Customer Reviews

Eternal Nights (Jarved 9, Book 2)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Ms. O'Shea takes us back to the world of Jarved Nine, a world she created in Ravyn's Flight. Eternal Nights is not a sequel to the first book, though familiar characters do appear and we do get a glimpse into what has been happening in the interval between the first book and this one.

However, Eternal Nights is deeper and more complex than its predecessor. Though I thoroughly enjoyed Ravyn's Flight, I found myself rooting more for the hero of this novel than for any other in a long time. Captain Wyatt "Marsh" Montgomery is a noble, loving, giving, smart, Alpha male who knows what he wants and has the patience to wait for the right time to go after it. But when that time is right, he wastes no time or effort in winning his woman. Captain Kendall "Bug" Thomas is that woman. An intelligent and strong character in her own right, Kendall has very good reasons for wanting to maintain a "friendship only" status with Wyatt.

Kendall finds herself in the middle of a smuggling operation and when Wyatt comes to her aid, he's caught, too. Now the two of them are on the run in the pyramid in the center of the Old City. Wyatt knows they're fated to be together, he just has to convince Kendall of that. Fate seems to be working against him, however, because how can he prove what she means to him while they're trying to get away from those who would do them harm?

Alex "The Big Chill" Sullivan, Stacey, Ravyn and Damon and their charmingly precocious son Cam all make an appearance and have vital roles in Eternal Nights as well. Without them, the story wouldn't be nearly as climactic, with them; it's a joy to read and a joy to review. The resolution Alex and Stacey reach is as satisfying for the reader as the one Wyatt and Kendall come to.

Eternal Nights combines humor, intrigue, danger, some hot sex and some truly unforgettable characters into one fabulous package. Read Eternal Nights and you'll be hoping for your very own Wyatt...or maybe even your own Alex...I know I am.

Many of the characters from Ravyn's Flight appear in this book where Kendall Thomas and Wyatt Montgomery finally come to terms with the past life connection that's haunted them.

Kendall discovers smugglers on Jarved Nine and when she tries to intervene, she and Wyatt are locked in the city's ancient pyramid. As they're pursued through the maze of tunnels by the smugglers, they come to realize not only their attraction to each other in this life -- but their past life relationship as well. They finally succumb to the passion that's been waiting since they've known each other, their previous and current lives merging and finally acknowledged.

I won't give away any more because I think you'll enjoy the plot twists and turns -- enough to keep you parked in your chair for a good, long read. Eternal Nights kept my attention from the first paragraph, allowing me to root for several different relationships along the way, not just Wyatt and Kendall. I'm a particular fan of 'other world' adventures, and this one has a well-thought-out world that provides enough similarity to Earth to be immediately understandable but still alien enough to be intriguing.

Enjoy the ride!

Patti O'Shea's novel, Eternal Flame, grabbed me from the start. Published by Dorchester's Love Spell line, this book is classified as a Futuristic Romance. I enjoy stories with a paranormal twist, but, I am not usually drawn to the fantasy genre. Nonetheless, I always give an author, and their story, a chance, because what I really enjoy is good writing. And, I believe Patti has convinced me to wander down the fantasy aisle at the bookstores.

Eternal Flame begins by introducing you to three key characters - the hero, the heroine and a good friend. Patti's futuristic world was very believable. I loved that the characters were actually born on Earth, and now inhabit another planet as part of a military mission. The heroine, uncovers a plot by a group of thieves who plan to steal some historic archives, and she goes to investigate; with the protective hero hot on her heels, you just know trouble lies ahead! As I frantically turned the pages to see what adventure awaited these characters, but was stunned with a plot twist, when something happens to one of them and all of this by the end of Chapter One!!!

In fantasy stories the author also has the task of creating a make-believe world in which her characters live. Patti managed this extraordinarily well. Her characters were very "human" amidst the futuristic setting, so I could relate to them and easily imagine their world. I didn't feel confused with having to remember everything about the setting, along with the characters and plot. Things were a bit more "space age" (people being transported back and forth between planets) and the rules were just a bit different on this planet, but, humans are still humans, although a bit advanced.

And, what romance reader doesn't enjoy a story about "soul mates" who knew each other in a previous lifetime and find each other in their present incarnation? This was a great way to establish an existing connection between the hero and heroine, a reason they are automatically drawn together, their past revealed as dreams and events trigger the memories. Nice way to reveal their past.

A good part of the story took place inside a pyramid, where the hero and heroine were captives trying to escape in time to report to the authorities evidence of valuable archives being stolen. While in the pyramid, the romance develops, and our heroine recalls her past life memories, when she was a High Priestess and actually lived in the pyramid. It's very difficult to find time to explore an intimate relationship when you are being hunted by people with guns, but the pyramid was a perfect place to get "lost" and I especially loved the paranormal elements Patti used in the story...I mean, how else could they open the secret passageways inside the pyramid?

Patti successfully wove back story and current events together, with lots of surprising moments, and tight suspenseful scenes. I highly recommend this book.

