MIDNIGHT CAPTIVE by Arial Burnz is a fantastic follow-up to the first book in the Bonded by Blood series, establishing the series with a clearer direction and exciting action. I give it 4 stars.
MIDNIGHT CAPTIVE begins seventeen years after the first book in the series, Midnight Conquest, and gives readers the love story of Cailin MacDougal (Davina's daughter/ Broderick's stepdaughter) and James Knightly, son of Alistair Knightly, partner in the MacDougal Shipping Company. Angus Campbell is still plaguing Broderick's family, attempting to use physical harm to Davina and Cailin to exact his revenge against Broderick.
Broderick is called away on an uncertain quest, leaving his family in James' care. After his departure, Cailin overhears Angus' human minions discussing a plot to abduct her and Davina and deliver them to Angus. Cailin plans accordingly and isn't disappointed. Angus' plan goes awry, though, because Davina is not abducted, and because Broderick is away from home and has no idea they are in danger. He also didn't plan for Cailin to have a special amulet to protect her from him in specific, subtle and powerful ways. James is on her trail and faces serious emotional and physical trauma to get to her. Ultimately, James and Cailin must work together to escape Angus' clutches.
MIDNIGHT CAPTIVE was everything I was looking for in book one of the series. It is important to note, though, that reading the books in order will help you understand immediately what's going on in book two. I started with book two and quickly realized that I need to stop and read book one first. It made a HUGE difference.
So, in MIDNIGHT CAPTIVE, the history of the Vamsyrian race and the prophecy concerning the Vamsyrians and God's chosen one are both explained in greater detail, giving the reader a much deeper understanding of the world in which these characters live. Readers also get to see more of Cordelia and learn about her part in the prophecy. I like how the prophecy and history of the Vamsyrians incorporate Biblical events and how some of the dialogue echoes scriptures. Also, the concept of the existence of other supernatural beings is addressed, giving us the reason for the creation of werewolves! The whole supernatural plot is well done, captivating in both its substance and delivery.
The novel also provides explanations of major events of the past seventeen years. This is crucial to another aspect of the book--the development of the romance between Cailin and James. Their attachment is clearly understood from the unfolding of their childhoods--when they met, James' father's neglect and abandonment, James' affection and admiration of Cailin's character and personality even when she was young, etc. The romance is believable.
The romance is also graphic, so appropriate for adults only.
The plot canters along nicely, and there were very few distracting typos or editing issues.
Overall, I really enjoyed MIDNIGHT CAPTIVE, and cannot wait to read book three in the series to see where immortality takes Broderick and his family next.
**Review originally written for The Romance Reviews.com at http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=8272.
