Night's Honor (Elder Races Book 7)

I really like the Elder Books. I enjoy the strong yet flawed characters, the verbal sparring, the funny parts, the touching parts. This one was a bit...boring. I actually read it twice to make sure I didn't miss anything. The build up to the Bad Guy Confrontation seemed to go poof rather than bang. Xavier seemed almost too perfect and patient. I kept waiting for him to show some strong emotion outside the tepid descriptions. I am looking forward to the next book since the lead characters certainly have some chemistry. I agree with a previous review that this seemed more like a fluffed up novella rather than a fully developed book.

None of my favorite characters (Pia, Dragos, Liam) in this one. The heroine was kind of a whiner and had a strong aversion to vampyres. So she is running away from a Djinn and where does she decide to hide? In a vampyres house!! The vampyre turns out to be a really nice guy and yet it takes nearly the whole book for her to come to her senses and realize she doesn't need to fear him. I found the first 75% of the book rather boring and slow moving. The last 25% was good and more typical of Thea Harrison.

There was no chemistry between the two main characters. There was absolutely no reason for them to hook up by the time they did. No words of likability. The characters are fine by themselves but too much time in a character journey for the female lead. I found this book boring.

I don't know what happened when Ms. Harrison was writing this book but it was a disaster. :(
I LOVE this series. I was waiting in such anticipation for it and I'm waiting in anticipation for the next book in the series. But, this was definitely a dud. I wrote down my reasons:
- so little storyline actually here
- weakest premise of ALL the books, including the novellas. Actually, for me, it's the Only book in this series with a weak plot line.
-where is their romance? Slow crawl, barely movement, and then he's kissing her??
- too much exposition, not nearly enough storytelling
- didn't flesh out the world of the Night kind at all
- Xavier is so understated he's nearly boring
-Tess is even closer to boring. Over half the book is her getting into shape and being afraid of Everybody
- I longed for the scenes with julien and melly cause that's where all the conflict and fire was written
- Harrison seems much more interested in that stream than this story
- very disappointed but still love Harrison's work overall

That's my take on it.

I really enjoyed Night's Honor by Thea Harrison. I liked the interaction between Tess and Xavier and how she overcame her fears. I only wished for a longer book...but I always wish that! Well written and intriguing. I highly recommend!

I always enjoy returning to Thea Harrison’s world of the Elder Races. It’s true that I haven’t loved every installment equally, but that’s because Harrison makes each of her stories and all of her characters and species so unique. You never get the same book twice, which keeps things interesting, but also means some books will resonate better with certain readers than others. This is a return to the world of the Vampyres. This didn’t excite me, considering the only other Vampyre centered book was one of my least favorite in the series. I ended up liking this book much, much more than that one, and it left me excited for the next installment.

Our hero is Xavier, right hand man to Vampyre King Julian. He meets the heroine, Tess, at an auction where vampires collect human attendants. I got the impression that he wasn’t there to find someone, but her blunt honesty intrigued him and he ended up selecting her for his flock. Tess doesn’t really want to be a blood source to a vamp, but she is in deep trouble with a Djinn and she is hoping that joining Xavier’s household will grant her some protection.

The story follows Tess as she faces her fears about Vampyres and Xavier, himself. Yes, there are some scenes from Xavier’s POV, but for me this book was definitely Tess-centric. She is the much more developed of the two characters, which is interesting since the hero is centuries old and she’s 24, but no matter. I found her very easy to relate to. She is unable to keep her mouth shut when she should. She follows her moral compass, even when it’s inconvenient. She is honest and blunt, stubborn and determined. And all of this gets her into trouble. I liked her and I really enjoyed the progression of her relationship with Xavier, though to be fair, he’s the one who went the extra mile to make it work.

The romance develops slowly, but I didn’t mind. There was some solid tension to sustain me, and if it had gone any faster, it wouldn’t have worked with Tess’s fear of Vampyres. The sexual payoff made the delayed gratification worth it. Harrison is always fantastic with the love scenes. Some people may find fault with the delay in the romance part of the story, though.

This book is almost completely cut off from the Wyr plotline, so don’t expect to see Dragos or very many familiar faces. It does draw some from the Vampyre history we already know, but this could be a great entry point for a new reader. Plus, the set-up for Midnight Kiss is great! Now I am actually looking forward to the next Vampyre book. Can’t wait to see where the story takes us next.

Rating: B

Tess Graham is a computer whiz/expert, number crunchin, multi-lingual genius who works for a Djinn in a Vegas Casino. Tess knows things, things that are dangerous for her health if her Djinn boss Malface, were ever to find out. That day has come. Tess stuck her nose in someone elses business and really pissed of Malface, now she's on the run. Xavier del Toro, a high ranking vampire is looking for a new attendant, and according to vampire law, you mess with a vampires attendant, you mess with said vampire. Seeing this as her only way to survive Malface's wrath, Tess desperately seeks any vampires employment during the open audition. With a give no care attitude, and I'm smarter than everyone in this room statement, she is quickly snatched up by Xavier. Will Xavier regret his choice and end up killing her himself, or will Tess win him over with her messed up argumentative charm?

