By Sandy Amazeen Oct 12, 2009, 1:33 GMT
Drake’s adequate but disappointing third Dark Days title continues Mira’s story. An ancient vampire known as a nightwalker, Mira’s ability to manipulate fire is unique among her race. Mira has established a home in Savannah and despite increased pressure from the naturi, an evil race bent on killing vampires, she has decided to stay put. As the naturi begin bringing the fight into city limits, Mira is relieved yet apprehensive when Danaus, a vampire hunter with plenty of secrets appears. Mira and Danaus have a history of working together to defeat a common enemy while knowing the day will come when they must face each other in a battle to the death.
Rowe, leader of the nuturi is preparing a special ceremonial sacrifice that will open the portal to another dimension thus freeing Aurora, his queen. Five hundred years after she was tortured nearly to death, Mira again finds herself at Machu Picchu. Danaus and Aurora’s sister, Princess Cynnia may not be her first choice of allies but Mira needs all the help she can get to thwart Rowe’s efforts. Failure is not an option as Aurora’s reemergence will change the world forever and not in a good way. All Mira’s pyro prowess and earth magic may not be enough to turn the tide that is threatening vampires and all humanity.
Despite the excellent pacing and character development Drake appears to be out of fresh material. The relationship between Mira and Danaus remains static, the overall plot is a rehash of the two previous books and the unsatisfying climax leaves the main characters pretty much back where they started. Drake’s writing style holds the series together but suffers from a lack of direction and inventiveness, a serious flaw in a genre filled with new ideas.
Your Talkback on this Story