Rating: 
Summary: A Yawner
Review: Like many other reviewers, I have read some of Christine Feehan's stories and agree that this one was not up to par. In fact the best part of this book might be the cover art -- which doesn't say much for the writing."Dark Descent" by Feehan was a disapointment. It started off at least mildly interesting; a female body guard, astral projection, and of course the instant recognition of "lifemates". But the characters were shallow and very gullible. Joie's sister is a doctor specializing in microbiology and she didn't have a problem with vampires, dragons, etc? Sure, they can communicate with each other through telepathy but that's a far cry from watching someone change into a wolf. The story just seemed like it was written in a hurry with no attention to details. "Star Queen" by Susan Grant was absolutely awful. This story could have been written by an elementary school writing student -- and they'd have flunked. The main characters were very unlikeable and unrealistic. The male lead waited years to approach the female lead despite the uncertainties of their existence. And when they did get together it was a one-night-stand sort of thing where the hero is flying off in the morning to almost certain death. The heroine is not happy with this decision. They argue, make wild, passionate love, and he leaves. Turn the page and he's back! Not only is he back but the entire universe has been rebuilt. No explaination, just an epilog type ending that says nothing. Very poor writing. And the not-so-subtle religious preachings didn't add to the overall dismal story. Apparently Ms. Grant spent more time trying to find unpronouncable names for her characters than she did in giving them personalities and a plot. The last entry, "Sacrilege" by Susan Squire, was probably the pick of a poor crop. I've never read anything by her before and I think it would have helped if I had. The story wasn't terribly original and was hard to believe; a vampire monk who had been essentially brainwashed for over a thousand years suddenly sees the light all because of a rather obnixious female vampire? I don't think so. There are better anthologies out there. If you have to read this, read it at the bookstore or library but don't waste any money.
Rating:
Summary: More does not mean better
Review: Maybe I'm spoiled,but,and I did buy it, Ms.Feehan is a fantastic writer. Putting the other two with her made the whole book a watery read if not worse.
Rating: 
Summary: Three for Three
Review: On rare occasions you find an anthology that produces winning stories from all authors involved. The Only One is one of those rare finds. Susan Squires' Sacrilege took on the awesome task of making Magda's less than lovable character from Sacrament into a heroine that you are cheering for by the end of the story. Course if you had a hero like Pietr working for your love, *sigh* well read Sacrilege and you'll see. Susan Grant has done a prequel to her Star series, showing us where the Star King, Star Prince and upcoming Star Princess received their honor and integrity. Taj inspires Romjha to be the best that he can be while rebuilding their world that has been destroyed. A story that shows how tragedy and a difficult challenge can make us all better people. A love story that is truly inspirational. Christine Feehan continues her Dark Series with Dark Descent. Traian, one of the ancient Carpathians is coming home to meet his Prince before facing the dawn when he runs into a pack of vampires, wounded he has gone to ground. Joie, bodyguard extrordinare, is also wounded, performing an astral projection to escape her pain, floats in to Traian resting place, sees Traian and wow colors and fireworks ensue. The humor and action in this story are not to be missed. Ms. Feehan again extends her world of Carpathians, teasing us with knowledge of the growing threat from Master vampires working to destroy the Carpathian hierarchy. The wait for her next Dark story is going to be sooo long. This anthology was wonderfully well done by all three Authors. The Only One is a definite keeper and an instant classic in this reviewer's opinion.
Rating: 
Summary: Not enough of it!
Review: Sorry..... I'm just not a novella person..Dark Descent is a novella in the anthology 'The Only One'. I only made it through the first story. I was sooooo bloomin' frustrated at the end of that one story! The story line was excellent - or could have been. There was a slight new twist, or maybe I should say, new information concerning the history of the Carpathians, or actually about time even before the Carpathians.... when the wizards ruled... it was sounding really good.... but it was sooooo short! Yes, I enjoyed the story..... there just wasn't enough of it. I truly wish this had been a full length novel....
Rating:
Summary: Three excellent stories!
Review: Susan Grant's The Star Queen was fantastic! If you have read any of her Star Series, you will definitely want to read this. You'll get to learn of The Dark Years and how the Vash Nadah began. As always Ms. Grant's detail is exceptional. Both h/h are so likeable and fascinating, and yes, the hero is very sexy. If you haven't read any of her Star Series (shame), get them: The Star King; The Star Prince; and in August, The Star Princess. Christine Feehan's Dark Descent was wonderful and thrilling, as are all her other books in the Dark Series. As a regular reader, I didn't have to read the same background and descriptions. It cuts right to the chase and I though that was very refreshing. Susan Squire's Sacrilege was so entertaining. Susan's writing makes me shiver, laugh, gulp, and I can't seem to turn the pages fast enough.