My intro for this book was totally called for. Tess's character in this story is quite uncalled for. I'm not sure how else to put it. She is the one seeking help, for a wrong she tried to right. She is the one that is a mere human, no powers, no magic, no immortality. And yet she goes to Xavier's estate with an attitude. She has a superiority complex about her, arguing with everyone about everything, kinda like I did when I was a teenager, lol.. I know everything and you're stupid, right! Despite this personality conflict I have with her, I like her. She is smart, she backs up what she dishes out, and she is a quick thinker. Tess means well, she does have a heart, and solid distinction with what's right and wrong. Although the main reason Tess ends up working for Xavier is because of the story line about Malface, the real story is a love story, Xavier and Tess's love story. During the course of six weeks, both Xavier and Tess get to know each other, and Xavier helps Tess conquer her fears. Each day that goes by, each lesson learned, each conversation reveals something personal and brings them closer to each other. When the time comes for Tess to make a decision, a plan is formed and the action portion of the book begins!

The majority of the story takes place at Xavier's estate with his human attendants while Tess trains. We do have some short appearances by the fae, and other vampires, but the story is about Tess whom is human. I realize this series is about The Elder Races, which are groups of immortal, magical beings so therefore this particular book may seem slow, or even boring to some, but I loved it! Their was nothing boring or slow about the story for me, and I totally heart Tess and Xavier. I think their story and how they fell in love felt natural, honest, even sweet at times. For any true romance junkie, you too will love this story! Happy reading my romantic friends ;)

Narrator Review

Sophie Eastlake, my girl! I only have wonderful things to say about Sophie and her God given talent! Sophie narrates for several other books that I have had the pleasure of listening to, as well as the Elder Races Series, and I still love, love, love her! She delivers quality, in both her performance and recording. You will not regret any audiobook you get with Sophie as the narrator. I whole heartedly give 5 stars to Sophie.

Originally reviewed for Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy.

Welcome to Thea Harrison's Elder Races. Night's Honor is book 7 in this unique and wonderful series. The unique aspect of this series is that Ms. Harrison tells stories of just that, the Elder Races. The paranormal species that live along side humans. We get Dark Fae, Light Fae, Djinn, Elves, shifters, Oracle's and of course the Wyr. Since she writes about such a diverse community Ms. Harrison tells stories about ALL of them. Night's Honor is a story of the Nightkind (vampires). Who have been around for a long time but are technically not an Elder Race, they did come a bit late to the game... But they are a supernatural race.

All this being said what exactly is Night's Honor about? It's about Tess, a human and Xavier, the right hand man (so to speak) of the current leader of the Nightkind. Remember Julian from Serpent's Kiss? And for me, therein lies the problem. I have no idea who these people are and the one name I do recognize was something of an unlikable character the one time we met him.

Tess is on the run. A smart human woman with morals really shouldn't be working for an unscrupulous Djinn. Especially when he's first generation and one of the most powerful creatures around. Figuring the safest place for her would be ensconced in a vampire's household, Tess makes a bid to go into service to one. Only trouble, if you are part of a vamp's household you have to supply an occasional meal. And Tess is afraid of the bite. Did I say a smart woman? Adding to her fears she lands a job with Xavier Del Torro, monster.

Xavier Del Torro knows betrayal. He was betrayed by the pinnacle of Lowe during his time, The Church. Bad enough but he was a priest at the time. After leaving the priesthood, becoming a vamp and getting his revenge, Xavier committed his life to his sire, Julian. Together they rose to power in the Nightkind. Now Julian is in power and Xavier is working his hardest to protect his back. Only trouble is, this pesky human he hired at the Vampire's ball won't get out of his mind.

Xavier and Tess connect but don't sizzle. At least not for me. Their personal story just doesn't hold my attention. BUT some of the other aspects of the book do.

The story itself was good but the total lack of connection made it hard to enjoy. Personally, I felt like the sole reason to write this book was to make Julian tolerable, his story is next. If this was Ms. Harrison's goal she succeeded, at least for me. I am intrigued and looking forward to that book. So for me, this was a transitional book, a story created to bridge an arc.

I was hoping for another story about one of Dragos' guard or maybe even Dragos...sadly it wasn't but one must be realistic if all the books were about Dragos and family it wouldn't be the elder races.

Shauni

Loved "Night's Honor". As with any series that has this many installments, sometimes, you'll have one or two that you're not so much in love with. This series, for me, is one that I read for enjoyment. I love the world Thea has created and the characters are all unique! While I have enjoyed some of the previous stories... I haven't been drawn into them as much as I was with "Night's Honor". I REALLY enjoyed this story and the characters. Xavier was very much an Alpha Male, but had a soft or rather genteel manner about him even though he is notoriously know for his ruthlessness. Tess is feisty which will be interesting considering she's trying to become an attendant.

This book was different in that the characters were getting to know each others as we were getting to know them. The romance is slow building which is nice for a PNR... The majority of the was them getting to know each other and Tess having to come to terms with agreement she made and ensuring her past doesn't come back to hurt her. While some may have issues with the "lack of action", I was okay with it. And we do get that action just later in the book. :)

Oh and we get some interesting insight into Melly and Julian... there is definitely a story there and it looks like its going to be a doozy! Can't wait!

One of my favorite quote:
“Tell me it’s okay to fall in love with you.”

“You’d better. I’m not falling in love all by myself.”

Overall, a really good read to a series that continues to grow and expand in characters and realms. Xavier was this romantic, extremely well mannered, old fashion gentleman that just makes you fall for him and Tess is a strong enough heroine that you route for her!

