Customer Reviews

Twilight Fall: A Novel of the Darkyn

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Liling Harper has a secret, a very dark secret that is now coming to light. Fleeing from the nursing home where she has eased the lives of the residents, Liling is forced to turn to Darkyn Valentin Jaus for help in escaping the city. Unfortunately, someone is still chasing her... Will Valentin and Liling find love in the midst of danger?

Fans of the Darkyn series will remember Valentin from PRIVATE DEMON where he lost the use of his arm in a fight with Thierry Durand. His tortured soul has been haunted by the accidental damage he wreaked in the past, just as Liling's is. What a perfect match these two make! Lynn Viehl has created two characters who belong to each other in every way, each filling the void of the other.

TWILIGHT FALL is definitely understood best in the context of the series as a whole. I have been in a sort of love/hate relationship with this series but TWILIGHT FALL has some twists that have heightened my interest in the Darkyn series. Pieces that haven't made sense are starting to come together as some of the revelations revealed are nothing short of astonishing!

Lynn Viehl never shirks at taking chances. The Darkyn series is certainly a unique one and one I keep returning to if only to see just what twists and turns will occur next! TWILIGHT FALL has moments of violence that may offend some readers as Lynn Viehl continues to push the boundaries with this series. However, the conclusion practically guarantees I will read the next book as it is one heck of a cliffhanger!

COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

I enjoyed this book but found the romance abit much for me. I like the romance to be heated but this one was very, very, hot. I do like where the story line seems to be going. It reminds me somewhat of the Feehan, Ghostwalker books. Maybe the women who are being turned have been made that way.

Valentin Jaus lost his arm in the last novel and Dr Keller reattached it. It is there but he has little feeling or movement in it. He is attracted to a young asian woman who is the landscaper at his rest home. He has no idea who she is or that possibly she has a connection to his people. When she must run for her life he offers to take her on his plane to Atlanta. But when the plane is hi-jacked and the hi-jacker kills himself they land in a lake in Florida.

Liling Harper is happy with her flowers and shrubs, but she is hiding from a sect of the church. Right, the Brethren, the same sect out to kill and destroy the Darkyn. She doesn't know that Jaus is a Darkyn until late in the book. But the sect is out to either capture or kill her. They have sent a Tracker to find her and he is determined that whatever it takes he will kill her. Liling has powers that even she doesn't understand. But she has used them sparingly at the rest home. She is afraid of them because even tho they help people heal she knows that they can also kill.

The story is full of action both in and out of the bedroom. I liked his character but didn't care for the type of romance. Still it is a good series. Liling is a wonderful character and I really wonder where this plot will go. This book also has several minor storylines going at the same time, just like the last few books.

Twilight Fall is the sixth and penultimate book in the Darkyn series. For anyone looking to get into the Darkyn books I can't recommend that you start here, you really need to go back to the beginning with If Angels Burn.

Twilight Fall is Valentin Jaus's story. His first major appearance was in Bk 2 Private Demon, when he lost the woman he loved. TF finds him in a kind of holding pattern, but all of that is about to change as he meets Liling Harper a woman with extraordinary talents of her own. Unbeknownst to the two of them, their enemies are closing in and are determined to see them dead.

As always in the Darkyn books this is a multi-plotline story. Michael and Alex's story continues, Val and Lilings relationship blooms, John Keller's story reaches breaking point. We find out more about what the Brethren have been up to and also catch up with Jayr & Byrne (from Evermore) and Luisa, the woman who was horrifically scarred at the beginning of the series. I think when all seven books are available it will be well worth reading back over the series and finding out how all the clues fit together.

So there is a lot packed into this book. Most of it leading back to previous books and starting to bring plot threads together.

Like Evermore this book has a much more sexual feel to it. Valentin is dominant which I think is something he repressed during his time with Jema. However it is this dominant side of him that attracts Liling.

Liling has a quiet strength, and even though she chooses to submit to Valentin. Everyone else would do well to treat her with caution. She may appear fragile, but at her core she's steel.

