Rating: Summary: Delicious Paranormal Romance! Review: "Wings in the Night" is a collection of Maggie Shayne's first three Twilight novels, "Twilight Phantasies", "Twilight Memories" and "Twilight Illusions", and it is fantastic. Each tale is wonderfully original and utterly enthralling, drawing the reader into Shayne's intriguing world of creatures of the night."Twilight Phantasies" introduces Eric Marquand, a vampire from the French Revolution who is constantly watched and followed by two members of a secret government agency, the DPI, who want nothing more than to capture and torture a vampire. Unfortunately, one of those DPI "scientists" is the guardian of Tamara, one of The Chosen (a rare human who has the two properties necessary to be changed into a vampire). Though all vampires feel the need to watch over and protect The Chosen, there is always one specific vampire who feels that pull more strongly than all the others. Which is exactly the case with Eric, who has always felt drawn to the lovely Tamara. And though he is overwhelmed by the terrible loneliness of his existence, Eric fears what will happen if he claims Tamara for his own. But when she repeatedly calls out to him in her anguished dreams and begins to believe she is losing her mind, Eric can do no other than go to her and try to ease her suffering. The chemistry between Eric and Tamara sizzles in the air, and Shayne skilfully pulls her readers into their story until it's impossible to put the book down. "Twilight Memories" tells the story of Roland, Eric's oldest and dearest friend, who lives a life of self-imposed solitude in a huge old castle in France. Roland has sworn to protect a young boy named Jamey, one of The Chosen, and when the DPI arrives in his small French town, he knows there's going to be trouble. Especially when Rhiannon, a three thousand year old vampire from ancient Egypt, who has flitted in and out of Roland's life for centuries, arrives to help him protect young Jamey. Roland is constantly exasperated by Rhiannon's carelessness with her own safety, which she does mostly to prove that she is worthy of Roland's affections. But because Roland fears the darkness that dwells deep inside him, a bloodthirsty demon he holds rigorously in check, he constantly thwarts Rhiannon's attempts to seduce him. Unfortunately, Roland's constant denials leave Rhiannon feeling hurt and rejected, and thinking that Roland believes she isn't good enough for him. As the dangerous threat of the DPI closes in around them, Roland and Rhiannon struggle to keep Jamey safe. And when the boy is kidnapped by the DPI, they will do anything to get him back. But will they be able to admit their true feelings to one another and finally find happiness in each other's embrace? Finally, "Twilight Illusions" introduces Damien, the oldest and greatest of his kind, six thousand years old and capable of many feats others of his race can only dream of. Damien is a magician who lives a life devoid of friends for fear of losing them as he did his dearest friend Enkidu thousands of years ago. But at one of his shows he senses one of The Chosen and chooses her to be his volunteer, even though he knows the feelings she evokes in him can only bring him pain. But Shannon is a woman on a mission, a PI investigating the death of her best friend, Tawny, who died the night she volunteered at Damien's magic show. Shannon believes Damien may have murdered her, and when she follows him home and confronts him, Damien fears he may have killed Tawny without knowing it. But he knows if he didn't, Shannon may well be next, so despite his better judgement he is determined to watch over her and keep her safe. As Shannon gets to know Damien, she realizes that he could not possibly be capable of murder, and finds herself falling for him. Damien too cannot stop himself from caring deeply about Shannon, who he later discovers is dying. Damien longs to make Shannon like him so he will not have to endure the anguish of losing another person he loves, but will she ever be able to forgive Damien for turning her into something she fears? All three stories are full of danger, suspense, romance, passion and tenderness. Each tale is filled with compelling characters and page-turning storylines. Maggie Shayne has created three vampire stories that stand out above the pack, and will keep readers completely absorbed. So don't miss out, "Wings in the Night" will satisfy your every wicked desire, so read it today!
Rating: Summary: Not dark enough Review: After reading all the good reviews about this book, I was disappointed. I've read quite a few other vampire novels that I enjoyed, and this just wasn't what I was expecting. The vampires were way too tame. The fact that they need to drink blood automatically makes you fear them, but there's that thrill that attracts you too. These vampires weren't mysterious at all and didn't attract me to want to find out their stories. There was a lot of romanticism of the vampires, which I don't mind, but the darker nature that I expected to find, and even like about them, was just missing. I usually enjoy a romance novel, but I found this one to be too melodramatic and shallow. It was a quick read but not enough meat to the characters and the stories. I gave it 3 stars because I actually finished the entire book and was entertained, but I wasn't impressed and will not continue with the series. I do enjoy Charlaine Harris and Laurell K. Hamilton's vampire novels. I also just finished the Blood series by Tanya Huff that I liked too. These are definitely darker (and more gruesome) than Maggie Shayne, Hamilton's more than the others.
