Rating: 
Summary: Forget your prejudices! This book is excellent!
Review: Buy this book! Ignore the bigots who are 'uncomfortable' about the guys relationship. Sheesh, what is this 1899?? In my opinion the refreshing openness of the growing love between Alec and Seregil is one of the best things about this series. The fact that they are both males doesn't change the fact that they are *soulmates*. (In fact, it enhances it for me ^.^) This story is a lot deeper and darker than 'Luck in the Shadows'. The plot races along, the characters capture you, and the end is just stunning. LF has created the finest universe in fantasy fiction, and her characters have carved a place in my heart. I recommend the third book in this universe, 'Traitor's Moon' as well, it is even better than this one, hard as it is to believe. The sad bigots out there might want to avoid it though, as the heroes relationship is woven beautifully throughout the story. Nothing explicit, but their love shines through, and is a vital part of the plot. Thanks LF!
Rating: 
Summary: A fun and compelling read
Review: After having read countless numbers of excellent fantasy novelsover the years, I was pleasantly surprised to discover LynnFlewelling's duology (thanks to a friend who loaned them both to me) when I thought there were no more fantasy novels out there to keep me reading until the early hours of the morning. What compelled me the most were Flewelling's main characters, Seregil and Alec. It is their relationship and its slow, somewhat reluctant development that kept me reading. But I have to throw in my few spots of criticism--the dialogue throughout the first book was often awkward and jarring but Flewelling smoothes much of this out by book two. Also, the system of magic in this world is not well explained--likewise, the prophecy that Flewelling devises that overshadows all of the main characters is not clearly laid out and the role of each character in fulfilling the prophecy is also murky. I felt that many of the main characters could have been more flushed out and I finished the series feeling that they were often too stereotypical (including many aspects of Seregil and Alec). But, with these two books, Flewelling has created a world that will necessitate much more probing (more books!) and I am looking forward to further additions to the series that will give more depth and dimension to the world established here. (Oh--and a final note: I have to mention that Flewelling's home page on the web is worth visiting for those of you more curious about the series and Flewelling's background, especially her love of horror as evidenced by many scenes in Stalking Darkness!) END
Rating: 
Summary: Character relationship peaks despite stock fantasy plot.
Review: "Stalking Darkness" concludes the tale of Seregil and Alec, the dashing thief and his orphan ward, begun in "Luck in the Shadows." The early chapters see Seregil and Alec prowling through Rhininmee. As in "Luck," both characters flourish in this setting, and their relationship grows in steps appropriately hesitant for a mentor and his charge. The first half of the novel peaks as Seregil and Alec make a key discovery, but the pace stumbles after they reach a dead end and the focus shifts to trite fantasy prophecy. The necromancers' brutal countermove revs up the pace again, but then the plot falls into stock fantasy with evil minions seeking the artifact of their god while the prophesied good characters must stop them. The subtleties of Seregil's and Alec's characters fade in this rush, next to the stock archetypes of Nysander and Micum. In the dash to the conclusion, Seregil and Alec wrestle with inner doubts of whether their friends are dead and whether Nysander's strategies will stop the evil scheme. However, the reader can easily predict the outcome, and the characters' doubts read like melodramatic excuses rather than suspenseful uncertainty even though the ending does simmer with a few unexpected twists. The true conclusion is the relationship between Seregil and Alec. Here, Flewelling's work drips with poignant originality as she confronts an awkward subject, and the final machinations feel perfectly appropriate for both characters. "Stalking Darkness" straddles a line between exciting but predictable adventure fantasy like Raymond E. Feist and more character-focused work like Robin Hobb's Farseer Trilogy. The overall outcome is never in doubt, but the delicate relationship between Seregil and Alec pulls the reader through the stock fantasy elements.
Rating:
Summary: Buy this book!
Review: Buy this book! Ignore the bigots who are 'uncomfortable' about the guys relationship. Sheesh, what is this 1899? In my opinion the refreshing openness of the growing love between Alec and Seregil is one of the best things about this series. The fact that they are both males doesn't change the fact that they are *soulmates*. (In fact, it enhances it for me ^.^) This story is a lot deeper and darker than 'Luck in the Shadows'. The plot races along, the characters capture you, and the end is just stunning. LF has created the finest universe in fantasy fiction, and her characters have carved a place in my heart. I recommend the third book in this universe, 'Traitor's Moon' as well, it is even better than this one, hard as it is to believe. The sad bigots out there might want to avoid it though, as the heroes relationship is woven beautifully throughout the story. Nothing explicit, but their love shines through, and is a vital part of the plot. Thanks LF! (BTW this is a repost of an earlier review I made under a different email addy)
Rating:
Summary: Character relationship peaks despite stock fantasy plot.
Review: "Stalking Darkness" concludes the tale of Seregil and Alec, the dashing thief and his orphan ward, begun in "Luck in the Shadows." The early chapters see Seregil and Alec prowling through Rhininmee. As in "Luck," both characters flourish in this setting, and their relationship grows in steps appropriately hesitant for a mentor and his charge. The first half of the novel peaks as Seregil and Alec make a key discovery, but the pace stumbles after they reach a dead end and the focus shifts to trite fantasy prophecy. The necromancers' brutal countermove revs up the pace again, but then the plot falls into stock fantasy with evil minions seeking the artifact of their god while the prophesied good characters must stop them. The subtleties of Seregil's and Alec's characters fade in this rush, next to the stock archetypes of Nysander and Micum. In the dash to the conclusion, Seregil and Alec wrestle with inner doubts of whether their friends are dead and whether Nysander's strategies will stop the evil scheme. However, the reader can easily predict the outcome, and the characters' doubts read like melodramatic excuses rather than suspenseful uncertainty even though the ending does simmer with a few unexpected twists. The true conclusion is the relationship between Seregil and Alec. Here, Flewelling's work drips with poignant originality as she confronts an awkward subject, and the final machinations feel perfectly appropriate for both characters. "Stalking Darkness" straddles a line between exciting but predictable adventure fantasy like Raymond E. Feist and more character-focused work like Robin Hobb's Farseer Trilogy. The overall outcome is never in doubt, but the delicate relationship between Seregil and Alec pulls the reader through the stock fantasy elements.
