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Title:
Dark Lullaby

Author:
Staci Layne Wilson

Publisher:
Amber Quill
Press

ISBN:
1-59279-161-1

Copyright Date:
2003

Format:
Electronic

Born in the last half of the 1700's, Ashara wants nothing more than to have a family of her own. But today, thanks to her twin sister, Zariaz, Ashara "Ash" Conrad is a vampire and hates being one. She restricts her feeding, when possible, to those who are nearing death and those who are evil. Unfortunately, Zariaz had a streak of madness and even fancied herself a Voodoo priestess. When Ashara in 1912 could no longer live with the things Zariaz was doing, she betrayed her sister to the Dark Council, who monitored vampire behavior. The Council had Zariaz executed, but now,almost 90 years later, Zariaz's photo appears a a magazine centerfold.

Ash is a professional photographer and works with famous musicians. There's an instant attraction between Ashara and Liam Archer, the lead singer and guitarist for the group, Darkside. Because of what she is, Ashara is hesitant to allow the attraction to progress. Liam pursues the relationship and they become lovers. To prevent his learning her saecret, Ashara always leaves Liam under one pretence or another, before dawn.

Zariaz enters the scene, determined to reestablish her former dominance over Ash. Liam is determined to protect Ash, vampire or no. Zariaz, whose madness is at least as strong, if not stronger than it was before her betrayal, kidnaps Ashara and using drugs, begins to regain the influence that she once had over her twin. Will Liam be able to find them and overcome the power that Zariaz wields? Is there any way, short of Liam's "becoming", for him to be with Ashara?

Ms. Wilson has written, as her first published book, a wonderful story which shows her capable of telling a story that can hold the readers attention from page one to "The End". The characters are very well drawn and their actions are appropriate to each of them. She offers new possibilities in the world of the vampire, their origins and powers.

Though not as polished as some more experienced authors, Ms. Wilson shows this reviewer and the world of paranormal readers that she has the potential to join the ranks of these more established writers.

I don't know what kind of stories Ms. Wilson has planned for the future but this reviewer looks forward to reading more books by her. She has a strong voice for one so new to the world of writing and it's easy to imagine her going far in this genre. Who knows what other genre may call to her and what heights she can reach.

Reviewed by: Irene