J.R. Ward (The Angels' Share) returns to the fascinating, dangerous vampire world with the riveting story of Syn, a mercenary and assassin for hire. This 18th novel in the series can be read as a standalone, although readers will surely want to read earlier books as well.
Reporter Jo Early is unaware her biological father was a vampire. Syn is fully aware Jo is about to transition to non-human, however, and despite believing he's the last thing she should want, he's compelled to save her. Unfortunately, pulling Jo into Syn's world has the potential to destroy her, for the ongoing war with the Lessening Society, an undead enemy determined to destroy both vampire and human society, has reached a pivotal moment. Threading the fine line between good and evil, keeping Jo safe, and retaining what little is left of his own scarred soul is complicated for Syn. What his actions mean to the Black Dagger Brotherhood warriors and their families could change their lives forever. With Brotherhood vampire ally Butch O'Neal, Syn may save the world or destroy it and the odds against them winning are high. In the final battle, neither Butch, Syn or Jo can be certain they will endure despite an unexpected intercession.
This novel's gritty plot, with multiple actors, moves at lightning speed to reach an excellent and surprising ending. Several long-running mysteries are resolved while new possibilities arise, and the steamy romance doesn't disappoint. --Lois Faye Dyer, writer and reviewer