In Darkness Reborn
Alexis Morgan
Pocket, Jul 2007 $6.99
ISBN: 9781416546580

The Others and the Paladins are at war with one another. Yet when the Others exile one of their own Barak q'Young from their world, he finds refuge in Seattle due to physician and handler Dr. Laurel Young. Barak knows he lives because of her as the Paladins detest the Others as rabid beasts who always fall prey to the great madness if they don't kill one another first. Barak and Laurel's mate Paladin leader Devlin Bane have become somewhat friends; Devlin tells Barak he must leave because people are talking about his relationship with Laurel that could cause some fanatic to harm her.

They inform her that he is looking into the illegal sales of blue stones in which an unknown third party gains much from the constant fighting between Paladins and Others that harm both species. Devlin arranges for Barak to work with geologist Dr. Lacey Sebastian at the Geology Department to the outrage of her disabled brother a former Paladin. Although allies to a joint cause, neither quite trusts the other after years of assuming the worst about their foes. However, to both their chagrin, each is attracted to the other so when she is abducted he risks his life to save hers.

Barak has been a fascinating secondary player (see DARK PROTECTOR for the story of Devlin and Laurel) who proves to fans and Paladins that he is much more than just Dr. Young's "Pet Other". The story line is fast-paced and filled with action yet the tale belongs to the changing relationship between Barak and Lacey. Readers will appreciate this strong entry as the saga continues triumphantly with an incredible epilogue setting up the next crossover.

Harriet Klausner