Waking Nightmares
Christopher Golden
Ace, Mar 29 2011, $7.99
ISBN: 9780441020171
For centuries Peter Octavian was a vampire. After a millennium in Hell, he emerged as one of the most powerful mages on an earth where humans know vampires, demons and other species exist. Residing in San Francisco, Peter prefers a quiet life, but also believes it is his role to prevent the paranormal species from harming humans.
In Hawthorne, Massachusetts a fisherman and his son find a box and open it. Soon afterward Earthwitch Keomany Shaw calls Peter to tell him she is drawn to Hawthorne because something dangerously evil is there; that malevolence will spread from ground zero unless they can prevent it from happening. Before the pair arrives, all perishable dairy produce curdle and spoil while a magical torrent inundates the area. When Peter and Keomany arrive, they find the magic getting stronger by the minute. People engulfed by magical energy turn to wraiths intent on hurting their family and neighbors. The two outsiders team up with Amber who has visions of what could occur if the evil is not stopped. With assistance from recently turned vampire Charlotte, they seek the source of the wicked magic, knowing that all they need is a miracle to stop whatever entity is behind this debacle.
The latest episode in the Peter Octavian urban fantasy saga (see Of Saints and Shadows) crackles with energy as the action never allows the heroes a respite; each understand time has run out. The protagonists taking a stand by fighting the entrenching darkness feel natural even with supernatural prowess. Fans of the series will feel the author is Golden with this super novel and its incredible cliffhanger.
Harriet Klausner
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