Book Review: Queen of Shadows

By Sandy Amazeen Jun 20, 2010, 2:08 GMT

Meet Miranda Grey-music and magic are in her blood. Overwhelmed by her uncanny ability to manipulate people\'s emotions through her music, Miranda Grey comes to the attention of vampire lord David Solomon. Believing he can help bring her magic under control, David discovers that Miranda\'s powers may affect the vampire world too... ...more

Accomplished guitarist Miranda Gray discovered her strange psychic capabilities quite by accident when she picked up the instrument and simply began playing. While performing at a bar gig one night Miranda realized her real gift was the ability to manipulate the audience’s reaction to her music. As is so often the case, the gift was rapidly causing Miranda to loose her sanity to the cacophony of strangers’ emotions and memories, a problem shared by her late mother.

David Solomon, Prime of the South outlawed the killing of humans after gaining his title as ordained by the glow of the Signet stone worn around his neck. Created by ancient forgotten magic, the Signet stones choose the vampire leaders as indicated by their red glow. David’s proclamation protecting humans has angered followers of the old ruler led by Ariana Blackthorn. This is hardly the time for entanglements with a fragile human female but when Miranda uses her gift to gain some measure of justice from the men who brutally attacked her, David brings her to Haven for healing and training. Their attraction is as immediate as it is untimely.

After accomplishing his goal of equipping Miranda with the skills required to shield and protect herself, David sends her away so he can focus on the escalading insurrection threatening both vampires and humans. David hadn’t counted on Miranda’s strength and determination any more then he anticipated being betrayed by his most trusted solders.

Miranda’s character is a treat as she moves from victim to a self-possessed, capable heroine unafraid to face whatever challenges life throws at her. David makes a nice departure from the dark, tortured vampire lead as he embraces, even engineers new computer software and technologies. The supporting characters are equally well developed providing a sense of weight and history to this thoroughly entertaining take on paranormal romance.