"Knock-Your-Socks-Off Fantasy Adventure"
The Black Knight rides on a vengeful quest, precise in aim,
deadly in intent. Those who fall to his sword are all de
Morte, brothers feared across France for their cruelty and
decadence. The Black Knight's origin is unknown. His name,
his purpose, his goal-all are great mysteries. And none
suspect that the Black Knight is actually a woman. Seraphim D'Ange, sole survivor of a heedless attack by the
de Morte, has dedicated herself to vengeance. She is joined
on her quest by young Baldwin, a family retainer turned
squire, the only person who knows her past and the true
roots of her quest. But she doesn't know the hellish truths
beyond the existence of the de Morte clan, or that she has
her own hidden secrets. They are joined by the mysterious Dominique San Juste, a
man of many secrets. Dark and solitary, San Juste has
appointed himself Seraphim's protector. A strong warrior in
his own right, he has knowledge that extends beyond the
mortal realm. He knows of the prophecy that demands
Seraphim be the one to destroy the de Mortes, though only
slowly does he realize how little she knows about her
destiny. Together they cut a swathe through the spreading stain that
is the de Morte family. Their ultimate goal is to destroy
the eldest brother, Lucifer. Along the way they will face
challenges and surprises and the revelation of secrets both
beautiful and horrifying. The stakes are high, but their
determination is strong. Love is something neither can
afford-or maybe it's what they are both going to need to
survive. SERAPHIM is an enthralling mix of fantasy adventure and
believable romance, a perfect addition to the LUNA lineup.
The action rolls from the first page, never stopping, never
faltering. The characterization is excellent, the
storytelling descriptive and engaging. Though primarily an
adventure, the relationship between Seraphim and Dominique
is always humming and evolving. Tender and outrageous, the
romance between the two erstwhile heroes is enough to
please any romance reader. The adventure part of the story-which involves demons and
angels and faeries and more-is well-plotted and exciting.
SERAPHIM is well-written and well-paced, too, the dialogue
hinting of the medieval setting and the characters
themselves balanced and believable. Of course, it isn't an
easy read. Death and destruction scenes are well-timed and
executed, but hard on the reader. (Arguably, as they should
be.) One other fact to be noted is that, though Seraphim is
the first in a projected LUNA trilogy by Hauf, the book
stands solidly on its own feet and ends as well as any self-
respecting non-series title. SERAPHIM was a joy to read
and re-read. I can't wait for Hauf's next LUNA novel! Reviewed by Ann Leveille
Posted April 19, 2004
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted November 19, 2006
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Winter, 1433 -- and Joan d'Arc's ashes still glow with
unsettled embers . . .
In a land where the battle between Good and Evil is always
near, the Black Knight's silver sword fells enemies with
silent grace. The Knight has sworn that fallen angel
Lucifer de Morte and his cruel brotherhood will pay for the
reign of terror wrought upon France -- and upon the d'Ange
family where nearly all had died a terrible death. All but
one . . . Yet the Knight's hard-won battles and dented armor hide a
larger secret. For "he" is actually Seraphim d'Ange. She is
traveling to de Morte's demesnes, executing his demon
henchmen along the way. Now, aided by Baldwin, a family
retainer, and San Juste, a mysterious stranger who knows
far too much about the puissance of both heaven and hell,
Sera grows closer and closer to her final target. Yet little does she know that there is at least one more
aspect of power she herself holds . . .
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