Kiss of NightAuthor: Debbie ViguiéPublisher: FaithWords, 2011
Centuries ago, Raphael was a blasphemous knight who fought in the Crusades purely for his own mercenary benefit, and to satisfy his taste for killing. Now, condemned for his evil passions and hypocrisy, he wanders the earth a vampire, cursed with first-hand knowledge of the supernatural world he once denied existed. The powerful relic he still possesses from his days as a Crusader has been stolen by a rival vampire who has recruited an army of soulless underlings to aid him in spreading evil. At the time he learns this, Raphael has been hunting this vampire for nearly a century, and it seems the final battle is destined to take place in Prague.
For help in this quest, Raphael must enlist the aid of two humans, David and Susan, who suddenly find themselves immersed in a world they never imagined, entangled with supernatural forces they can't control. Susan, in particular, finds herself conflicted as she struggles with her inexplicable attraction to Raphael. In the end, both Susan and Raphael will be called upon to exercise courage and faith, and in the process, the question, "What would happen if a vampire truly accepted God?" is answered.
My Review:
Kiss of Night is a refreshing change from all the new vampire stories, where they shine, have power over elements, or are even part alive. The vampires in this story are very much dead, are comatose during the day, burn in the face of holy items, and are even affected by garlic!
Raphael (male lead and sexiest vampire in Prague) needs her help in the upcoming battle to save humanity from the evil vampires. Susan’s help is crucial since her family has been involved in this from the beginning. She even seems to have some innate holy powers which are not really explored during this book, but I’m sure will play a big part in the following novels. David is plunged into this battle by being one of the few people who can resist a vampires mesmerizing gaze. Together they will work to find and stop an evil vampire with a god complex and his pet a mad vampire scientist.
I have to say I was hesitant to pick this up since it’s posted as Christian Fiction, but the story sounded quite exciting. I’m glad I did give it a chance. There are no preachy parts whatsoever, and there is a nice explanation to the existence of vampires (though I seriously doubt any Catholic would be so cool about it). It even has a kickass fight and some gory parts at the end! Oh and the vampire Rottweilers were terrific.
I was pleased with the characters, though not with the many changing POVs and flashbacks since it made for a choppy story at times. I would have just been happy with Raphael and Susan’s POV. Raphael…Ahhh. His smirk-y sexy self had me swooning the whole time. Although he has had all this time to atone for his sins he can’t forgive himself for being a monster. This is why I liked Susan because she knows Raphael is not a bad person.
I will certainly be looking out for the next installment in this series. I can’t wait to know more about the secret of Susan’s necklace, and see where her chemistry with Raphael leads.
*I received this book via Netgalley from the publisher*
Favorite Quotes:
“I’m not this girl,” she whispered against his lips. He had to know, this wasn’t her. She didn’t kiss strange men. She didn’t feel this deep hunger inside.
“I know you’re not,” he said. “But I am this man.”
~
“Paul, what are you doing here?” Raphael asked, both relieved and concerned as he recognized his grandsire.
The older vampire shrugged. “Rumor has it that the apocalypse is coming. I just wanted to see it for myself.”
Raphael sat down on the bed. “You scared me.”
“Good to know I still scare someone,” Paul said with a flash of fangs.
~
He was standing in the middle of the room, an arrogant look on his face.
“What a night,” Wendy sighed.
Without even turning his head to look at her Raphael said, “Sleep.”
Wendy fell backward, her head landing on the pillow.
“Don’t do that to her!” Susan exclaimed.
“You’d prefer to have this conversation with her listening?” Raphael asked, lifting one eyebrow.
