3-1/2 stars
I enjoy Ms. Rhodes books and this is an interesting story about the vampiric Mals and the shapeshifting Fels and two men in particular, Shaun and Rannan.

In the beginning, the Fels were the protectors and companions of the Mal. Somehow, in the distant past the relationship got corrupted until the Fels started hunting Mals in horrific and malicious ways. Whole families were dedicated to eradicating Mals, much like Rannan's family. Rannan never had the stomach for hunting, however, and when one special Mal comes to his notice, he knows it's time to stop the killing for good.

Shaun has spent most of his life running, first with his father, then from himself and his heritage. Now an article writer for magazines, he's nearing his 30th birthday and he can't run anymore. With the help of a very special Fel, however, he ready now to defend what's his and lay down roots for good.

My only complaint is the amount of angst about halfway through the book. Ms. Rhodes ties up the main threads of the story quite nicely, while still leaving others open for future books. I don't know if there will be more books in the future, but I will certainly keep an eye out for them! ( )