This is the seventh full length book in the Elder Races series and it's a series that I love! These books feature various types of creatures from Wyr who naturally can have both an animal and a human form to Fae , both light and Dark , we even get to meet powerful Djinn but perhaps the most complicated of all would be those said to have had the Serpents Kiss and most commonly referred to as Vampyre! These feared and unnatural creatures are created not born but however they start Vampyres will do whatever is necessary to survive!
Tess is on the run and there's no place to hide. She needs the sort of protection that only a truly powerful member of the Elder Races could offer but although down she's not out! Tess has a plan, become an attendant of a Vampyre and maybe just maybe the threat of starting an all out war to get at her will save her life. Vampyres gather once a year to choose new servants and Tess wangles her way in but she wasn't prepared to be chosen by the monster known as Xavier del Torro! He is the right hand man of his king and his fearsome reputation for violence is legend but for some reason he offers her a position within his home and it's a chance for safety that Tess cannot turn down. Xavier is master in his own home and bows down to none but there's something about the human Tess that intrigues him. Tess is clearly terrified to be near him so why would she choose to offer herself as an attendant? She is intelligent and capable so why would she want to hide from the world? Xavier has no qualms in taking her in but what he won't do is take her at face value , oh no if Tess has a secret then Xavier will find out what it is! Tess might have run towards one monster but if that's the case just what is following her? Maybe she is out of the frying pan and into the fire!
When you pick up an Elder Races book as a reader you expect action and romance but this story has a different feel to it. It's not as action packed as some but focuses more on a journey of self discovery. The heroine Tess is strong and capable and oh so brave when she faces Xavier, the Vampyre she offers her blood to but hers is a complicated life. I really liked her as a heroine and thought her both plucky and quite bold but I wasn't convinced that her plan actually made sense. Hiding within the household of one of the most prominent Vampyres would surely get her noticed! Luckily Xavier's plans for her meant she was kept secreted away which allowed her character to develop and gain insight.
Xavier was a complete revelation as previously he has been portrayed as a character that not many would find pleasant! In this story we see a side to him that surprises the reader, he is a man of great depth and nothing seems to faze him. His checkered history is explored but most surprising is his humanity . This is a vampyre with a soul who actually cares and his level of sensitivity was astonishing to read. He's not the usual tall dark brooding muscle bound hero, no he is only slightly above average in form and yet his presence is such that he dominates and fills the space he inhabits. Clearly a man of action but wily enough to know how to use words . Yes he is impressive!
I realise some readers might be disappointed that a Vampyre was the hero in this story and the heroine Tess seems to come out of nowhere but that's what I enjoy about this authors work . Expect the unexpected with Ms Harrison and enjoy the ride because no matter what these larger than life colourful characters will delight and enthral you.
Four and a half from me

4.5 Stars
~Reviewed by ANGELA & posted at Under the Covers Book Blog

I am a sucker for romance, be it contemporary, suspense, fantasy and especially PNR but lately I have been reading more contemporary and new adult novels in general. No specific reason, but mostly because there’s quite a few of them coming out. In the midst of all this hype, Thea brought me back to where my love for reading has begun. It was my attraction and love for paranormal novels. And this particular vampire…swept me off my feet.

Tess was caught in a web of success and money until she found out that the person she worked for is as crooked as can be. Unfortunately, she’d had to make some choices that put her out of a job and her life in danger. Left with nowhere to go, she applied for a job for one of the most powerful Vampyre of the Nightkind Demesne, Xavier de Torro.

Like I said, Xavier swept me off my feet. He was such romantic. He has the looks, dance moves, power, and known for his ruthlessness. He has marked his place in the Nightkind Demsne as Julian’s right hand man, making him feared and respected. He didn’t advertise who he is, but I love that he wasn’t shy about it. And he will use that to his advantage to save Tess. He had the Knight in shining armor about him which I totally swooned over. *cues the eye rolling* I know I’m such a sap. I can’t help it; he absolutely won me over with his very being.

Tess was okay. She’s not my favorite heroine, but she came through in the end. In the beginning, it was all about her survival. Not that she was selfish, but her predicament left her closed off to anyone including Xavier. Eventually, she got over her issues and earned the respect of her colleagues, Xavier, and me as a reader. It helped that in the end, SHE was the Knight in Shining armor.

Julian and Xavier’s world was brought out in the open including their relations and world of politics but not nearly enough. This book would be grander if was longer, IMO. I would’ve been okay with a little more Elder Races and Xavier page time. The set up for Julian’s book was brief but had me wanting for more. Julian’s character is a most anticipated read, and his book will be next. Brace yourselves, Thea fans!

*ARC provided by publisher

Thea Harrison continues the Elder Races series, with her seventh book, Night's Honor. This series has given the reader everything from dragons to fae and in this book readers travel to the vampire corner of Harrison's world. Xavier is an elegant, but deadly, vampire assassin and Tess is on the run from a Djinn that wants to do her in. The sexual tension is high and world building is exceptional. Harrison once again thrills readers with a slow burning romance and enough action to light up the night! A great addition to the series.

What I liked:

Thea Harrison is one of those writers that makes paranormal readers stand up and take notice. Her books embrace the supernatural in such a way that the reader can almost feel kinship with her characters. She gets down to the nitty-gritty of what makes these dragons, vampires, fae... tick. In her latest novel, Night's Honor readers get to see the inner workings of a vampire household. They get to see what all the fuss is about when it comes to the Nightkind. I loved the way Harrison chose to portray her vampires.

These vampires are old. Most of them in this story anyway. Harrison does a fantastic job of allowing the reader to 'feel' the age of these characters. Xavier, the hero, was a former priest during the Spanish Inquisition. The reader not only sees the brutal and dangerous side of his character, but also his cultured and elegant side. He has such a quiet and controlled, yet passionate demeanor. He is probably one of my favorite vampire characters ever. There is just something about him that seems so fundamentally real.

