Fading Light by Angela Dennis: Review

Title: Fading Light
Series: Shadow Born #2
Author: Angela Dennis
Published: September 23rd, 2014
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Word Count: 72,000
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Content Warning: Sexual Material and Violence
Recommended Age: 18

Synopsis:
Everyone has a breaking point.
Her hundred-year penance lifted, Shadow Bearer Brenna Baudouin returns to the Earthly plane with her partner, Gray Warlow, to keep the peace between humans and supernatural creatures—and to prevent another apocalyptic war from happening.
The attraction between them is nearing a critical point, but their checkered history has left Brenna unable to trust either her heart or her instincts.
It’s chaotic business as usual until humans begin turning to statues of dust. There is no explanation, no sign of magical foul play or a biological toxin. The humans are convinced it’s the work of a deviant supernatural faction, twisting the knife in the already tense relationship between their species. Brenna and Gray agree—the deaths have a former comrade-turned-rogue stamped all over them.
In a race against time, they enlist the help of both friend and foe to save the human race and stop the impending civil war. Along the way, they are forced to come to terms with their past and decide, once and for all, whether they will come together or fall apart.
Warning: Contains a heroine who knows her weapons but not her own heart, an outbreak of supernatural proportions, copious bloodletting, and a race to save an endangered species—humans. All tied up in a tight bow of sexual tension.
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Excerpt: Darkness embraced Brenna like a thick wool blanket. It wrapped around her, blocking the dim lamplight as she walked toward the seedy bar. Glass residue from the riots crunched beneath her leather boots. Mixed with snow, the bits of broken beer bottles and smashed windows glittered like an army of broken icicles. She breathed deeply, inhaling the cool night air. It smelled of sour beer and clove cigarettes and left a bitter taste on her tongue. Shadows embraced the sides of the stone structure that housed the Dirty Ruby, one of the few multi-species bars in Denver proper. They stalked across the snow and mixed with the night to merge into a black mass. From its midst stepped a man. Well over six feet, he moved with grace in contrast to his size. The moonlight played across his face, highlighting his chiseled features. Brenna’s pulse quickened and she took an involuntary step forward. Self-conscious, she ran a hand through her copper curls, freeing them from the careless bun. The thick strands streamed down her back like fire as she moved, her breath coming in quick harsh bursts. She slipped off her black leather duster and draped it across her arm. Without it the tight black corset left her taut belly and back exposed, but she didn’t feel the cold. She never did around Gray. “Four demons. Thirty humans. Keep the casualties to a minimum.” Brenna brushed past him, tossing him her coat. “I’ll bring them out. You send them back to hell.” “Hell?” Gray grinned. His teeth gleamed in the moonlight. “You speak human now?” She shrugged. “When in Rome.” Her back to him, she turned toward the freshly white-washed door. But before she could move, he had her shoulder in a vise grip. His fingers twined in the hair at the base of her skull. His breath hot against her cheek. “I know your other partners let you boss them around.” He turned her to face him. “I’m not them.” He stepped forward, forcing her back. They moved in an awkward dance until her ass hit the stone wall. Trapped, she stared at him, wary. A shadow fell across his face hiding all but his piercing violet eyes. “We enter together. Once they’re dead, we leave.” He stepped back, loosening his hold. “The humans—” “Won’t remember a thing.” He crushed his lips to hers even as he slid the duster across her shoulders. “And I’m not your coat rack.” Releasing her, he stepped back. Brenna rubbed the back of her hand against her bruised lips. Gray would be the death of her. If she didn’t kill him first.


REVIEW




4 STARS

I enjoyed this second book in the Shadow Born Trilogy. There was plenty of action as Brenna and Gray strive valiantly to protect humanity from dastardly rogue elements and monsters in the guise of old friends. A mysterious ailment is poised to become an extinction level event, but the villains are well-hidden and the clues are scarce. Brenna and Gray are pulled in different directions as they work diligently along with their small band of gladiators to discover and remove the source of the wicked contagion.
Brenna and Gray have a history, and the sexual tension between them is evident throughout the story but their romantic struggle takes a back seat in the race to protect the planet. I enjoyed the way in which the story unfolded and personally liked having the action front and center. Both characters have good reasons to be wary of the other because of their shared past. There is a strong attraction – fated really – but both fight the allure because of the higher priorities they must handle.
I am enjoying this series and I am really looking forward to the next adventure.
This book was provided to me in exchange for my honest review.
Reviewed by Laurie-J

Also read my review of Shadows of Fate, book 1 in the Shadow Born series.

About the Author:
Angela Dennis lives outside Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband, son and a sheltie with a hero complex. When she is not at her computer crafting stories, she can be found feeding her coffee addiction, playing peek-a-boo, or teaching her son about the great adventures found only in books.
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Giveaway Details:
There is a tour wide giveaway. Prizes include the following:

• $25 Amazon Gift Card & eBook copy of Fading Light (1 winner)

Giveaway is International.
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