Child of a Dead God
by Barb and J.C. Hardee
ROC, 407 pp, $24.95

Child of a Dead God is a novel of The Noble Dead

For many months, Magiere and Leesil have sought an artifact dating back to the earliest times. Everyone wants it and to prevent others from having it, Magiere must keep it from her murderous vampire brother who wants it for power.

Traveling with her and Leesil are Wynn, a scholar, their Canine Fay protector, Chap. And two Elven assassins sworn to them. But another group have been sent to kill them and take the artifact and kill them all. Magiere is drawn, nay, obsessed, with following the voice leading her to the icebound castle.

Westrial, the un-dead brother, and his feral Vampires follow as do a set of elves bent on taking all. And what is the voice leading them on?

The Hardees have put together protagonists who are conflicted and engaging, while coping with non-stop action. Their plotting keeps the excitement high and fast moving. This is vampire writing at its best. Hey, vampire fans, I hope you kept some money this Holiday season for your own gift. - Pam Allan