DRAW DOWN THE DARKNESS
NAOMI BELLIS
ISBN#978-0-451-22095-0
April 2007
Signet Eclipse-Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014
Paperback
$6.99 U.S./$9.99 CAN
308 Pages
Paranormal Romance
Rating: 4 Cups

Nicholas Saville, Viscount Redfern, has found it necessary to become a spy in order to support his family but it keeps him away for long stretches of time. He often has to travel with little notice to family, friends or lately his fiancée, Helen Barrett. Because of his frequent and last minute departures, Helen has broken off their engagement and having no other choice, starts reluctantly considering the attentions of the Earl of Waring, even accepting a birthday gift of a beautiful Pink Sapphire necklace. Sir Alaric Fitzwilliams, Viscount Redfern’s mentor and boss notices the piece of jewelry and mentions it to him after Redfern mentions the strange behavior of both Helen Barrett and her brother James. Could the necklace be tainted with dark magic?

Helen Barrett has waited long enough for the continent hopping Viscount Redfern and decides to break off their engagement. Feeling forlorn and alone, she warily accepts a birthday gift from the Earl of Waring, thinking that her brother would be pleased that she was accepting the attentions of his mentor who was a powerful politician. Thinking she would rather be a countess instead of a viscountess, she accepts the necklace but immediately feels strange. She discounts the lightheadedness as just nerves and an overly crowded room. Would accepting the Earl’s attentions be in her best interest?

There are dark forces at work in the polite society of London’s upper crust. Sir Alaric Fitzwilliams, master of spies and also a member of the Circle, a hand full of ancient families with the gift of magic in their blood has been sent word that the Hellfire League, a splinter group of the circle, a group of malcontents intent on nefarious deeds will Draw Down the Darkness, a canon of foul sorceries to take place at a specific time and place. Redfern has been charged with saving his fiancée and finding out what the Earl of Waring wants. The supernatural battle can only be fought by the strongest of members. Will Redfern find Helen in time and still be able to help Sir Alaric?

Ms. Naomi Bellis has written a book full of high society intrigue along with a touch of the paranormal thrown in for spice and excitement. I got caught up in the plot from page one. The hero knows just enough to stay safe while Helen is a pawn of the Earl of Waring, who uses her for his wicked plans. There are a great many plot twists and I had a hard time keeping up but it also kept my attention until the end. I would recommend this book to any reader of paranormal romance.

Kathy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
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