Child of a Dead God - Book 6 of the Saga of the Noble Dead
By Barb and JC Hendee

Magiere, Leesil, Wynn, and Chap leave elven lands for the South. Magiere has been having disturbing dreams driving her to an artifact in that direction. But she is not the only person after the artifact. Her evil half-brother and one of the Noble Dead, is following Magiere hoping to get his hands on it. And a group of elf assassins will do anything to bring the artifact back to their own lands.

Each installment has gotten a little more dark and violent. The character development has gotten more in-depth as well. The Hendee's have become true masters of character and world building. This is a fast-paced, action and adventure-filled dark fantasy. The vampires are cunning, the elves are deceptive, and Magiere doesn't even know what the object she's searching for is supposed to do.

While some of the plot lines that have arced over the entire series have been tied up in this sixth novel, the ending has definitely been left open for the coming spin-off series. I'm looking forward to seeing which characters this new series will follow, and more of the fabulous dark fantasy world that the Hendee's have created.

Rebel Fay - Book 5 of the Saga of the Noble Dead
By Barb and J.C. Hendee

The fifth installment in the Noble Blood series, a hybrid crossing Tolkienesque fantasy with vampire-infused horror, finds half-vampire Magiere and half-elf Leesil in the Elven Territories, searching for Leesil's imprisoned elven mother, Nien'a. The pair are accompanied by their preternaturally intelligent canine protector, Chap, and Wynn, a human sage who can connect psychically with Chap. This is really Leesil and Chap's book. On their mission to rescue Nien'a from her own people, the gang must battle the hateful elven leader, Most Aged Father, and his followers' prejudice against the human race. In an intriguing parallel adventure, the elegant vampire Welstiel, with the help of his undead companion, Chane, continues his quest for "the orb" that will free him of his blood lust.

New readers might find the plot mystifying at times, but fans will enjoy the ongoing clash between elves, humans and the undead. This is a pivotal book, answering some questions and raising many more. Well worth reading if you are a fan of the series.

Traitor to the Blood - Book 4 of the Saga of the Noble Dead
by Barb Hendee and J.C. Hendee

Born a half-breed to an elven mother and human father, Leesil was raised in the Warlands as assassin, spy, and slave to Lord Darmouth, ruler to one of its independent provinces. But Leesil's mother trained him too well, and he used his skills to escape, leaving his parents to suffer Darmouth's wrath for all such traitors and their kin. Now, with newfound purpose in the company of his beloved Magiere, Leesil returns to confront the sins of his past and uncover his parents' fate.

Unable to turn him from this dangerous course, Magiere follows Leesil into the darkness of his past in the Warlands. Knowing what may happen should Darmouth learn of Leesil's return, she is prepared to slaughter any who may try to take him from her. But Magiere's own past may well pose a more deadly threat. Two creatures of unfathomable power continue to stalk her-one who believes she's the key to his salvation, and one who seeks to destroy her...and all those she loves.

The Noble Dead Saga continues with another great story. Now I have to wait for the next instalment to be written. There is another book in this series planned and a second series is on the cards, set on a different continent.

Sister of the Dead - Book 3 of the Saga of the Noble Dead
by Barb Hendee and J.C. Hendee

Magiere is a dhampir - half human, half vampire - sired for the purpose of slaying the undead. Or was she bred to be something else entirely? Outside the village of Chemestuk, where she was born and raised, stands her father's keep. Within its walls, she hopes to discover the secrets of her past and figure out why a vampire would wish to breed a creature capable of slaughtering his own kind ...But there are those who don't want Magiere to learn the truth - and when her half-elf partner, Leesil, makes a startling discovery in the keep, he can understand why. Before Leesil can reveal the truth to Magiere, they must vanquish a creature of unimaginable and unlimited power who has damned a small village of people with a horrifying curse.

The Noble Dead saga continues as Magiere and Leesil embark on a quest to uncover the secrets of their mysterious origins - and those responsible for orchestrating the events that brought them together. Along the way they discover secrets thought hidden forever.

Again, a thoroughly enjoyable read. Now I need to get my hands on the next book.

Thief of Lives - Book 2 of the Saga of the Noble Dead
by Barb Hendee and J.C. Hendee

Magiere, half-human child of a vampire, and Leesil her half-elf partner are investigating the sinister murder of a Councilman's daughter in a nearby town. Only her damaged town's desperate need for money could have pressured Magiere to return to the twilight world of crime that she used to inhabit. But this murder is not all it seems, and has all the hallmarks of something much darker, more complicated, more calculating. It seems that someone was trying to send a message, but was it a vampire or an even more dread force?

The second book proves even better than the first. More is discovered about Leesil and Chap, who is not what he appears to be. Magiere is finally coming to accept her real nature and is searching for answers. Finally, too, the relationship between Magiere and Leesil moves on to a new level of intimacy. The ending leads into another book, which I'll be ordering. If you loved Buffy the Vampire Slayer, you'll love this series. There are still lots of questions to be answered and more vampires to slay.

Dhampir - Book 1 of the Saga of the Noble Dead
by Barb Hendee and J.C. Hendee

Magiere has cultivated a reputation as the most formidable vampire slayer in the land. Villagers everywhere welcome her with both awe and dismay, grateful to her for removing the undead menace, but finding themselves poorer for their salvation. Magiere has never had a problem with exploiting superstition for profit. Now, tired of this game, Magiere and her half-elf partner are ready to retire. But Magiere has attracted the attention of vampires who recognize her true identity - even if she does not - and who fear her birthright and latent power. They will do anything to stop Magiere from realising her true potential.

This is Buffy meets Lord of the Rings. A satisfying medieval thriller with well written characters, this is an enjoyable story. Magiere and Leesil, along with the mysterious Chap, begin to learn the true nature of Magiere and her abilities. Magiere is a dhampir - born of a human woman and vampire father, with strengths from both races. The action is well-written and the setting is interesting - a medieval world peopled by everyday folk, along with vampires and elves.