Dark Bites

Starred review from November 18, 2013
Aptly named, Kenyon’s deliciously decadent collection pulls together a sampling of sometimes-sweet, often-sensual stories that will delight even the most persnickety reader. The collection opens with the beautifully emotional “House of the Rising Son,” the tale of a god’s daughter and the warrior who taught her to feel. It progresses to the age of time travel in “Shadow of the Moon,” where redemption is the key for Arcadian Angelia and Katagarian Fury. The theme binding the collection is that of second chances, whether for love (“Santa Wears Spurs”) or to right a past wrong (“Until Death We Do Part”). Wars among deities, family feuds, and fantasy fan conventions are brought together with humor and sexy spice. This well-balanced treat for Kenyon’s fans is also an excellent introduction for new readers, who will be inspired to go on an immediate hunt through her extensive backlist.

April 1, 2014

This collection features novellas first published in earlier Kenyon anthologies, stories previously available only on her website, and one new story, "House of the Rising Son," a prequel to her novel Styxx. Forbidden love is the most common theme here, as immortals and supernatural beings enter into taboo love affairs with humans, often leading to severe consequences. Other tales recall shameful pasts, lasting feuds, and bitter betrayals for powerful beings of many races, including demons, werewolves, demigods and dragons. By turns suspenseful, action-packed, emotional, and erotic, this sampler works best as an introduction to Kenyon's dark and sensual world; longtime fans are likely to have encountered most of these stories before, and not all are equally interesting. Voice actor Fred Berman does a capable job of channeling a wide spectrum of characters. VERDICT Most of the material in this anthology is duplicated in other collections, but Kenyon's enduring popularity virtually guarantees an audience. A solid choice for larger public library collections.--Claire Abraham, Keller P.L., TX

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