First things first, there is a lot going on in this book. I don't want to give away too much just in case someone who hasn't read the book stumbles across this review - so no spoilers here.
Michele Hauf's From the Dark revolves around Michael Lynsay, a vampire who has gone on hiatus from his rock band to go back to his old home town for a little R&R and to try and get a grip on his growing blood lust.
Jane Renan is half vampire, half witch. She comes to the Minnesota town looking for someone to help provide her with "a source". She finds that in Michael, and much, much more...
The thing is, vampires are notorious for making subserviants of those they feed from, and that bond doesn't brake when the suberviant soul becomes a vampire themselves. Such is the case with Michael. Just when he thinks he might be able to have a relationship with Jane, in walks Isabelle - the vampire that created Michael. Even after all this time she still has power over Michael. Will Jane's love be enough to break the spell?
I love dark, tortured heroes, and Michael certainly fits the bill. Jane is one of those heroines you like because she's not too pretentious. Not too perfect. There is a lot of sidestory in the book that I've left out, but to tell too much, would be to spoil all the surprises, and there are quite a few twists and turns in this book. For example: Jane's friend, Raven, who is supposedly helping her to look for a source, is a vampire slayer.
The strength of Jane and Michael's relationship didn't seem very sound to me at first, but I think it's because Isabelle comes later in the story. It's like finding out belatedly a little secret about the hero that might've colored your opinion about him had you learned it early on.
I think in Jane and Michael's existence after this book, although things seem to have resolved themselves for the here and now, I feel Isabelle may still come between them down the road. Then again, their happy for now is good enough for me.
Overall, I enjoyed this book very much, and look forward to reading more from Michele Hauf.
4 out of 5
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