The Dark-Hunters series is actually broken down into three categories: the Dark-Hunters, the Were-Hunters and the Dream-Hunters. This is the first installment of the Dream-Hunter series which is why the book was released as paperback instead of hardcover.
published in February 2007 by St.Martin's Paperbacks
Dr. Megeara Kafieri, aka Geary, has promised to her father, on his deathbed, to continue his research and prove Atlantis was real. At first, it was only an empty promise made to her estranged father whose quest for Atlantis has cost him his reputation as a scholar, but also almost all his family. However, when Geary hold proofs that Atlantis is real in her hands, she sets out to keep her promise.
Long ago, dream-hunters have been cursed by Zeus and are now devoided of all feelings except for pain. Arikos or Arik used to be an Oneroi - a dream-hunter whose function is to protect humans; however, because of Solin, a half-god with dream-hunter's power, also cousin of Arik, temptation, Arik turned into a Skotos, a dream-hunter who craves feelings and thus, "parasites" humans' dreams. After Arik stumbled onto Geary's dreams, he did not want to leave and so struck a bargain with Hades : Arik would become 100% human for 2 weeks, able to feel and have emotions, and when he returned, he'd had to bring back Geary's soul for Hades.
Once human, Arik - with the help of Solin- obtained the permits necessary for Geary for the excavation of Atlantis, as she has found its location. However, many gods are worried that Geary will release Apollymi and so, put obstacles in Geary's path. In addition, the 3 Oneroi leaders are worried that someone in the high places will find out that the curse on the dream-hunters is weakening through Arik and one of them takes matter in his hands by sending the Dolphoni/Furies to deal with Arik.
Series: The Dark-Hunters series (Book 11 - anthologies not included)
Genre: Paranormal romance
Review: Well as I mentionned already, I thought this book was a good read, better than Dark Side of the Moon. However, if someone wanted continuation of the series, you'll be disappointed. First, this book takes place in 1996, i.e. we're going back in the past, even before the series started. In addition, there is only 2 pages worth of Archeron. On the other hand, what is interesting is that it gives a lot of insight on the gods and the other "paranormal beings" besides the Dark-Hunters, such as the, well, dream-hunters, but also Chthonians (god killers) and Dolphoni and other Olympian gods. Also, we get to re-visit some other characters, such as Katra, who gets a rather big part, andM'Adoc, which appeared in Dance with the Devil as Zarek's dream-hunter.
The Characters - Let see, what do I have to say about these characters. Quite frankly, not much. Arik is like any other Dark-Hunter - tall, long hair, physically perfect, sexy, etc. - as for his personality, well not very different than the others either. The only thing is, never having been around humans, he's a bit clueless. Aside from that, I thought he lacked a bit of depth... Aside from the fact that he suffered a lot of pain, as like all the other dream-hunters, his only story is that he became a Skotos after fighting with Solin. Is that really sad? No. As for Geary, well she was a nice gal... What can I say... I did like her, but again nothing much to say. I think this book, although the characters played a big role, the story was more interesting. Or perhaps, what has to be said is that again, the secondary characters were more interesting and stole the spotlight. First, there was Katra... now that's a very complex character and everytimes she appears, we're given just pieces and bits of her past. Solin was another interesting character. He appeared as a jerk, but there's something behind him. Heck even ZT (Zebulon) was more intriguing. So, to sum it up... boring main characters, but intriguing secondary characters.
The Story & Writing - I really think something should be clear... no person is devoid of emotions and writing about those kind of chracters is really hard, especially if you want to make them realistic. In addition, when a character is devoid of feelings, then there's only one path for the author - to make this character have emotions and ultimately love. Ultimately, the premises are not bad, just very predictable. Again, it's not the main characters evolution that was interesting, but the whole story in general. The Dream-Hunter's curse, the bargain between Hades, Arik and when how Geary and Kat got Ares out of it. Also, the whole killing Arik scheme and Apollymi's presence. You also learn quite a bit about the gods story.
The Cover - I'd have preferred it if there wasn't a face taking half the space. However, I have to admit that at least, for once, the model fits the description.
Am I keeping the book? Yes. I'll decide what I'll do with the series after Ash's story, but I doubt that I'll throw them away... because there are some good stories in this series.
Anything else? Yes, what are the chances that Katra is Ash's soulmate? Seriously, she's a very complex character and she has the upper hand on Ash. I mean, she knows everything about Ash, but Ash doesn't even know she exists. Isn't that interesting? I don't understand why some ppl don't like Kat...