One of the best things about this series (for me) is Michael and Alex, they have been the major arc holding the series together.

"I could tie you to the bed, you know."
"No, you can't. It's round and you don't have any rope."

They prove that a love story written after the first happy ending is just as enthralling as the initial get together. It's also interesting to read about Alex's relationship with her brother - when is she going to look at him and truly see him?

We also have the introduction of a new 'species' for want of a better word. I think of them as elementals as they have power over fire or water. Initially I did have a problem with this and wondered if it was getting a little fantastical for me. But at the end of the story I think it works. Some people may also question how much coincidence plays in the plotline, but here I'm not sure how far the influence of the Brethren extends, so it may be less coincidence and more, good planning.

The Darkyn series is dark, real and intense. Some readers I think, find it too non linear and not neat enough. But I'm going to miss this series. I can't wait to find out how Lynn Viehl's going to tie it all together.

Valentin Jaus is a Darkyn Lord and the Chicago suzerain. Handsome, powerful, wealthy, and immortal, he wants for nothing. Nothing except a love to call his own. He's given up hope of ever finding that love, convinced that he has already found - and lost her to another man.

Liling Harper is on the run. Incredibly powerful and potentially dangerous in her own right, she's taken to working as a gardener at a hospital in an attempt to hide from those who would like to get her back. A hospital that, unbeknownst to her, is owned by Valentin Jaus.

The relationship between Liling and Valentin is one of cautious curiosity in the beginning and then turns deeply sensual and erotic as they find that they both can give to the other what few others can.

As it is with most of The Darkyn series, you have appearances from past characters. Michael and Alex threads are scattered throughout the story, but that is to be expected since they have a side plot going on with Alex's brother, John, and The Brethren. As I've said before in previous reviews, while there are some people who would say that this could be read as a stand-alone book, I wouldn't recommend it. The Darkyn series is one that is much more appreciated and understood if you read the series in order. Viehl scripts an excellent story in Twilight Fall and advances the plot wonderfully! There are some answers to the smaller questions that have been building, but there are also some revelations that will shock long-time readers of the series.
~Mippy Carlson
PNR Reviews

Her gift allows Liling Harper to heal in ways that defy medical explain, but can she heal the broken heart of an immortal Darkyn Lord? Against all odds, the woman Valentin Jaus loved survived being infected with his blood, though it should have killed her. When he meets Liling, he finds someone desperately in need of help only he can give. There are those who want to use the young woman for all the wrong reasons, who see her as nothing more than an experiment. Keeping her safe makes V alerting;'s heart long to open and love her, but does he dare?

*** Twilight Fall is a moving story, but I strongly suspect that you need to have read the prior five books in the series to truly appreciate it. Some of the terminology and mythos was difficult to follow as a result of. Ms. Viehl makes a good use of language and showcases the diversity of her characters effectively, and one cannot help but appreciate the beauty of her writing. There is one scene that sensitive readers may wish to skip as it edges towards vulgarity, but as it does not contribute to the plot, this should not be a problem. ***


Amanda Killgore for Huntress Reviews

Twilight Fall (2008) is the sixth Fantasy novel in the Darkyn series, following Evermore. The initial work in this series is If Angels Burn.

In the previous volume, Alex reconnected Nottingham's head, but could do little for his larynx. Locksley was hung from an oak tree. Brynne went berserk and killed his enemies, but Jayr brought him back to reality.

In this novel, Alexandra Keller is a reconstructive surgeon. She is now a Darkyn, but unlike any other. She is also Michael's lover. Alex has become interested in the cause and cure of this ailment.

Michael Cyprien is a Darkyn and is over seven centuries old. He is the seigneur of all jardins within the USA. He is also the lover of Alexander.

Richard Tremayne is the Master of the Darkyn. His headquarters are in Dundellan Castle in Ireland.

Valentin Jaus is a Darkyn from Austria. He is suzerain of the Chicago jardin. Val owns the Lighthouse Rehabilitation Center.