Tess, the heroine, is on the run. She has gotten herself into a bit of spot with Djinn. Not a supernatural you want to mess with. She might be scared to death of vampires, but she's more scared of what hunts her. I liked her brutal honesty. Her will to survive and determined manner in everything she did. Once she became Xavier's human attendant, she immerses herself in his culture, in his household and in his life. Seeing her ideas of what it meant to be among the vampires change and grow was an exceptional part of this book.

The romance is what I would call a slow burn. As a reader you have to consider the fact that this is a vampire you are reading about. He is immortal and has all the time in the world. There is no reason to rush. I loved the fact that Harrison let Tess dictate the pace of this relationship and that Xavier was willing to wait until that perfect moment when Tess was open and ready to be a part of him. It might be toward the latter part of the book before readers see passion between these two, but it is soooooo worth the wait!

Bottom Line:

Night's Honor was a great lead in to more vampire books in this series. It appears that King Julian may get his happy ending in the next book. Just when I think there are no more new ways for authors to show us their ideas of vampires, I am yet again surprised. Harrison's world building skills are unarguably some of the best in the business. If you are a paranormal fan of anything, this book will make you glad you are!

Xavier is mysteriously sexy but I wasn’t too fond of Tess. She is running from a powerful Djinn and decides to “tryout” to be an attendant for a Vampyre. Yet, when she is chosen she, won’t perform the most primary function of her position—being a blood donor. Xavier is intrigued by Tess and strikes a deal with her; she has one year to give blood or her contract is terminated.

Tess is scared of Vampyres. Although she continues to train and learn the etiquette required of an attendant, her stubbornness and somewhat defiant behavior—while amusing to Xavier—really annoyed me. I thought she was selfish and a total flake. There is a part in the book where Raoul, Xavier’s head of security, is trying to get Tess to quit. She tells him that she doesn’t quit easily, but the reason she is there is because she is in hiding; making it difficult for me to reconcile the person Tess is in the beginning of the book, to the romantic interest later on.

Despite my dislike for Tess, I did enjoy Xavier and Raoul’s interactions as well as Julian and Melisande’s side story. Julian is the Nightkind King and Melisande is the heir to the Light Fae court. They were lovers ages ago but the flames of their passion still burn brightly with their angry confrontations during council meetings. I loved their interactions as well as the Nightkind politics and the power struggles that ensued!

NIGHT’S HONOR is an exciting read full of intrigue, betrayals, sexy vampires and an epilogue that will have you salivating for the next book!

***I was gifted a paperback copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own***

Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy.

NIGHT’S HONOR leaves the usual Elder Races Wyrkind behind and takes us within the cloistered walls of the Vampyre enclaves. More of a classic romance and straight up thriller than anything else, Tess and Xavier Dave danger from a few avenues before the action spills back out into the greater world of Elder Races politics.

Despite several familiar romantic tropes at the front end, more of NIGHT’S HONOR focuses on the action aspects of the plot than any particular chemistry between Tess and Xavier, Much of the chemistry felt added in at the end, making this a less compelling love story than usual for the Elder Races series. And while it was fascinating to see a story from within Vampyre society (unlike Carling’s isolation), Xavier’s place in the familiar Elder Races world often feels peripheral. Though his liege lord is more familiar, the Nightkind King has been an antagonist in the past, meaning I wasn’t particularly invested in his political or romantic fate on the outset. The combination of these two factors meant it took awhile for the Vampyre conflict in this book tot feel important.

Most of these criticism are rooted in reading and enjoying too many Elder Races books in the past, new and casual readers will be able to enjoy this romance as a standalone story without the expectations and attachment to other parts of the Elder Races world. While Patricia Briggs has offered few glimpses through Stephan’s doorway, NIGHT’S HONOR feels like a more romantic glimpse of the potential symbiosis between vampires and their human companions. Deepening the mythology and politics of yet another aspect of the Elder Races society, NIGHT’S HONOR is an enjoyable read for fans and accessible to new comers.

Sexual Content: Sex scenes.

Listened for Review (Tantor)
Overall Rating: 3.50
Story Rating: 3.00
Character Rating: 4.00

Audio Rating: 4.00 (not part of the overall rating)

First Thought when Finished: I really loved Tess and Xavier in Night's Honor by Thea Harrison. They are fantastic characters and it was really refreshing to see a couple be open with each other without it being forced. My only "complaint" (not a big one) is the pacing in this story. It took forever for anything to happen but after it did I was cheering like a crazy gal.

NOTE: I felt like this was more of a prep book for the next one. I would have liked more focus on Tess and Xavier.

Audio Thoughts:

Narrated By Sophie Eastlake / Length: 9 hrs and 32 mins

Sophie did a great job with both Tess and Xavier! I wasn't sure how I was going to accept Xavier being done by a women but she did well. I also like her pacing and emotion. I would recommend this one on audio.

Part of the Read It, Rate It, File It, Done Reviews

SPOTLIGHT, Review & Giveaway: Night's Honor (Elder Races) by Thea Harrison http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-1Au
Publication Date: September 2, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4 Stars

REVIEW:
I love this series! Thea Harrison creates a unique and exciting paranormal world with her Elder Race Series. Night's Honor is the seventh book in this series and can be read as a stand alone, but I recommend reading the series in order. Night's Honor was exciting and captured and held my attention from start to finish. The romance and chemistry between the characters doesn't show up until the end of the story though. I believe this is because Tess becomes one of Xavier's people and because she works for him it goes against his honor to have any romantic feelings for her. And Tess doesn't like vampires and it takes a while for her to see past what Xavier is and see who he is to become attracted to him. Overall I enjoyed this new addition to the series and I can't wait to see what Thea Harrison has in store for us next.