Rating:
Summary: A really nicely done follow-up
Review: If you can get by the fantasy equivalent of "man love", you've got a really good story. Probably not for every fantasy reader, but it really is a good story. Great characters with a nice fresh voice. Again, the homosexuality of the main characters is probably going to make some people put down the book--don't, pretend one of them is a woman who can beat the hell out of most men, and wham--you're back in and following up on some great story telling.
Rating:
Summary: An intelligent sequel
Review: "Stalking Darkness" is fantasy entertainment in the tradition of some of the genre's greats. You've got your good guys. You've got your arch bad guy who's trying to get the magic doohickey so that he can perform the ritual that will give him tremendous powers. You've got your escalating series of conflicts, your mysterious characters whose true loyalties are unknown, your intriguing subplots, and so forth. Some people may object that the book is too formulaic, but I don't view it that way. Although the elements may be stereotypical, Lynn Flewelling breathes life into them by paying attention to detail and adding new twists that you don't expect. For example, consider Nysander. In the first book, "Luck in the Shadows", he appeared to be a very typical 'wise old bearded wizard mentor' figure. In this volume, however, he is revealed to be a much more complex character. He is neither all-knowing nor supremely confident. Instead, he struggles with his tasks and has doubts about himself. Another facet of Flewelling's plot that deserves credit is that it never slows down. She never needs to pause and spend fifty pages having characters chat with each other, or waste time on anything that's not relevant to the plot. In fact, almost every chapter in the book contains some new surprise or development. I particularly enjoyed the fact that she doesn't always take the most obvious approach to writing a particular scene, but instead uses betrayals and other plot intrigues to keep the reader on their toes. Lastly, I'll agree with other reviewers who applauded the author's handling of the relationship between Seregil and Alec in "Stalking Darkness". I'm willing to read about any couple in a fantasy novel; to me, it doesn't matter whether the characters involved are gay or straight. What does matter is that the relationship is well-written and interesting. In "Stalking Darkness", the interaction between Seregil and Alec feels real, and the characters' reaction to it are remarkably human.
Rating:
Summary: As Good or Better than the First
Review: The second book in the Nightrunner series continues with the tales of Seregil and Alec, who we first met in LUCK IN THE SHADOWS. STALKING DARKNESS picks up where the first left off. Having been unsuccessful at avoiding a war with Plenimar, the kingdom of Skala is bracing itself for battle. But Seregil, Alec and the wizard Nysander know this is no simple war, for Plenimar plans to defeat Skala by resurrecting the evil and powerful Dead God, Seriamaius. To do this, they need to collect the various elements of the Helm of Seriamaius. Any mortal who wears the Helm will become the living incarnation of the horrible god. Nysander has been guarding one of the elements, the Plenimarans hold another, but the third is still undiscovered. Seregil is sent on a mission to find and retrieve the crystal crown so that he and Nysander can destroy it. An ancient prophecy suggests that Seregil's role may be larger than he would like, and when the Plenimarans manage to capture all the elements for the Helm, it is up to him and his friends to destroy the evil once and for all. There is far too much happening in this book to really sum it up in a short review. The tone darkens considerably in the second novel of this series, but the story and characters continue to deliver. Flewelling continues to develop her characters, who refuse to act like stereotypes and constantly surprise us with their realism and depth. There is plenty of action and adventure, lots of magic - both the good kind and the very, very dark kind, and a very satisfying romance. The climax is powerful and shocking. STALKING DARKNESS is a fantastic follow-up to LUCK IN THE SHADOWS. I couldn't put it down until I reached the last page and the story and images haunted me for weeks after I finished it. It continues to strengthen the series and Flewelling's place in fantasy history.
Rating:
Summary: A worthy sequel to its predecessor!
Review: Stalking Darkness, the second novel in Lynn Flewelling's wonderfully refreshing Nightrunner series, is absolutely delightful. The plot thickens and the tone darkens and the development and direction Lynn takes is absolutely fabulous. Alec and Seregil's relationship continues to deepen in the most wonderful of ways and every single character plays an important role and gets enough face time to satisfy, no matter who your favorite character may be. The ending is poingant and beautifully and while one aspect is very sad, the other is a wonderful new beginning. This book was definitely a worthy sequel to a wonderful series!
Rating:
Summary: A Great Continuation...
Review: Wow. This didn't seem like the second book in what is already at least three volumes and the author promises more. Alec and Seregil are trained thieves, or nightrunners, in the country of Skala during a period of brewing war. The necromantic forces of Plenimar, sworn enemy of Skala, are pulling together all the pieces they need to assemble a powerful artifact that will ensure the defeat of Skala. But Alec and Seregil and others are on hand to try to prevent that. Along with the blossoming love-affair between Alec and Seregil and the mysteries surrounding both of their backgrounds, the tale is thrilling and exciting. I almost feel like the story is complete and full at the end of this book. Flewelling is great at spinning a yarn to grab your attention.
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