Luisa Lopez is a hispanic woman who was severely beaten by a group of men. Alex had started restoring her body, but Luisa needs much more done before her body is restored. She is recuperating from her many surgeries -- and hiding from her attackers -- in the Lighthouse Rehabilitation Center.

Liling Harper is a gardener of Asiatic descendent. She tends the gardens behind the Lighthouse Rehabilitation Center. She has been in Chicago almost two years and needs to move on soon.

In this story, Diane Lindquist is gloating over her incapacitated brother. Daniel and their father have belittled Diane all her life. Now she has him within her power.

Unfortunately for Diane, Lighthouse has installed a surveillance camera in the room with her brother. It catches her taking revenge for the petty wrongs done to her. Val entralls her with l'attrait and Diane confesses in front of witnesses and the camera.

The whole hospital is talking about the affair. It is also under seige by journalists and photographers. Liling soon hears about it from the nurses.

That evening, Liling reads Jane Austin to Luisa to improve her English. Luisa has also asked her to correct her statements as they talk. Both enjoy each others company.

That evening, Val comes by to visit Luisa. He is taking care of her for Alex. He is soon intrigued by the beauty of Liling and she has daydreams about him.

Val has Liling investigated and everything turns out clean. Then he manages to "accidentally" meet her one night at her favorite spot. He too is having fantasies about sucking her blood.

Photographers cannot get in to see Daniel Lindquist, but one takes a picture of Liling's back. The photo ends up on the front page of the Lifestyles section of the Chicago City News. This photo shows up in multiple newspapers around the world.

The red swan tattoo on Liling's back is recognized by the Brethren. Her brother back on Taiwan also sees it. Then Liling learns about the photo and tries to leave town.

The Brethren have already blocked air flights out of Chicago, but Liling encounters Val. He has a private plane and offers her a ride to Atlanta. Yet the Brethren are ready for that possibility.

This tale takes Van and Liling into imminent danger. Then Liling's twin brother comes back into her life. A storm ensues, endangering all near them.

This novel changes the life of Val. The next installment -- Stay the Night -- will also change the Darkyn. Read and enjoy!

Recommended for Viehl fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of medical research, covert operations, and paranormal romance.

-Arthur W. Jordin

I loved reading Val's story. I do recommend reading this series in order because these books involve a very complex cast of characters. I thought Lynn Viehl did a good job of building up Val's character in the previous books allowing her to spend more time dealing with his lonliness and insecurities in this one. I've enjoyed the Darkyn series and look forward to the next one.

This was a good vampire series. Twilight Falls is one of my favorite in the series. I liked the H/h a lot. I'm a major fan of alpha heroes and Jaus was definitely one. I love how alpha the hero was especially in the bedroom. Jaus and Liling make a perfect couple. He was sweet and kind to Liling and I loved how he took care her when she was injured. She was strong and independent in her daily life but she enjoyed submitting to Jaus in the bedroom which works perfect for their relationship. I only wished that Jaus had told Liling that he loved her when she told him she that she loved him. My only major complaint with this book is that I wish there was more on Jaus and Liling and a little less on Alex and Michael(they already had their book). This was a good book. I was a little sad that the series came to and end.

I have to admit, I was incredibly excited when I found out Twilight Fall was about Valentin Jaus. I have been a Jaus fan from the beginning, and I was SO sad for him after he lost Jema...and his arm in Private Demon. I am thrilled that he got his own book, and was finally able to find someone new. I can't wait to hear more about Alexandria's research into what the Bretheren were doing to the orphans! And the ending...with John...ho-ly cow! Can't wait to see how that goes.

ita a new chapter in the series of the darkyn , all our favorites come again . for those of you who have not read the privious books , dont worry each book centers around a new caracter ads a new c. then half way in the story brings all the indruduced caracters togther .. so eaven the new reader is cought and alloud to catch up . and for those like me who have read the privious books .. its cool to say " hello " to Alexandra, Michael, Val, Phillip and the rest of the gand each with their individual talents, its dark, partly erotic and you cant stop once you started reading . try it .