*Review copy provided by Berkley/NAL in exchange for an honest review.

I have plenty of mixed feelings about Nights Honor, I suggest reading the previous books to get some background plot fill in so that the minor details aren't so confusing. The story overall was fairly decent, the characters didn't quite seem to intrigue me until the story was almost over but I think it could be a pre build up for the next book coming in the series and it just became the filler story to get you to the next installment since for the most part it just felt as if most of the characters were just going through the motions. There is however plenty to enjoy since it is well written and there is plenty of detail the author adds to her world to keep the reader entertained enough to want to know more. I did enjoy a slow build to the relationship even though it was a tad too slow but I've grown a little bored of the instant relationship with no reason behind it so if you enjoy a slow paced read Nights Honor does well to fulfill that need.

It all comes down to money. Spoilers ahead. I've read and enjoyed quite a few of Thea Harrison's books, this is not one of them. A major plot point in this novel involved a betrayal for money. When I got to that point I remember thinking, of course, Vampire Xavier should have expected that because he is drastically underpaying his staff. Maybe some folks can get past that but the amounts were so low (I live in San Francisco so I have a really good idea of what things cost in a major metropolitan area) that it took me irrevocably out of the story. Here are the calculations. Earlier in the novel Tess is excited by her $1000 monthly stipend, she is also getting shared room and board. California law requires $9/hr (Marin county is $10.50 but we'll stick with $9) and allows 85% minimum wage during a 160 hour training period, so let's say minimum wage is $306 for 40 hour work week. The value of own room accommodations is about $47/work week, and meals at about $106/week so the wages owned to Tess, if she is getting minimum wage at 85% are $153/week or $612 per month. That's only a few hundred under her stipend. Xavier is getting crazy good help at this price, he is literally getting someone who used to command a six figure salary for 12K a year (yes, I know she has all sorts of reason, etc....). If his experienced security staff and professional spies are getting paid similarily it is no wonder they are willing to betray him for money. Ugh. I hate it when wealthy powerful immortal vampires are cheapskates.

Although I have loved many of the Elder Races books this was not one of the better books of this series. First it really dragged. For about the first 150 pages nothing really happened. Finally about page 200 the big confrontation happened. Or it tried to anyway. The climax fizzled like a firework dud. Finally came the romance. It was good. Another dramatic event and the book ends. One villain turns out to be a non-entity and the other escapes for more drama in the next book. Perhaps the most disappointing thing about the book was that the heroine never got to use her "superpower." The author makes a big deal about what a genius hacker Tess is. This claim is why Xavier hires her in the first place. But except for an impressive 10 minute test to prove her skill at the beginning she never even gets near a computer again. It is not only improbable that a computer programer and hacker would/could avoid computers for weeks. It is a waste of a good superpower. Why bring up her fabulous skill if it was irrelevant to the story. I was disappointed she never got to use her neat hacker skills to save the day. Also while the hero's backstory was elaborately told the heroine's was not. All we know is was she was orphaned somehow and grew up, unloved, in abusive foster homes. Trite, predictable with no interesting details thrown in to catch the readers emotions. The hero was likeable, the heroine was likeable but the story was lacking.

It all comes down to money. Spoilers ahead. I've read and enjoyed quite a few of Thea Harrison's books, this is not one of them. A major plot point in this novel involved a betrayal for money. When I got to that point I remember thinking, of course, Vampire Xavier should have expected that because he is drastically underpaying his staff. Maybe some folks can get past that but the amounts were so low (I live in San Francisco so I have a really good idea of what things cost in a major metropolitan area) that it took me irrevocably out of the story. Here are the calculations. Earlier in the novel Tess is excited by her $1000 monthly stipend, she is also getting shared room and board. California law requires $9/hr (Marin county is $10.50 but we'll stick with $9) and allows 85% minimum wage during a 160 hour training period, so let's say minimum wage is $306 for 40 hour work week. The value of own room accommodations is about $47/work week, and meals at about $106/week so the wages owned to Tess, if she is getting minimum wage at 85% are $153/week or $612 per month. That's only a few hundred under her stipend. Xavier is getting crazy good help at this price, he is literally getting someone who used to command a six figure salary for 12K a year (yes, I know she has all sorts of reason, etc....). If his experienced security staff and professional spies are getting paid similarily it is no wonder they are willing to betray him for money. Ugh. I hate it when wealthy powerful immortal vampires are cheapskates.

Seventh in the Elder Races paranormal romance (sometimes urban fantasy) series and revolving around supernatural groups. The couple focus is on Tess Graham and Xavier del Torro.

My Take
It's a standard plot: girl desperate for help appeals to feared predator. And then Harrison twists it with the gentle "monster" and the rude Tess, who is both terrified and yet courageous in standing up for what she believes.

There's just enough touching on Vampyres and their issues in this story to tie it into the Elder Races series; mostly, it's about Tess facing up to her fears about Vampyres and the truth of her situation.

Harrison could have done better to build more believability in Tess' and Xavier's reactions to each other, but she did make a good start at it. I liked the courteous, gentle, compassionate Vampyre who could turn fearsome in less than a heartbeat versus the desperate human girl who slowly comes to realize what she's done. She also realizes her conceptions need re-working. This is all nicely done, and it's at this point where Harrison hurries things too much. Well, she did have only so many pages left for the story, so I guess that makes up for it…*eye roll*…

Tess may have the IQ, but she's definitely lacking an EQ. She wants her cake, but doesn't want to have to eat it. She wants that protection from Xavier, but she's barely willing to appreciate the safety for which she struggled. She's rude, reluctant, and belligerent while using everyone on the del Torro estate, although to be fair, she does acknowledge when she realizes she's in the wrong.There were some other revelations in here that gave Tess that ah-hah moment about her fellow attendants: the meal after she surprises Raoul and the breakfast after the alley are the ones that stand out. Xavier, of course, has been surprising her from the start.
I love this description!
"If Xavier was a painting by Monet, nuanced and elegant, then she was a picture drawn in crayon by an angry kindergartner."