Rating:
Summary: An Enjoyable Anthology, But Nothing Great
Review: The Only One contains three stories written by Christine Feehan, Susan Grant & Susan Squires. Dark Descent by Christine Feehan
Traian is hunting a pack of vampires in the Carpathian mountains when he finds Joie, whom he immediately recognizes as his lifemate. Traian does not have much time to explain things to Joie and relies on her to persuade her brother and sister that they have to trust Traian if they want to escape the caverns that they were exploring. On their way out, they discover an old treasure trove of the wizards who passed away long ago. However, the wizards' spells still work just fine. As Traian battles the vampires, the wizards' spells and Joie's doubts about him, he is one busy man trying to claim his lifemate and keep everyone alive! I bought this book just because Ms. Feehan had written a story in it and I enjoyed the story, but was a little disappointed because it is so short! Still, it was good to read a story about a Carpathian who had some limitations, which made him more vulnerable and human-like. If you have enjoyed the Dark series, you will enjoy Traian's story and I am hoping that Ms. Feehan is using this story as a set up for more interaction with wizarding stuff. The Star Queen by Susan Grant
Romjha B'kah is dead inside. Everyone thinks that he just needs time to recover from his wife's death, but Romjha has given up hope for his people who were forced to hide underground to when the imperial raiders came to destroy his planet. But when Taj Sai gives an impassioned speech about how destiny is not a matter of chance, but of choice, Romjha comes alive again. He is determined to rid his planet of the invaders and to win the heart of Taj, but he has great patience and is willing to wait until he is the man that Taj deserves as her mate. This was my first chance to read anything by Susan Grant and I enjoyed it very much. The story was great and had a nice flow and was the perfect length. I found the characters well developed and fascinating and look forward to reading more in Grant's Star series. Sacrilege by Susan Squires
Magda was being forced out into the world after living in the safety of the Mirso Monastery for centuries. It was true that, when she first was left at Mirso, she hated the place, but, as time passed, she found a kind of peace and could use the Nine Precepts to keep her companion, that which made her a vampire, under control. She wanted to stay at Mirso and begged Brother Pietr not to send her back out into the world where she could be tempted to kill humans again, but it was time for her to start living again. Magda felt bereft and alone, clinging to the Nine Precepts, one of which was to feel no emotion, to survive. When the Harrier, the hunter and slayer of her kind, showed up to kill her, Magda had no idea why, but she quickly discovered that it was because Pietr had fallen in love with her. Pietr, her teacher, the one who taught her not to feel, Magda refused to believe it and tries to reject Pietr's love, but the two lovers will need all of the power that they have to defeat the Harrier and have some kind of life together. This was my least favorite of the stories. Although it was well written, I just didn't feel very much for the characters and felt that I was a little out of it because Magda was a character in Sacrament, one of Squires' other books, which I have not read. Still, it was interesting and I liked Pietr's character, too bad that we couldn't have learned a little more about him instead of Magda!
Rating:
Summary: Not for Newbies!
Review: There have been lots of plot synopses and comments for the various stories... I'm going to step forward with some important info that a casual reader may not notice about this book: THE ONLY ONE is an anthology of three novella--each a sequel in some way, shape or form. Presumably the idea is that readers of one world will buy the book, read the other novella, and search out the other volumes to the various worlds. An interesting concept--but with one flaw. Unless you read these series, these short novella are NOT going to be as interesting. So--if you enjoy Grant's STAR series, or SQUIRES' Sacrament, or if you collect Feehan's DARK stories--you may want this anthology. If you read all three, it's a definite must-buy, just to see what these authors add to their worlds... if you haven't read anything from any of them... give the anthology a skip and pick up the first book from the world that MOST interests you.
Rating:
Summary: Dark Desent
Review: This is a good anthology but clearly the best story is Christine Feehans Dark Desent. This story was really very good, but too short. I would have like to see it as a full novel. For those who have been reading the 'dark series" seeing our old friend Gary in another light was a great suprise. Joie is a strong woman not afraid to fight for those she loves. Her lifemate although an ancient is really quite a modern man and clearly is not put off by his lifemates strength. This is a great addition to the dark series but I hope we see more of these characters. This really needed to be a full length book. The other two stories in the book were good also but do not come close to being as good as Christine Feehans story. This is another winner. Thank you Ms Feehan you have done it once again. Diane Griffith
Rating:
Summary: waiting for the next episode!
Review: This short story finds us with a cast of memorable characters. Joie Sanders finds herself communicating telepathicly with a man named Traian Trigovise who she found while "flying" after being shot. Also introduced in this story is Jubal and Gabrielle siblings to Joie. With many twists and turns the plot thickens leading to bigger things to come from Feehan. I can't wait for the next exisode!!!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: A Tantalizing 3-Course Appetizer
Review: Three amazing authors in one book! And each lady tells a short story related to the fantasy world they have created, all well written and extremely well told. We admit, we have to scratch our heads when people say that the stories were short. Well duh! They're SHORT stories. What did you think? It's like expecting the tasty appetizer you ordered to go down the same as a full meal. If you want an entire dinner, read any of these ladies' full books, but for some outstanding entertainment in a fanciful, sexy realm, DO NOT pass up your chance to read this New York Times bestselling collection of short fiction. Each author's contribution is a yummy appetizer enticing the reader try one of the ladies' full course meals. Very highly recommended.
| 