This is the second novel I have read from Patti O'Shea. I really liked Power of Two, and so I had Eternal Nights on pre-order for a long time. I am sorry to say, I really did not like this book.

I found the side characters of Alex & Stacey to be much more interesting than the lead hero, Wyatt & heroine, Kendall. Basically, the story follows Wyatt trying to upgrade his best friend status to Kendall who he has been wooing for the last 4 months. Wyatt & Kendall are reincarnations of a previous life on the planet who died in unfortunate circumstances. Wyatt knows who Kendalls soul, unfortunately Kendall does not and fights the dreams that come to her about her previous life. However, in the midst of Wyatt trying to get Kendall to admit her feelings for him, she uncovers a smuggling ring. Soon both are running for ther lives, while Kendall begins to remember more of her previous life.

There are a couple of reasons why I didn't like the lead characters. The first one being that the previous character memories show a couple of the times who are a little selfish.

Secondly, the current Kendall reincarnation's personality is irritating in that she is constantly fighting her feelings for Wyatt because she doesn't want to be like her mother and her endless parade of boyfriends. This was kind of a weak excuse to carry the entire book, and her character doesn't change her attitude until the end of the book to make the story a HEA. By then, this stubborness in protecting her emotions has gone on way too long and made me think that Wyatt was way too good for her.

The third issue I have is that the author makes a point about Wyatt having some sort of special psychic talent in the beginning of the book, but nothing comes of it in the story line.

The fourth issue I have is that Wyatt didn't have much personality, he was kind of cookie cut perfect. Patient, understanding, protective, and etc, but not much personality except for jealousy about Kendall's multiple lives being obsessed w/ the Pyramid.

The fifth issue I have w/ this book is that the constant referral of Wyatt & Kendall as "kids" by Alex. Each time he did this, it made the leading couple seem like really immature children and this made looking at the lead couple difficult in a adult fashion rather than like teenagers even though they are in their 20s.

The sixth issue was that the power of the planet, pyramid, psychic talents, and aliens were really confusing. It appears that this book is a sequel to Raven's Flight, I didn't realize this until after I finished this book. Maybe the author explained more of the world building in the previous novel, because this novel was confusing.

This is not a book I would recommend at all, maybe it would have been different if I had read the previous novel but this book is definitely going to the used book store. Not worth a re-read or buying new.

A good read although I did start to wonder about how the pyramid had that many undiscovered [and mostly unsuspected] rooms, gardens, sanctums, etc. Interesting characters. What had the archaeologists been doing for the last several years? I enjoyed it.

I always enjoy reading books by Patti O'Shea and this one is no exception. Eternal Nights is a wonderful romance that I had me staying up until the wee hours of the morning to finish. The romance between Wyatt and Kendall was truly satisfying and the plot was really unique! I enjoyed reading about the secondary romance just as much as I enjoyed the main couple's romance. Ms. O'Shea's writing style flows so nicely that I'm never pulled out of the story and I feel like I can really see each scene happening clearly.

Even if you don't usually read sci-fi or futuristic set romances, I highly recommend picking up this book! Patti O'Shea in an author not to miss!

ETERNAL NIGHTS is the second story set on Jarved Nine and although it can be read alone, I highly recommend reading Ms. O'Shea's debut novel RAVYN'S FLIGHT for two reasons, first because it was a unique and incredible read, and also because it will give the reader a greater understanding of the background of the planet and the horror faced by the alien civilization that had been the last inhabitants of J Nine. Many of the characters in ETERNAL NIGHTS are familiar which will make the reader feel they are picking up shortly after they left off.

When one is as captivated by a plot as this reviewer was with RAVYN'S FLIGHT the fear is that a sequel will not live up to the initial thrill. My mind was put at ease immediately as the words on the page pulled me into their grip once more and wouldn't let me go until I had finished the very last one. I read this book in a single day because I simple couldn't put it down and I consider it time well spent. Bravo Ms. O'Shea!

In RAVYN'S FLIGHT we learned that J Nine had once been inhabited by an alien race with unique abilities, but these special gifts had been no match for a serial killer left there by another alien race as punishment for his crimes. Unable to succeed in neutralizing the killer, the inhabitants of J Nine had fled to their home world, leaving a single city as testament to their culture.

Captain Kendall Thomas is a member of the Colonization Assessment Team (CAT) assigned to the documentation of alien artifacts left behind in the "Old City". She has a specific interest in those contained within the Temple pyramid. Lately she has had strange and terrifying dreams of blood and death. She is not sure they mean. Daylight events also have her scared, so scared that she has kept her suspicions to herself, telling no one, not even her best friend, Spec Ops Captain Wyatt Montgomery.