Events crop up throughout Night's Honor that remind us that there are always two sides to any tale. I was with Tess in her horror of how the candidates were treated on the stage, and Xavier's response to Tess was brilliant. And very true. Something we need to keep in mind in our own real-world lives. That first introduction to Xavier's estate and Raoul.…well, it's interesting to see that scene from both sides, lol. And both have good points.

It's Haley's strut that makes Xavier's comment later about the blood offering losing its meaning as a ritual so much more intense.

Nah, that scene with the too-hot bedroom and the window was stupid, but I did like Xavier's reaction to it! VERY unexpected. Another stupid scene was the betrayal. Okay, I can understand the frustration about the character's situation, but I cannot believe this character could have been around Vampyres this long and not realize what that money really meant. Duh.

Nice way to introduce Vampyre etiquette without turning it into an info dump! Nice creative thinking. Of course, that's my perspective on it. Harrison probably had her own reasons for it, yet it does make a good lesson for other writers. Gave me the chills when Harrison paralleled the Christian belief in the body of life with Xavier's appreciation of blood as life.

I love it! Harrison describes the current mode of dancing as being "like watching a school of fish smacking their fins in shallow water", and she's so right, lol. I much prefer ballroom dancing with a partner! Then there's the positive image Tess finally gains…lol…oh, yes! It's a good 'un and easily remembered.

A little awkward in places, a little naive in others, and events resolve much too easily, and yet a nice bit of psychological insight with a lovely scene of love poetry that really fit well. It's a love story that focuses on the inner person, and not how they look.
"I think, therefore I am."
"I love, therefore I truly live."

The Story
Desperate to live, Tess has only one option: submit herself into a Vampyre's protection.

The Characters
The talented and intelligent Tess Graham is terrified and fearsome in herself with a strong sense of what's right.

Xavier del Torro has a well-earned reputation for ferocity and skill in battle and as a hunter. He's also Julian's right hand man. Felipe was his older brother and the heir; his 13-year-old sister, Aeliana, became his mother. She married Inigo, a gentle Vampyre.

Del Torro's attendants

In his Marin County home, Jordan is the cook; Angelica is the housekeeper (she and Jordan have their own assistants, Enrique and Peter); Raoul is in charge of security and training; Diego assists with security, takes care of the vehicles, and maintains the pool; and, his pool of attendants include Marc, Scott, Brian, Jeremy, and Aaron.

In his San Francisco townhouse, Russell is his property manager, Eduardo is the cook, Foster is his secretary, Sergio, Jaime, Sidney, Ciaran, and Mika are more attendants.

Julian Regillus is the Nightkind king and Xavier's sire; he had been a general under Emperor Hadrian. He's based in a massive Norman-style castle, Evenfall, in Marin in California. Carling was his sire, but he exiled her in Serpent's Kiss , 3. Gavin, a.k.a., Opie, is the head of Julian's IT. Of the Nightkind council, Marged and Dominic are the most compliant, and Darius (turned during the decline of the Roman Empire) and Justine (she was turned in the "violent, shadowy beginnings of Britannia") are the most ambitious. Yolanthe is one of the guards.

Light Fae
Tatiana is their queen; she's also the head of a major motion picture studio, Northern Lights Studios. Melisande Aindris is her eldest daughter and acts in her movies; she had had a fling in the 1990s with Julian. Bailey is Melly's sister.

The Djinn
Malphas, a pariah exiled by the Djinn, runs a gambling operation in Las Vegas and employed Tess.
Soren is the head of the Elder tribunal. Both are first-generation Djinn and too powerful to take on.

Eathan Jackson was the spoiled son of Senator Paul (or Ryan??) Jackson. Dragos gets a mention.

The Vampyre's Ball is an annual event in San Francisco where potential candidates can "audition" as attendants for Vampyres. Haley seemed rather desperate to be chosen, while Roberto Sanchez has better reason for his desperation. The Elder Races are Elves, Vampyres, shapeshifters, and Djinn. Brodifacoum is an anticoagulant.

The Cover and Title
The cover is purples of a night sky with Xavier posed, his lilac shirt open to the waist baring some impressive pecs, his beautiful face with the short hair, in front of an arched window with a view looking across silent water to low, lit buildings. There's a medieval Italian air to it. The author's name is large and in white at the top of the cover; the book's title is in yellow and at the base of the cover.

The title is a metaphor for describing Xavier's moral code, a Night's Honor.

Although I have loved many of the Elder Races books this was not one of the better books of this series. First it really dragged. For about the first 150 pages nothing really happened. Finally about page 200 the big confrontation happened. Or it tried to anyway. The climax fizzled like a firework dud. Finally came the romance. It was good. Another dramatic event and the book ends. One villain turns out to be a non-entity and the other escapes for more drama in the next book. Perhaps the most disappointing thing about the book was that the heroine never got to use her "superpower." The author makes a big deal about what a genius hacker Tess is. This claim is why Xavier hires her in the first place. But except for an impressive 10 minute test to prove her skill at the beginning she never even gets near a computer again. It is not only improbable that a computer programer and hacker would/could avoid computers for weeks. It is a waste of a good superpower. Why bring up her fabulous skill if it was irrelevant to the story. I was disappointed she never got to use her neat hacker skills to save the day. Also while the hero's backstory was elaborately told the heroine's was not. All we know is was she was orphaned somehow and grew up, unloved, in abusive foster homes. Trite, predictable with no interesting details thrown in to catch the readers emotions. The hero was likeable, the heroine was likeable but the story was lacking.

4.5 stars. Harrison nailed this one! I had hesitated to purchase this because I love this series, and a few reviews had made me question the story. The idea that the story really belongs to the heroine and not the hero rings true...somewhat. But the story needs to be told this way, and it in NO WAY detracted from the pacing, characters, or plot. A terrific read for fans of the Elder Races series. I had wanted to read more about the Gryphons, but now I can't wait to see what happens to Julian, the vampire king. Harrison has an ability to tell the story that keeps you engaged throughout, and she can't write them fast enough for me. A must read. And if you haven't read this series yet, I'd recommend starting with Dragon Bound, one of my favorites.

Night’s Honor is the seventh book in Thea Harrison’s Elder Races series. Harrison turns her sights onto the Nightkind and the vampyres who control it. We first met Xavier during Serpent’s Kiss. As the right hand man to the now King of the Nightkind, he was instrumental in helping to force the Queen of the Nightkind to abdicate her throne. Though touted as a bit of a villain in Serpent’s Kiss, Xavier proves most assuredly that he is not. Everything he does is to protect his king and his people.

I enjoy Thea Harrison’s series, The Elder Races. Set in modern times, we are submerged into a supernatural world filled with eccentric deadly shifters, intelligent humans, sneaky vampires, snobby elves, and all manners of in between. Suspense, intrigue, humor, and seductive romance makes for an entertaining series that keeps readers happily engaged.

A smooth storyline and intriguing characters immediately locate you back into Harrison’s world as though you never left. Heavily character driven, the world building continues to expand and evolve in this installment, veering off and taking us along a different path. This installment is what I would call a bridge. It seems to run simultaneously with Lord’s Fall and offers us insight into the Nightkind and the troubles the race is experiencing; opening up new plotlines while giving readers a softer romance than normal.

Tess is all human with a smidgen of telepathy. A former accountant and talented hacker, Tess worked for a powerful genie in a gambling casino. Seeing and hearing something she shouldn’t have, she puts her life at risk to save another and garners her boss’s wraith. Choosing flight instead of flight, Tess leaves everything behind and goes on the run, hoping to find protection in the supernatural world. I liked Tess in that she was aware of her limitations and reacts realistically to things happening around her. She questions the wisdom in approaching and hiring herself out to a vampyre, but her circumstances demand she find safety so she deals with it the best she can.

Xavier was a former priest and was betrayed during the Spanish Inquisition. His family and lands were taken from him but a deal struck with Julian, King of the Nightkind, gave him the means in which to extract his revenge. Now centuries later, Xavier has a stable of attendants that he protects and provides for with care and consideration. They are his employees and friends. He is more patient than most in his race that this helps him to deal with Tess.

While I enjoyed this visit back into Harrison’s world, this particular story is extremely low key compared to what we have seen in previous installments. I found myself more intrigued by the subplots concerning the fae and their interactions with the Nightkind. Light action and suspense rallies my interest but on the whole, I wasn’t bowled over by this one.

A majority of the book focuses on Tess, her journey into the Nightkind world, and her growing attraction to Xavier. A soft connection between them hums through out the story, gaining in strength each time Xavier and Tess come into contact. Xavier proves to be a romantic and a penchant for quoting the Songs of Solomon when he is feeling amorous. :P Their attraction seems to morph into love rather quickly, especially after Tess proves her loyalty in a most dangerous way.

The conflict is resolved far easier and with less fanfare than I expected. It was a lightweight plotline that left me wondering if Harrison plans to revisit and divulge deeper into it in the future. We are left with a small epilogue and cliffhanger that clues us into the next book involving a couple with an explosive history. Though the tone and presentation of this book wasn’t quite what I had hoped for, I am looking forward to see what Harrison has in store to come.

RATING: C

Night’s Honor, Elder Races #7, by Thea Harrison
Grade: C

“Tell me it’s okay to fall in love with you.”

Tess Graham needs help and a place to hide. With her options very limited she takes the chance to audition to be a vampyre’s attendant and is shocked when she is picked by Xavier del Torro. Xavier’s reputation is legendary and Tess can’t help but be both awed and scared in his presence. Tess knows that only Xavier’s protection can save her from her crazy rouge Djinn but she only has a year to get over her fear, share blood with Xavier and cement her place in his household. Tess never expected Xavier to take a special interest in her or change the way she feels about vampyres. With secrets and betrayals all around them the two bond together and find something worse fighting for.

I loved book six in this series, Kinked, and felt that the series had gotten back to the magic that originally knocked my socks off. Sadly Night’s Honor did not have the same magic and I felt that it took forever for anything exciting to happen between Tess and Xavier. Don’t get me wrong I liked Tess and Xavier but all of a sudden I looked up and realized I had read 44% of the book and felt that we were still getting to know these characters and their relationship. I love the Elder Races series because it’s packed full of action, adventure and steamy hot romance and these factors were very lacking in this book.

It’s hard to describe what even happens in this book because so much and so little actually happen. The conflict between Tess and her ex-Djinn boss was very anticlimactic and seemed like filler to just to get Tess and Xavier together. I honestly think that this book could have been shortened down into a novella and it would have been much better. I felt that all Xavier and Tess were doing was setting up the next book, which does look very good and seems to get back to the adventure and action part of the series. All in all I was disappointed in Night’s Honor and once again am hoping the next book can get the series back on track.

Why you should read it: To start with, Thea Harrison is amazing, and her Elder Races series is not only a fun, steamy read, but I have devoured the audio books with gusto. Each installment of Pia and Dragos (now Peanut!) keeps me satisfied while the new characters keep me entertained. This installment is about Tess and Xavier. If you don't remember Xavier, he is with the Nightkind and was in Carling and Rune's book. He's a rakish spymaster and proves that there's always more beneath the surface of calm. Tess, I had a wee bit of a problem with. She was extremely stubborn, and I wasn't sure how I was going to read the rest of the book, but then she grew, and I adored her character arc and development. Did I also mention there was no insta love? It's something I always respect in an author. I love the whole insta mate/attraction, but love takes time, and this romance proves that it's better that way. For those readers wanting Graydon, that will come! This was a perfect installment for those looking for another Vampyre character, and I can't wait for the next Elder Races. For those of you living under a rock (I jest, I jest!), pick up Dragon Bound. Pia is still one of my all-time-favorite heroines, and the little side novellas/shorts we get of her Dragos and Peanut are just fantastic!

To see what Thea is working on next and more awesome recs head over to the HEA blog!

I was intrigued by Tess from the start. She needed protection from one of the world’s most powerful predators, so she sought out the help from an even bigger predator. She was scared to death of Vampyres, but she also knew she would be safe from bigger harm once the contracted was signed. All she had to do was donate some blood; she could do that, right? So when the second most powerful Vampyre took an interest in her, she had to take the opportunity. She was sleeping in her car, afraid to use her own apartment or bank accounts; she needed to disappear for a while. It was bad enough that her former boss send her nightmares.

Tess claims to be an accountant, and also a great hacker, and Xavier sure can use those skills. So after hiring her for a year, she will train to be one of his personal attendants. Xavier doesn’t have as many attendants as some vampires do, nor does he abuse them as he pleases. To Tess’ surprise, she is trained in combat daily. Running, fighting, building her strenght and condition. But until she offers Xavier her own blood in a ritual, she will not be bonded to him, nor profit from the healing powers that bond will offer her.

First Xavier will get her to fear him less, as she is rousing the predator in him. Let alone if she encounters other vampires who love the smell of fear in their prey. He will have some business to attend in the city, but after that, he will personally take a hand in her training. Whatever is thrown at her, Tess is stubborn, she will persevere. After a hard life as a foster child, going in and out of homes, the one worse than the other, she was determined to make something of herself. So she got herself through college, and got a good paying career. Until she stumbled upon her boss’s machinations, and put a stop to that. So she had to leave her good life behind, and keep running just to stay alive. Being a Vampyre attendant was the only solution she saw.

Maybe Xavier is not the monster she thinks he is. Of course she heard the stories about him, and he himself acknowledges them as true. Still, he keeps his word and his distance, and does not force her to do anything. Can a monster be a monster when he has so much honor? And dancing together slowly turns into something magical ...
But Xavier has enemies, enemies who would love to see him dead, permanently...

I really enjoyed this book, and I did stay up way past my bedtime to read this one (thanks for the t-shirt again Maia!). Each installment in this series enriches the world, and I loved to learn more about the vampires. I did love Carling’s book, but this one gives a peek into the King as well, and perhaps I can dislike him a little less now. He sure has his own problems, with his Courth, and with the woman he probably loves but doesn’t know that he does.

The book does end on a slight cliffhanger, but it is only just to wet your appetite for the next book. I hope Thea Harrison will write many more books in this series, as I love it. And perhaps, there is a tiny chance that she is coming to the Love Letter Convention in Berlin, Germany, next year ... I sure hope so!

9 stars.

I absolutely adore Thea Harrison's series about the elder races. Dragos and Pia are one of my favorite couples in fiction right now. However, this book, while strong, left me unsatisfied. I think it is because the hero and heroine don't really get together and start interacting much until 2/3 into the book. Prior to that, much of their interactions are limited or they are doing separate things. Also, parts of the book are spent discussing problems that vampire king julian is having with Fellow vampire Justine and a Fae woman that he has a prior history with....all of which is setting up the next book in the series. It made me feel like the romance in this book wasn't really the point of the book....however, I was reading it for that romance! The mystery was a bit weak and the heroine spent much of the book viewing vampires as monsters....it somewhat ruined the romance buildup for me when she was so terrified of the hero that she trembled and viewed him as a monster. I know it was meant to show progress in their relationship when she stopped viewing him as a monster, but early in the book when she acknowledges to herself that she is just food for a vampire, that put a damper on the relationship. It was also left very open as to how these two could stay together long term with one immortal and one human.

The book did hold my interest, i didn't skip around the book and I liked the hero a lot. However, the heroine is forgettable, there is little romance and it just feels like a setup to the next book. I won't be re-reading this books (as I do many of her others). I just know that this author is capable of so much more and it didn't live up to prior novels such as Dragon Bound or even Kinked.

I have always disliked the night kind ruler and his lackey but Thea brings to life that each person and their history are worthy of having their story told. It is so refreshing to view the other side and Thea is always able to captivate and enthrall us with the world she has created. The elder races series is one of my favorites and I wait anxiously for the next release!

This story has it all...humor, action, betrayal, and a burgeoning love that satisfies. It has been a while since immersing myself in the Elder Races world, so some of the back history needs refreshing...motivation to begin the series again.