Home of the Alpha Showdown, and one-stop shop for urban fantasy, paranormal romance and fantasy news and reviews.
From Chelsea/VBC: A couple weeks ago I started our new Keeper Shelf feature by singing the praises of Claudia Grey’s Evernight series. Today, I’m turning it over to associate reviewer Jo to tell you about the series that turned her into a paranormal fiction reader: L.J. Smith’s Night World series. As always, feel free to add your Keeper Shelf suggestions in the comments.
Jo's Keeper Shelf with L.J. Smith's Night World series
Since this is my first post on the Keeper Shelf, I thought I’d start with the books that had been on my bookshelf the longest. I picked up a copy of Secret Vampire (Night World #1) at my local library at the tender age of 11, and here began my love (cough obsession cough) with all things urban fantasy and paranormal romance.
If you’re a fan of paranormal romance series that have a cast of characters, with each book featuring a different couple (for example the Immortals After Dark series) then these are like a YA version. Featuring vampires, werewolves, shifters and witches, there is a little something for everyone in these.
The first book Secret Vampire features James, a young vampire from a prestigious family. When his human best friend Poppy is diagnosed with advance terminal cancer, he knows he will do anything to help her. The rules of the Night World are clear though, never reveal yourself to a human… and never fall in love with one. If he does save her, he might just end up killing them both.
Filled with soul deep romances and dangerous secret societies, these are action packed books. The writing style flows beautifully, making it easy to devour these one after the other. As the series progresses, the tension builds towards and epic battle for the survival of the Night World. (Strange Fate, the 10th and final book, will hopefully be out soon.)
I also started my love affair with all things paranormal with this series. I think I was around 12 or 13. Ash was and still is one of my favorite vampires. I haven’t read any of the books since High School and I don’t really want to. I’m just afraid that Ash won’t live up to the hype in my head 🙂
Lol, it’s crazy to think that I’ve been waiting for Strange Fate to come out for about 15 years. Hopefully, something will happen soon since LJ Smith has been getting a lot of hype with the Vampire Diaries.
I’ve re-read it a couple of times as an adult and Ash is still awesome! I know what you mean, the 15 year wait has been a long one, but hopefully we’ll get to read the conclusion soon 🙂 Just out of interest which is your favourite book?
Lol,good to know!
My favorite is Daughters of Darkness (Ash’s book of course)! Then there is a tie between Black Dawn (I loved that this one took place in kind of a medieval setting) and The Chosen (because Quinn was such a bad boy).
I don’t remember these at all but man was I obsessed with LJ Smith as a kid! The Secret Circle books were my jam. They were just so cheesy.
I hope Strange Fate is out soon! I’ve been waiting forever for it!