Rating~ 4.25 stars.

Rating only for Christine Feehan's book.

I gave this a 2 star for the Carpathian story as I've lost interest in those stories and this one didn't do anything to change that. I gave it 4 stars for the Dirk&Steele story as I was really pleased it didn't shy away from the gargoyle being an actual gargoyle and not just some shape-shifter that spent most of his time in human form. I was also impressed that Liu went full on with the cannibalism. Though, given that she's a witch and he's a gargoyle, can it really be considered that? Either way, it was a solid tale that didn't shy away from the disturbing aspects (I could have done without the picture of the girl being involved, but that's personal taste), and had to likeable characters just doing what they could to help out.

So, it gets an average of 3 stars from me.

Marjorie M. Liu's Dream of Stone & Shadow was a twist. I do like the compassion and tolerance promoted by the Dirk & Steele series.

Of all the Christine Feehan stories concerning Carpathians, I loved this novella. A strong woman and a more easy-going male. Perfect. Loved the story.

The second part of this book was a novella bay Marjorie M. Liu called A Dream of Stone and Shadow. I loved it. It made me want to check out more of Liu's writing. The characters were interesting, both strong in will and compassion. I loved Charlie. His and Aggie's romance was very sweet and strong.

this one didn't interest me as much as the others...

I only read Dark Dream and not the Dirk & Steele story. This Carpathian story was rather short and to the point; which is not necessarily a bad thing. Overall it was okay; not my favorite.

I don't know which story I enjoy more but I can definitly say, that I love them both. If you never read any of the stories in both series, this is a good book to start. The stories are not the first in the series, but they give a good example of how these authors write.

The Feehan story was one of her better Carpathian stories. The story is of an ancient that was sent out to the far reaches by the father of the current prince, Mikhail(sp?). He doesn't know the new prince or his life mate. He is traveling back to the homeland to meet them then meet the dawn. For him the darkness is close and he has lived long enough. On his way home, he happens upon Sara and realizes he has found his life mate.

Sara has been pursued by a vampire for her whole life. She has psychic powers, one of touch. Her parents were archeologist and during a dig, they find an object that links Sara to Falco. She dreams of him for years but when they meet, he is sucking blood and looks like a deranged monster. She doesn't even recognize him.

The Majorie M. Liu book introduced me to a new series, Dirk and Steele. I already had 2 of her books on my shelf but have started to get the others too. For me, it was that good. A captured creature of a witch is only able to escape his nightmare when dead. His body regenerates. In his non-coporeal form he finds a tortured kid and then goes about finding someone who can help her escape her prison. After searching each time he is dead and giving the girl hope, he finally finds a Dirk & Steele employee, who never gives up. He connects with her and from there talks her into finding and saving the child. She not only wants to save the child but find out more about this ghost and how to save him. I loved it. I've since read the first two books; #1 is good but #2 was great. I will continue to read this series. This story was the 4th story of the series.

Good for and escape. . .literary vacation. quick read. not too much substance.

Such good novellas, I mixed the second with another, but I knew that I loved it, and yeah, they were both fantastic!!!