Born of Night

September 29, 2009
Best-selling author Sherrilyn Kenyon (The Dark-Hunter novels) restores three out-of-print titles in the series the League Novels, creating a more pronounced interconnected universe between the books. The first in the trilogy offers new readers an introduction to her Ichidian Universe, while restoring parts from the original manuscript and other rewritten material for the more familiar fan. Princess Kiara Zamir in repulsed by those who perpetuate violence like the brutal attacks on her family. Nykyrian Quiakides, a hybrid human and Andarion (a predatory alien race), is a former assassin for The League, who now leads a group of vigilantes known as The Sentella. Ironically, Nykyrian's team finds themselves serving as protectors of Kiara against kidnappers and assassins, giving Kiara and Nykyrian, two broken individuals, a chance at romance-if they can survive. The story is fast-paced, with graphic violence and sex in almost equal amounts. Kenyon thrives when developing the relationship between the two protagonists, putting the focus on relationships rather than world-building, which may disappoint some readers.

In the first of Kenyon's League Novels, Nykyrian--who is highly skilled in violence and death--has put the life of a League Assassin behind him. It is now his mission to protect Kiara, a dancer who is being pursued by assassins because of her father's political connections. Narrator Kelly Fish introduces the complex Ichidian universe in an even, believable tone, using a myriad of European accents for the cast from different planets. The most memorable is the British speech of Syn, Nykirian's only friend. Fish competently balances the pace of the story with the emotions of the main characters, letting their internal conflicts alter her tempo and then expertly returning to a more measured delivery. E.N. (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine

January 15, 2010
This first entry in Kenyon's (www.sherrilynkenyon.com) "League" series was published in 1996 but written during the 1980s futuristic romance craze: heavy on romance, light on genuine sf. Although it is painfully dated for that reason, it holds the markers of Kenyon as established storyteller, including physically and emotionally scarred heroes, snappy dialog, and memorable secondary characters. Assassin Nykryian Quikiades was never one to save the damsel in distress, but Kiara Zamir brings out his protective qualities. Unfortunately, Kiara's immaturity detracts from the believability of the romance. Narrator Kelly Fish brings new dimension to the story, finding a different accent for every character (even though this approach is problematic, considering few of the characters are even human, yet their accents range from British to Russian to Greek, with a dose of Brooklynese in between). Despite the impressive narration and Kenyon's popularity, libraries can pass on this.Jodi L. Israel, MLS, Salt Lake City

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