Wyatt is assigned to the security force on the planet. He is well aware that something is spooking Kendall. He is aware of something else as well. He and Kendall are soul mates, having lived and loved in another life among the alien inhabitants of J Nine. He has full memory of their former existence, which had ended badly. Having found his beloved again he isn't about to let her go this time, but she has no recall of having known him in a past life. She values his friendship but every time he attempts to take their relationship to another level she takes a step back. Kendall's upbringing had ingrained in her that relationships fail but friendships last. She has feelings for Wyatt, but she is not willing to risk losing his friendship.

When Wyatt informs Kendall that an assignment will take him outside of the city for a few weeks, she is not quite ready to share her findings, so he assigns a trusted friend to be there for her should matters come to a head while he is gone. Kendall decides to trust the man, but when he is murdered she decides to take the info. to her superior. Kendall had suspected for sometime that someone had been smuggling precious artifacts from the planet, but when Alex Sullivan, a.k.a. "The Big Chill" refused to take the time to hear her out, she takes matters into her own hands.

When Wyatt returns he finds Kendall missing, and last seen hurrying toward the temple. The temple had claimed his love once and Wyatt is not about to let that happen again. Little does he know the dire straights his beloved has gotten herself into.

Now trapped in the labyrinth of the alien temple, Kendall and Wyatt will not only have to dodge a murderous band of smugglers, but also the booby traps laid as security measures by an alien race. Their lives are not the only ones at stake. One last big crime has been planned before a shuttle arrives to take half of the Spec Ops force back to earth in two weeks. The conspirators must complete the theft in time to smuggle all of the artifacts on board.

With innocent lives at stake, will Kendall remember her past connection to the planet in time to save her friends and preserve its history? Will her memories spark her feelings love for her best friend Wyatt, or will he lose her again to a life which had once torn them apart?

J Nine fans will be happy to hear that Ravyn, Brody, Stacey, and Alex are integral to the plot as secondary characters. Kendall and Wyatt are every bit as strong and believable with an incredible chemistry which results in a sexual tension which will keep the romance reader riveted. Patti O'Shea is a unique voice in the genre, and a force to be reckoned with. Like RAVYN'S FLIGHT, ETERNAL NIGHTS is a multifaceted read which will give it broad appeal. I highly recommend it to fans of Futuristic romance and romantic SF, as well as readers of Military and Suspense fiction. The additional aspect of reincarnation will delight paranormal readers as well. This read is a keeper and I hope there will be a return to
J Nine in the near future.

Reviewed by Leslie Tramposch for PNR Reviews

Most certainly a "keeper", Patti O'Shea's ETERNAL NIGHTS does not disappoint! Here we are given the hot and exciting story of Kendall and Wyatt. Best friends, and then lovers, this book did not disappoint in their battle to remain both. Of course Ms. O'Shea puts in her own signature mystery and hi-action suspense. PLUS, we get the added bonus of secondary characters and their romance! Stacy and Alex are also presented; forced to work out their own problems and complications.

Overall, an excellent read. Certainly a "Keeper" for many re-reads. Great work! And did I mention HOT? Whew! Yeah, the sexual tension is fabulously done, without being cliche'. I love that!!! Thanks Ms. O'Shea!

Kendall and Wyatt story line- 2 stars
Zolianna and Berkant story line- 3 stars
Stacey and Alex story line- 1 star
Brody and Co.- less than half a star
Murder story line- 2 stars
Looting story line- 2 stars
Vague back story- 1 star

The verdict: There was just too much going on in this book to make it a good read. I think tightening up the book to only focus on Kendall/Wyatt, their past lives, and the deadly looters would have kept the story on track and given this a better rating over all. It got to the point, where any time the action left those three main foci, I started flipping pages until I picked them up again. I enjoyed the setting and would have liked to have learned more about what the archaeologists learned instead of spending time with characters that felt like they were tacked on to the story.

Patti O'shea is one of my favorite authors. She is one of the new breed to take a chance and give us alittle science with our fantasy Romances. She, Susan Grant, Linnea Sinclair, Jayne Castle, all give us credit for some intelligence. I have enjoyed all of her books so far. I loved going back to Jarvid 9 with the characters from RAVYN'S FLIGHT.

Captain Kendall Thomas, is abit naive, in people relationships, but seems to be quite intelligent about a smuggling operation on Jarvid 9. She is quite self contained and wants to have proof before she goes to Lt Col Alexander Sullivan with her charges.

Captain Wyatt Montgomery is in love with Kendall, although she doesn't seem to really see him in that light. He is determined to make her his, you see he knows they have lived and loved before, right here on Jarvid 9. He remembers but she doesn't.

Before she can reach Lt Col Sullivan she goes to the temple and she and Wyatt get captured. However, she manages to find a way out of the room they have been locked in. While traveling through the pyramid she begins to remember things. Wyatt and Kendall have many adventures in the temple and then they must stop the thieves from escaping with the relics.

Alex must come to terms with his love for Stacy and he must also help in the capture of the thieves.

I loved Jarvid 9 and enjoyed the reunion with Alex and Stacy, Wyatt was a stand-up guy, but alittle slow with Kendall. Kendall was a disappointing character, finally toward the middle of the book she became more likeable. A good read.