I had some warning that it wasn't a warm, fuzzy feel good romance. Honestly, I enjoyed the darker element. Lately, I've been bored with the same 'ol, same 'ol "boy meets girl, boy can't have girl, boy gets girl anyway" historical romance.

I've read most (if not all) of the major historical romance writers and a number of the minor writers. I've also read a number of the supernatural romance ficition out there and can tell you, a lot of it is just bad.

In this, the writing was good, the characters well developed and the story something interesting. It's not the next great American novel but I wasn't expecting it to be. It was an easy read on a 3 hour flight. Like I said, if you like your romance a little darker, a little edgier then you might want to go ahead and give this a try.

15 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars You Can Rape The Willing, April 20, 2006

By 

Shadow Dancer (Idaho) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Burning (The Companion Series) (Mass Market Paperback)

Very disturbing book--on several counts. The flash backs in her other books orovided insight into the characters--how Beatrix had almost reached the point of no return, how Ian became a vampire, and why the poor guy needed counseling. All the flashbacks in this book provided was the fact that Stephan is a "bottom" without enough preservation to have a stopping point. I liked Ann, and I liked Stephan--in spite of the fact that he's an idiot. I wish Squires had spent more time on why someone who has lived for over 2000 years is too self-destructive to realize the so-called good guys are doing a head game on him. Ann figured it out and she's been in an isolated area for 25 years. I also wanted more on Stephan's past--she dropped just enough hints to be annoying. On the whole, I thought two potentially good characters were wasted on nasty, destructive rape scenes.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Thoroughly Entertaining, September 5, 2006

By 

Desert (Vancouver, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Burning (The Companion Series) (Mass Market Paperback)

Stephen was trying to right wrongs that he felt responsible for and was willing to do whatever it would take to find redemtion. Ann was cursed with the sight from touch, who made the ultimate sacrafice for love. This was not your average romance story but it does keep you on the edge.

I was thoroughly entertained and I couldn't wait to get to the end of the book. I actually read it in one day. There were some dark parts that not everyone will like, and the author has a differnt take on the vampire genre which was refreshing. This was the first book of Susan Squires that I read and it will definitely not be my last.