Review: Phantom Shadows by Dianne Duvall

Title:Phantom Shadows
Author:Dianne Duvall
Series: Immortal Guardians - Book 3
Release Date: October 2, 2012
Publisher: Zebra
Genre: Paranormal
Rating: 4.5 Hoots
Reviewer: Tiffany
Buy From: Amazon/ Barnes and Noble

Sum It Up! utterly addictive!

 

Dr. Melanie Lipton is no stranger to the supernatural.
She knows immortals better than they know themselves, right down to their stubborn little genes. So although a handsome rogue immortal seems suspicious to her colleagues, Sebastien Newcombe intrigues Melanie. His history is checkered, his scars are impressive, and his ideas are daring. But it’s not his ideas that have Melanie fighting off surges of desire . . .

Bastien is used to being the bad guy. In fact, he can’t remember the last time he had an ally he could trust. But Melanie is different – and under her calm, professional exterior he senses a passion beyond anything in his centuries of experience. Giving in to temptation is out of the question – he can’t put her in danger. But she isn’t asking him . . . (Goodreads)

Review:

Two words that best describe this book are, utterly addictive! Some fans of this series found it somewhat anticlimactic; going in with a fresh pair of eyes, I found it fantastic!!!

Bastien, the immortal who once believed he was a vampire, has made plenty of enemies. After two centuries of living amongst vampires and seeking unwarranted revenge, this should come as no surprise. Unbeknownst to him, he may also have made a few friends along the way, as well as a secret admirer. And although Sebastien resigned himself to being the black sheep of the immortal clan, Dr. Lipton doesn't plan to allow him to remain that way.

Melanie, a highly esteemed doctor, amongst the immortal world, has been seeking a cure for the vampires who have been slowly but surely going mad due to the virus. As she has been working very closely with Cliff and Joe, she has also been spending more and more time getting to know the real Sebastien upon his frequent visits to see the two vampires. But don't let the lab coat fool you! Because underneath is a woman who can kick ass just as good as the rest of them. When you put the two together, they become a dynamic couple that no one in their right or maddened mind will want to mess with.

What's so wonderful about this book is the fact that there was no love at first site, or destined fate. These two characters come together after getting to know one another. Of course the attraction to each other was always there, but Duvall took the time to allow their love to grow.

The only downside to this book is if you are a new reader going in, you may feel at a disadvantage with some parts. Like where did the Immortal Guardian's originate? Why did Bastien believe himself to be a vampire? What is the difference between a gifted one and an Immortal? Who, or more importantly, what is Zach? Are human Seconds merely human (like squires in the Dark Hunters series) or is there something more to them than meets the eye?

So many questions!!! Even with all those questions, new readers will still be able to enjoy this book. They just may find themselves looking back on the shelves afterward for books one and two. So, the question as to whether or not this book can be a standalone is strictly up to the reader, but it is well worth the read.