In Sharon Ashwood's previous book, Ravenous: The Dark Forgotten,
Detective Conall Macmillan ended up losing his job, most of his
soul, definitely his dignity and we weren't sure, but perhaps his
life. All this happens because of Macmillan's particularly nasty
lover-- literally a demon lover. This book, Scorched, picks up with
Macmillan taking stock of what's left of his friends and home. And
particularly what is he going to do next. It doesn't take him long
before trouble finds him again in the form of a lovely, innocent,
but certainly not helpless vampire who needs help in rescuing her
son. Mac finds himself in the Castle, a supernatural prison, once
again. There he not only faces a powerful foe but finds out a dark
and dangerous secret about himself.
I really enjoyed the character of Mac. He is a fun, down to earth,
and definitely not without appeal on the heroic front. The heroine,
Constance, is believable, innocent but not without self awareness
and strength. These two characters do as those of a good book
should -- grow and evolve as they complete their adventures, but in
the end you can still see them together. I was struck again by
Ashwood's ability to create an excellent, smooth and sustainable
plot. A great book to loose yourself in by the fireside!