Rating: Summary: WOW! Review: I am not one for books with multiple stories in them. Just as the stories seem to get good they are over. Maggies is of course the exception. This book has 3 main characters and a story for each of them and each of them is just as good as any book. Wow! Is putting it mildly. I love the way she brings them all together even though you don't have to read all three to understand any of them. All if them are love stories, but far FAR from the mushy kind. Each person has battles to fight before they can even think of being happily ever after. Must read!
Rating: Summary: Truly Unforgettable Review: I enjoyed this book, but I have to say that it wasnt anything special..after reading the Anita Blake series..I feel like Im ruined for any other Vamp book because I just cant see how it could possibly get any better than that series.I will say that Twilight Phantasies had some amazing lovescenes..I enjoyed Eric very much..but I just couldnt connect with Tamara..sometimes she just acted like she was TSTL...anyways...Im definitely going to dive into the second story soon. Im looking forward to it.
Rating: Summary: Excellent, well-written vampire stories! Review: I was first introduced to Maggie Shayne when I was treated to a short novella in a Intimate Moments vampire anthology. I usually hate series romance so it was a big suprise that I enjoyed the story and it stuck out in my mind for years. I was delighted when Sillhouette decided to reprint her first three vampire stories, none of which I had read before. In Wings of in the Night I got not one, but three vampire stories that make other authors pale in comparison. In Twilight Phantasies you are introduced to Eric Marquand, a scientist vampire. Eric has been watching over Tamara Dey, one of the Chosen (rare humans who can become vampires), for most of her life. Tamara believes she's going crazy because of strange dreams and her inability to sleep at night. She feels like she knows Eric from somewhere. What's worse is that she's a member of the DPI, a government organization interested in vampires. In Twilight Memories the troublesome DPI is harrassing our heroes again. Roland has sworn himself to protect a young boy who is one of the Chosen. If it wasn't enough that federal agents weren't crawling around the French countryside, but the reckless Rhiannon has come to town. She's come to lend a helping hand and seduce Roland. In Twilight Illusions we meet Damien, an old powerful Summerian vampire. He is a magician. One night, he has an encounter with one of the Chosen named Shannon. Shannon accuses him of murdering her best friend. Damien can only think that he did it and doesn't remember, or another vampire is stalking the streets. Regardless, Shannon is next... These stories are excellent. I can't wait until the next volume comes out. Shayne stays close to the traditional vampire powers and weaknesses that we've all heard of but isn't afraid to add a few of her own creations. The most original is the Belladonna antigen, which acts like a magnet between vampires and the Chosen. It brings them together and helps start the relationship but doesn't cause the instant love that many vampire authors rely on. Maggie Shayne the queen of the vampire story.
Rating: Summary: Vampire Romance at it's Finest!!!! Review: Maggie Shayne did a first-rate job in all three stories. Each had its own plot. What really made this book unique is the superior way the characters link together from story to story. So many times when I read books that are in a series I find that the previous characters may be mentioned but there is no real connection between them and the new characters. I realize authors do not want to take away from the main characters in the new story however this series is a fantastic example of how to bring them together without down playing the plot of the new story. I first discovered this author in the anthology "Out of This World" and enjoyed her story so much that I immediately began searching for more. I'm currently reading "Twilight Hunger" and look forward to reading many more stories by this author.
