Christine Feehan, Dark Celebration

Dark Celebration

Christine Feehan

Berkley, Sep 2006, $23.95

ISBN 0425211673

The Carpathians and their human companions come together to celebrate Christmas. However, the clan knows there is not that much to rejoice in this Yuletide season. Fear of extinction is real as there is already a very low birth rate, many are stillborn and even many of those who enter the world alive die as the infant mortality rate is high. On top of that their demonic, vampiric and hunter enemies are mounting serious well planned assaults to eliminate females.

Prince Mikhail Dubrinsky worries that he cannot save his people as he knows the evidence is overwhelming that they are an endangered species. He also fears for the safety of his soulmate Raven and their daughter Savannah, but still Mikhail wants more offspring not just to procreate but because he cherishes his two females and wants more to love and nurture.

His bother Jacques is also concerned especially over the safety of his "lifemate" Shea, a former human medical doctor, who carries his child. Other Carpathian males are just as worried about the females and the children, but none understands that a betrayal that abets a dark mage may prove more dangerous to survival than the vampires, hunters, and demons that seek to leave the species extinct.

Though well written, DARK CELEBRATION feels more like a transition book setting the table for future delights. The plot is thin and no couple takes charge of the story line. Still this is well written and will help newcomers obtain a deep understanding of Carpathian customs, lifestyles, and natural enemies while long term fans will know that the treats of "Dark Desserts" (recipes included) will soon follow with future tales.

Harriet Klausner