Blood Spells: A Novel of the Nightkeepers [Mass Market Paperback]

Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy

Mythology junkies like me are in for a sweet treat with BLOOD SPELLS the latest book in the Final Prophesy series about the Nightkeepers, a group of warrior mages whose duty it is to keep demons trapped in the underworld, because the entire series is based on the myths of the Mayan Empire, specifically the 2012 Doomsday prophesy. Anderson shows off a skillful understanding of Mayan lore and weaves a very complex world together in her action packed paranormal romance.

The larger story deals with the Nightkeepers rush to stop an Aztec demon from breaking out of his prison and destroying all life on earth. The more intimate story involves Patience and Brandt's journey to revive a love they've long since lost. Many of the scenes between them had a Time Traveler's Wife quality to them as they magically revisited moments from their lives including the one night neither of them can remember: the night they met.

Although each book focuses on a new couple, long time fans of the series will have an edge on us newbies as there is a lot of information to absorb in a very short amount of time. Extensive character histories, intricate magic systems, and a complex mythology based on a real historical culture. There is a glossary in the back that was extremely helpful, but even being somewhat familiar with Mayan mythology, I found it challenging to keep up.

If you're looking for an elaborate world system based on the bloody but fascinating Mayan mythology (with a demonic twist), an epic second chance romance, with plenty of supporting characters, then BLOOD SPELLS will be like Christmas coming early. I'm intrigued enough that I'll be starting back with the first Final Prophecy book, NIGHTKEEPERS, while waiting for STORMKISSED in June 2011.

Sexual Content: Several graphic sex scenes

Patience is a warrior and is expected to put the needs of the Nightkeepers first but she can't simply stop being a mother and wife. Aside from having to decide between his wife and his Nightkeeper duties on a daily basis, Brandt will need to find a way to reclaim lost memories, reconcile with his ancestors and gain their wisdom in order to became a weapon the Nightkeepers desperately need.

An ancient Aztec god-king is out to destroy the Nightkeepers and Patience and Brandt will need to put aside their marital problems and work as a team. But when lost memories are regained they learn that in order to for Brandt to gain his powers it will require a heartbreaking sacrifice.

This book is unique to this series because Patience and Brandt are already married, unlike in the other books where each character starts out alone and is mated by the end. Their marriage has been rocky and they have been growing apart for some time now. Between having their sons sent away with no contact for their own protection, to having to put their needs and marriage on the back burner in order to focus on stopping the end of the world in 2012 which is predicted by the Mayan calendar, Patience and Brandt's marriage seems to be hanging by a thread. Patience wants to have her children back and the marriage she once had and Brandt thinks that everything personal needs to be put on hold. When Brandt becomes a triad member and must find a way to communicate with his ancestors in order to gain their knowledge, they both must figure out how to remember a very important event that for some reason they forget. The night they met. This memory brings everything to a head and it gets emotional. Secrets are revealed and everything is finally out in the open.

The romance is ever present but does not over shadow the main story line to the series. The Nightkeepers must stop an Aztec demon from bringing down the barrier that will allow evil gods to cross over into our world. I love the complexity and depth that Jessica Andersen puts into her books. This is not just another 'bad guys must defeat good guys' series. There is a lot of Mayan history and lore involved. At times there is too much information and names thrown out there which is why I also like the romance part of this series. It balances everything out and shows you another side to some really good and well written characters. The glossary that is at the end of the book also helps.

Blood Spells is the latest book in Jessica Andersen's Final Prophecy series and for anyone who hasn't already read the previous books, I highly suggest starting from the beginning. Like I said there is a lot to this series and it would be easy to get confused if you jumped right into the middle of things. The history and action in this series hooks you in and the romance and interesting characters keep you wanting more. I wouldn't label this book strictly as paranormal romance or science fiction but as a pleasant mix of both.

Ms. Andersen adds another book to my keeper shelf with "Blood Spells". The Nightkeeper series just continues to get better and better. With sex magic and dark forces this story kept me up all night. I couldn't put it down. Way to go Ms. Andersen. I hope I don't have to wait too long for the next book in this wonderful series!

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 5 reviews  4.4 out of 5 stars