Dark Harvest (Kismet Knight, Vampire Psychologist series)
by Lynda Hilburn. Medallion Press, 2008.
As the story begins psychologist Kismit Knight is being interviewed by Carson Miller an obnoxious radio jock with a call-in show. She does her best to keep her cool while he feels her legs and makes crude remarks. After her adventures in The Vampire Shrink (Kismet Knight, Vampire Psychologist series)
Kismit has earned a reputation as an expert on the undead and a counselor to wannabe vampires. One caller asks Why do women get turned on by the idea of having sex with vampires? Here is how Kismit answers, "Women fantasize about males who are heroic, mysterious, or non-ordinary — as well as gorgeous with bodies to die for." (There's more of course but you'll need to read the book to find out what else Dr Knight has to say on the subject.)
A few other questions follow and then comes a caller with a deep sonorous voice that Kismit immediately recognizes as vampiric. Carson falls into a stupor as does all of the listening audience. Only Kismit can hear. The voice belongs to Lyren Hallow, an ancient, powerful vampire who admits to causing mischief because after being around so long he's bored. He has decided that Kismit, lover of Deveraux another powerful vampire, will be his new focus. And it doesn't take long before it's obvious that Hallow's seduction and terrorization of Kismit is all about his desire to destroy Deveraux.
Hallow might be described as the personification of evil, the ultimate psychopath who is at the same time incredibly handsome and seductive (see cover!). Kismit finds herself horrified at the shocking murder he forces her to witness; yet within a short span of time she becomes totally mesmerized by his sexuality. Hallow has gained a certain amount of control over Kismit. Her usual inhibitions are diminished causing her to flaunt herself like a floozy and enjoy every moment of it. And this leads to hilarious, flirtatious encounters with guys best described as boy toys. It's this combination of humor and horror that distinguishes the world Hilburn has created in both Kismit Knight novels. Will there be more such stories in this series? I certainly hope so.
6 comments:
Ohhhh, sounds like it is just up my alley.
VampireVixen
Lynda Hilburn is such a good writer. I enjoyed both of her Kismit Knight books.
If you read either novel let me know your opinion.
I read the book titled: "The Vampire Shrink", and also wrote a review about it. I loved that novel! Because Kismit Knight proved herself a great Psychologist when it came to vampires.
Yes, Wanda, Kismit really comes into her own when analyzing vampires!
This was the best Kismet book so far. Hallow was indeed a very creepy villain. Dark Harvest is on my list for one of the best Urban Fantasies for 2008.
Hi Doug
Dark Harvest should definitely be on the list. I look forward to finding out which others will be included.
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