Rating: Summary: Enjoyable vampire romance series Review: Maggie Shayne introduced me to vampire romances: one of her Twilight novellas was in an anthology of darker love stories, and I was intrigued by the idea, never having come across vampires outside horror (which I don't read) before. This collection houses the first three of her Twilight series: Phantasies, Memories and Illusions. Brief reviews of each first. Twilight Phantasies: This story introduces Eric Marquand, transformed into a vampire just before his date with Madame Guillotine during the French Revolution. He's something of a scientist, and loves working on things to make the life of a vampire easier. He also understands all about the Belladonna anitgen, which the Chosen carry. He has, for years, been linked mentally to Tamara, one of the Chosen, who has been brought up by a DPI operative (DPI being a branch of the FBI set up to hunt down and kill vampires). But Tamara and Eric are irrestibly drawn to each other, despite all the reasons why they shouldn't be together... Can Tamara accept what Eric is? Can she escape the clutches of the DPI to be with him? A gripping and at times heartwrenching story. In Twilight Memories the story focuses on Roland, Eric's friend, and another vampire, Rhiannon - who is, in fact, the vampire who transformed Roland. Rhiannon has been in love with Roland for centuries, but he never seems to return her interest. He disapproves of her wild, uncontrollable behaviour, which frequently puts her in danger. Rhiannon believes that Roland disapproves of *her*, and her behaviour is mainly aimed at making him notice her. But Roland has sworn never to love again, because of a tragedy in his past. Can Rhiannon get through to him? Can he see the pain his attitude is causing her? Eric and Tamara reappear in this story, along with a familiar DPI agent. Finally, there is Twilight Illusions, my favourite of the trilogy. Damien, the oldest known vampire, has not made a habit of associating with others of his kind, and as a result he knows nothing of the Chosen. He performs as an illusionist, using his powers to entertain and to select women from whom he can feed - he hypnotises them into believing that they were only dreaming. However, someone is killing off women he's been with... and Shannon is on his trail. What she doesn't realise is that she's one of the Chosen, and Damien is her mentor. Eric Marquand makes a welcome reappearance in this book, helping Damien to come to terms with himself and what he is. Shannon, however, is seriously ill, and before she's even come to terms with her discovery that Damien is a vampire, she has another attack and is close to death. Can Damien save her? And is the price he - and she - would have to pay if he did so worth it? I enjoyed the trilogy very much, although I have to say that the DPI does get old very fast; it's a major part of the plot in all three stories, and I understand in Shayne's other Twilight books. I'm far more interested in the romances than in seeing the characters have to fend off quasi-FBI agents. That aside, Shayne's writing is good and her plots and characterisation very enjoyable. She's written characters which stayed in my mind for some time after I finished the book, and it's on my 'to read again' shelf.
Rating: Summary: The best book I've read so far!! Review: Maggie Shayne is my new favorite author. When my police officer boyfriend was out fighting crime, I was completely occupied!!! I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves erotic romance, and a fast read.
Rating: Summary: Triple pleaser....The best vampire stories I've ever found Review: This book is actually three stories in one. The first, Twilight Phantasies, is probably my favorite. It's about Eric, a vampire, who finds his soulmate, Tamara. She's mortal but is also one of the "Chosen," those that have a link to certain vampires. At first Eric fights his attraction but ultimately gives in to his feelings. As their love blooms, danger lurks around the corner, since a secret goverment agency wants to capture and use for testing all vampires. In the end Eric has to decide if he wants to keep Tamara for all eternity by changing her into a vampire or risk losing her to mortality. The next story, Twilight Memories, is about Roland, my favorite vampire male. I've always been partial to the dark brooding type and Roland definately fits the bill. He sees himself as a monster and closes himself away from feeling emotions. Enter Rhiannon, a 2000 year old vampire. She has always loved Roland but has believed that he thought her less than worthy, which is not the case. Roland has always had feelings for Rhiannon but refuses to admit them to himself or her. The story revolves around DPI, the goverment agency after vampires. They have set their sights on Jamie, a young boy being cared for by Roland. Now it's up to Roland and Rhiannon to protect the child. Now like I said, Roland was my favorite character but I didn't so much care for Rhiannon. At times she went from being arrogant to feeling sorry for her self, traits I really hate. Most of the time she looked down her nose at others and felt she was the most powerful vampire because she's Rhiannon. Her character was not what I had pictured for Roland. The final story is Twilight Illusions, the story of Damien and Shannon. Shannon believes that Damien killed her friend Tawney. What she discovers is an attraction she didn't expect. Damien, who is believed to be the oldest vampire, fights the feelings he has for Shannon. Now this is where it becomes interesting. Shayne incorperates the story of "The Epic of Gilgamesh" into her vampire story. I remembered the Gilgamesh from a collage mythology class and because of that really enjoyed the book. I'm not going to tell any more because it would give away the story so if you want to find out you have to buy the book.
Rating: Summary: Best Vamps Ever! Review: This collection of the first 3 books to Maggie Shayne's TWILIGHT series is a must have, must read for any vampire romance fan. These are some of the best vampire romances ever written. Full of suspense, never ending action, intrigue and fiery passion, this is a page turner. Read it once, and you will be an instant fan. Luckily, there are many more books to this series, and Ms. Shayne doesn't seem to lack in stories to add. Reviewed by Miriam van Veen
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