Barb & J.C. Hendee, Sister of the Dead

Sister of the Dead

Barb & J.C. Hendee

Roc, Jan 2005, $7.50, 400 pp.

ISBN 045146009X

Magiere the dhampire wonders why her father, a vampire, would mate with a mortal and sire an offspring like her who kill his undead species. She travels to the village of her birth to seeking answers. Accompanying her is Leesil the half-elf, Wynn the sage and Chap a Fay contained in the body of a dog who doesn't want the dhampire to find out about her origins. Following them is the Noble Dead Welstiel, who doesn't want Magiere to learn the truth about her birth either and Chame who cares deeply for Wynn.

In the village, the dhampire discovers five creatures,a dwarf, a troll, and three other species lost to the mists of time and memory who died so she could be born. They travel to the capital city to find out if there are any records that might explain her origins. Welstiel and Chame are there before her and kill the man who could give her access to her records. Although she learns nothing, a noble dead tells her where to find a vampire who was there for her creation; she doesn't know that when she finds him, he will never let Magiere escape him again.

SISTER OF THE DEAD is a combination of fantasy, horror and romance that will appeal to readers of all three genres. Magiere finds some of the answers she seeks but knows that someone so powerful that even though he sleeps enacts his will on many of the nobles and he wants her for reasons unknown at this time. Readers will treasure Magiere's tenacity and vulnerability just as they will care for the loyal, loving Leesit. Barb & J.C. Hendee have written a spellbinding work that is creative and addicting.

Harriet Klausner