Friday, March 6, 2009

Edge of Hunger-Rhyannon Byrd

Edge of Hunger
Rhyannon Byrd
Harlequin HQN, Apr 2009, $6.99
ISBN: 0373773676

Before his mom Elaina died five months ago, Ian Buchanan and she were somewhat estranged as she wanted him to be a perfect southern gentleman and he preferred being a rebel without a cause. He does not hide the fact he is not grieving her.

In Henning, Colorado psychic Molly Stratton informs Ian that his mother has contacted her because she wants to speak to him. Ian is scornful of Molly’s claim that his mom sent her to warn him someone close to him will die if he fails to heed her. He also tells Molly he has no reason to listen to his mom when he didn’t pay attention to her when she lived. Ian’s mom is worried about her son as she failed to warn him about his Merrick supernatural blood that he must accept without any doubts. Several centuries ago, his ancestor fought, defeated, but could not kill so he exiled the evil Casus. However, Casus escaped banishment and has returned with the intent of killing Ian and his loved ones. Ian’s girlfriend Kendra is killed and the culprit targets a feisty psychic whom he recently met through his dead mother while he dreams of discussions with his mom.

The first Primal Instincts urban fantasy romance will grip the audience from the moment Molly accosts Ian and never slows down as the heroine struggles to persuade Ian of the danger. The keys to this fine opening tale are Byrd land seems genuine as evil arrives due mostly to Ian’s initial reactions of being attracted to a psychotic and the romantic subplot simmers with attraction, but never supersedes the danger. EDGE OF HUNGER is a terrific thriller starring a reluctant hero, a fascinating psychic, and a chilling malevolence who calmly kills as if he is biting into a sandwich.

Harriet Klausner

No comments: