This is the first book of the “Fever” series and was recommended to me by a trusted employee at my favourite book store. It’s a paranormal “romance” about the Fae.

This was my first experience with a Fae novel and I’m wondering if this is what they are all like. I understand “Fae” is short for “Faery” (or fairy). And when I think of fairies I think of Tinkerbell.

In Darkfever, the Fae are recognized as “Seelie” and “Unseelie” and basically they are a bunch of 8-foot tall aliens in human disguise. Weird? Well if this is what all Fae are, then no. But as I said, this is all new to me, so bare with me at my attempts to explain it.

Mac Lane goes to Ireland to investigate the murder of her sister when the police throw in the towel. It’s not long before she runs into Jericho Barrons, and a couple of strange beings.

Jericho has most of the answers that Mac needs but he isn’t always the easiest person to talk to. Soon she finds herself Jericho’s prisoner and partner in a save-the-world mission.

All I’m going to say is that I’m glad there is a glossary at the back. It’s not only helpful for the obvious reasons (reminder and quick definition of the new fictional words), but it gives you a simple pronunciation guide.

Given that the majority of the story takes place in Ireland and involves a lot of ancient history, there are too many Gaelic words that are so far different in spelling than pronunciation that it can be hard to wrap your head around.

Example, “Sinsar Dubh” is pronounced “shi-sa doo.” Whoever heard of a silent ‘n’, ‘r’, and ‘b’?

But despite my complicated review, the novel is actually pretty smooth. It is simply about an all-American girl with a fresh manicure finding strength she never knew she had.

And if you’re looking for the traditional paranormal story, well there might be mention of a vampire as well.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series and I’m glad to have been introduced to Karen Marie Moning.